Collagen stimulators: Sculptra®, Lanluma®, Radiesse® – face and body

As we age, the skin produces less collagen: it loses firmness, thickness and support. Collagen stimulators, also called biostimulators, are injectable products that do more than simply fill: they stimulate the skin to produce its own collagen. Results develop gradually over several weeks and look natural.

The three products used at the practice:

Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid), for the face. Sculptra® has no volumising effect: it is a pure collagen stimulator. It gradually improves the firmness, density and support of the skin of the temples, cheekbones, cheeks and jawline.
Lanluma® (poly-L-lactic acid), designed for the body. It treats laxity of the thighs, abdomen, arms, knees and décolleté. On the buttocks, it also has a volumising effect.
Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite). Unlike Sculptra®, it has a volumising effect: undiluted, it provides immediate support (jawline, jaw, chin, cheekbones, back of the hands) and then stimulates collagen. Diluted, it improves the firmness and quality of the skin of the neck, décolleté, arms, knees and abdomen.

This treatment may be offered for:

The face: early skin laxity, a less defined jawline, thin skin lacking firmness, loss of support.
The body: skin laxity after weight loss or pregnancy, buttocks, inner thighs and arms, knees, abdomen, décolleté.

Procedure: a prior consultation is used to assess the skin, choose the right product and provide a quote. The injection is performed with a needle or cannula under local anaesthesia (cream or a product containing an anaesthetic) and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Protocol: Sculptra® and Lanluma®, 2 to 3 sessions 6 to 8 weeks apart; Radiesse®, 1 to 2 sessions per year. After Sculptra® or Lanluma®, the area should be massaged several times a day for a few days, following the instructions given at the practice.

Performed by: Doctor James Schinazi and Dr Laura Jimenez.

Expected results: firmer, denser skin and better support. Improvement appears gradually from about 8 weeks and continues over several months. How long the effect lasts depends on the product and the person.

Side effects / downtime: redness, swelling and small bruises at the injection sites for a few days. Rarely, small palpable nodules may appear, which is why massage is important. Downtime of 24 to 72 hours depending on the area.

Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, active autoimmune disease, skin infection in the area, tendency to keloid scarring. Anticoagulant treatment must be mentioned during the consultation.

Fees: on quotation, provided free of charge at the practice.

FAQ — Your questions about collagen stimulators

What is the difference with hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid fills a volume or a fold as soon as it is injected. Collagen stimulators boost the natural production of collagen: the effect is gradual and improves skin firmness and density. Sculptra® has no volumising effect on the face, whereas Radiesse® also provides support.

When are the results visible?
Improvement appears gradually from about 8 weeks and continues over several months. Undiluted Radiesse® also provides a support effect visible from the first session.

How many sessions are needed?
For Sculptra® and Lanluma®, 2 to 3 sessions 6 to 8 weeks apart. For Radiesse®, 1 to 2 sessions per year. The exact number is decided during the consultation.

Is the treatment painful?
The injection is performed under local anaesthesia. Mild discomfort and temporary redness are possible.

Can the body be treated?
Yes: buttocks, thighs, arms, knees, abdomen and décolleté, especially with Lanluma® and diluted Radiesse®. On the buttocks, Lanluma® also has a volumising effect.

How much does the treatment cost?
Fees depend on the product, the area and the number of sessions: a quote is provided free of charge at the practice.