By Taylor Siemens, NP, Clinical Advisor, American Med Spa Association (AmSpa)

As we enter the summer of 2024, it's the perfect time to explore the latest trends in aesthetic medicine. One trend that stands out this season is the rising popularity of biostimulators such as Sculptra and Radiesse. In fact, in AmSpa’s recently released 2024 Medical Spa State of The Industry Report, biostimulators were named as one of the trends experts anticipate gaining popularity over the next five years. These innovative treatments are redefining non-surgical rejuvenation and offering patients natural, long-lasting results.

For medical spa owners and aesthetic clinicians, incorporating biostimulators into a practice can be a game-changer. Let's dive into why these treatments are gaining traction and how they can benefit your practice.

Regenerative medicine and biostimulators

Regenerative medicine continues to gain momentum, with biostimulators such as Galderma’s Sculptra and Merz Aesthetics’ Radiesse leading the charge. These treatments harness the body's natural healing processes to rejuvenate the skin, offering a more organic approach to aesthetic enhancement.

Biostimulators such as Sculptra and Radiesse are injectables that stimulate the body's natural collagen production, enhancing skin texture, volume and elasticity over time. Unlike traditional fillers, which provide immediate but temporary results, biostimulators work gradually, promoting the skin's own regenerative processes for more natural and enduring rejuvenation.

Why are biostimulators gaining popularity?

Patients today seek subtle, natural-looking enhancements rather than dramatic changes. Biostimulators fit this demand perfectly, offering gradual improvements that enhance the skin's natural beauty. The results of biostimulators are not only natural but also long-lasting, with effects often lasting up to two years. This extended duration is a significant advantage over traditional fillers.

By stimulating collagen production, biostimulators address multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and volume loss. This comprehensive approach leads to overall skin rejuvenation. Patients notice enhanced skin texture, firmness and elasticity, contributing to a youthful and radiant appearance.

Patients appreciate the gradual nature of results, which appear more natural and are less likely to draw attention to the fact that they've had “work done.” Treatments with biostimulators typically involve minimal downtime, allowing patients to quickly resume their daily activities. Adding biostimulators to your repertoire allows you to provide more comprehensive anti-aging solutions, addressing a broader range of patient needs.

Combating side effects of weight loss medications

With the growing use of weight loss medications, many patients are experiencing side effects such as skin laxity, fat loss and elasticity issues. Incorporating biostimulators into your practice can effectively address these concerns.

The stimulation of collagen helps tighten and firm the skin, combating the laxity often seen with rapid weight loss. The gradual nature of collagen stimulation provides a natural tightening effect, reducing sagging over time. Biostimulators can be used to restore volume in areas where fat loss has led to a gaunt or hollow appearance, providing a more youthful contour. These treatments help restore natural facial and body contours that may be affected by significant weight loss.

These products enhance skin elasticity by promoting collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, more resilient skin. Addressing elasticity issues alongside other signs of aging ensures a more uniform and natural rejuvenation.

Incorporating biostimulators for weight loss patients

Many practices are beginning to customize their weight-loss programs by incorporating biostimulator treatments as part of the treatment plan. Clinicians target specific areas commonly affected by weight loss, including the face, neck and arms. Consider developing comprehensive treatment plans that combine biostimulators with other non-surgical options, such as skin tightening devices and microneedling, for optimal results.

Adding biostimulators to your 2024 treatment menu

As we navigate the summer of 2024, it's clear that biostimulators such as Sculptra and Radiesse are at the forefront of non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Their ability to provide natural, long-lasting results makes them a valuable addition to any aesthetic practice. By investing in training, educating your patients and effectively marketing these treatments, you can enhance your practice and offer your patients the cutting-edge solutions they desire.

For more insights and to stay updated with the latest trends in medical aesthetics, follow AmSpa’s blog and join the AmSpa community by becoming a member today.

Taylor Siemens, NP, has a decade of experience in the aesthetic industry and serves as a clinical advisor for AmSpa. Her expertise in non-surgical treatments and commitment to advancing aesthetic medicine make her a trusted voice in the field. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner recognized by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a dynamic force in the world of aesthetic medicine. As the vice president of operations at Vitalyc Medspa and the founder of My Aesthetic Training, she seamlessly marries the expertise of a practitioner of medicine with that of a multi-site business operator. Siemens's journey into aesthetic medicine commenced as an operating room nurse specializing in facial plastic surgery. Through her diverse patient interactions, Taylor has honed a profound understanding of the aging process, fueling her skillset in crafting comprehensive, multi-modality treatment solutions that align seamlessly with patients' aesthetic objectives.