The slow build of something lasting
Biostimulators work with your biology — triggering your own collagen and calcium scaffolding to rebuild from within. Results take time. That's the point.
Not a filler. A rebuilder.
Dermal fillers replace lost volume immediately — they sit in the tissue and provide structure. Biostimulators work differently. They don't replace anything. Instead, they signal your body's own cells to produce new collagen and structural proteins over time.
The result is a gradual, natural-looking improvement in skin firmness, texture, and facial structure — driven by your own biology, not by a foreign substance sitting beneath the skin. Because the improvement is built by your own collagen, results tend to look and feel more natural, and last significantly longer than traditional fillers.
Biostimulators are particularly well-suited to patients who are seeing the effects of collagen depletion — loss of firmness, hollowing of the mid-face and temples, and skin that looks tired or deflated despite a good skincare routine.
We play the long game
In a world of instant results, biostimulators ask you to trust the process. The patients who commit to this approach consistently achieve the results that look the most natural — and last the longest.
Principle 01
Patience over instant gratification
The most durable, natural-looking results take time to build. Biostimulators work on a biological timeline — not an appointment timeline. Dr. Adè sets realistic expectations from your first visit so you know exactly what to expect and when.
Principle 02
Your body does the work
Rather than adding a substance to mimic what you've lost, biostimulators recruit your own cells to rebuild it. The collagen produced is your own — which is why results look so natural and the skin feels genuinely improved, not just fuller.
Principle 03
Results that compound
Each session builds on the last. Patients who maintain a biostimulator programme over years find that less intervention is needed over time — because the foundation keeps improving rather than depleting between treatments.
"I want my patients to look like themselves — just the version of themselves that exists in three years' time if their skin had continued to thrive. Biostimulators are how we get there without it ever looking like they've done anything."— Dr. Adè Forsyth-Thompson, Medical Director, Arca Wellness
What biostimulators can address
Biostimulators are one of the most effective tools for addressing the structural changes that come with collagen depletion — particularly for patients in their late 30s and beyond.
Structural volume loss
Mid-face hollowing, sunken temples, and deflation in the cheeks that makes the face look tired — biostimulators restore the scaffolding that supports these areas.
Skin laxity & firmness
Skin that has lost elasticity and begun to sag responds well to biostimulators, which stimulate the collagen and elastin needed to improve tone and firmness from within.
Jawline & jowl definition
Early jowling and loss of jawline definition can be addressed by rebuilding the structural support that holds facial tissues in position over time.
Skin thickness & quality
Thinning skin — particularly in the cheeks and around the eyes — benefits from the collagen stimulation biostimulators provide, improving overall skin density and quality.
Age-related collagen depletion
From the mid-30s, collagen production declines by approximately 1% per year. Biostimulators directly counteract this by triggering new collagen synthesis in treated areas.
Long-term maintenance
For patients who prefer not to repeat filler treatments frequently, a biostimulator programme offers a longer-lasting alternative that requires fewer sessions over time.
Your product is chosen for you
Each biostimulator works through a different mechanism and suits different patients, areas, and goals. Dr. Adè selects the most appropriate product — or combination — after assessing your facial anatomy, skin quality, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Pure biostimulator
Sculptra
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)
Sculptra works by gradually stimulating your fibroblasts — the cells responsible for collagen production — to create new collagen over several months. There is no immediate volumising effect. Results emerge slowly and look entirely natural, building the structural support of the face from within. Sculptra is considered the gold standard for long-term collagen stimulation.
Chosen when
Gradual, natural-looking volume restoration is the priority — particularly for mid-face, temples, and areas of generalised volume loss.
Hybrid filler + biostimulator
Harmonyca
Hyaluronic Acid + Calcium Hydroxyapatite
Harmonyca is unique in combining two mechanisms: the immediate volumising effect of hyaluronic acid with the long-term collagen-stimulating properties of calcium hydroxyapatite. This means patients experience an immediate result at the appointment, which then continues to improve as the CaHa component stimulates collagen over the following months — offering the best of both worlds.
Chosen when
Both an immediate result and long-term stimulation are desired — or for patients who want to see change at the appointment while still building lasting collagen support.
Biostimulator + immediate filler
Radiesse
Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHa)
Radiesse provides immediate structural support through its calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres, which act as a scaffold in the tissue while simultaneously stimulating collagen production. As the body metabolises the CaHa over time, the collagen matrix it has triggered remains. Radiesse is particularly well-suited to areas requiring immediate definition alongside long-term stimulation, such as the jawline and chin.
Chosen when
Structural definition and immediate lift are needed alongside biostimulation — particularly for jawline, chin, and cheek projection.
How your biostimulator treatment works
Your 30-minute appointment is focused and efficient. No separate consultation is required — assessment and treatment happen in the same visit.
Facial assessment & product selection
Dr. Adè assesses your facial anatomy, skin quality, and volume loss patterns. She selects the most appropriate product and maps the treatment areas before beginning.
Preparation & topical numbing
The treatment area is cleaned and topical anaesthetic applied where needed. Many biostimulators also contain lidocaine in the formulation for added comfort during injection.
Careful product placement
Dr. Adè places the biostimulator using precise injection technique. Placement is methodical — working through treatment areas to achieve even distribution and balanced stimulation.
Massage, review & aftercare
Sculptra requires specific massage post-treatment to distribute the product evenly. Dr. Adè will demonstrate the protocol and provide full aftercare instructions before you leave.
What to expect — and when
Biostimulators work on a biological timeline. Understanding the phases helps you track your results accurately and avoid comparing your progress against instant-result treatments.
Day 1 – 7
Immediate post-treatment
Some swelling and redness at injection sites is normal. Sculptra patients may notice initial volume from water and product — this settles over 1–2 weeks and does not represent the final result. Minor bruising may occur.
Week 2 – 4
Product settles
Swelling resolves and the initial product integrates into the tissue. Sculptra patients may feel the product has disappeared — this is expected and normal. The biological stimulation has already begun beneath the surface.
Month 2 – 3
Collagen building begins
New collagen starts to form around the biostimulator particles. Skin begins to feel firmer, and subtle improvements in structure and volume become noticeable. Results are natural-looking because they are driven by your own biology.
Month 3 – 6
Full results visible
The full extent of collagen remodelling is visible at 3–6 months post-treatment. Results typically last 18–24 months. A second session — if planned — is usually scheduled at the 6-week mark for optimal compounding effect.
Sculptra-specific note: After your Sculptra treatment, you will be given a massage protocol to follow at home — 5 minutes of massage, 5 times per day, for 5 days. This is essential to ensure even product distribution. Please follow this protocol carefully to get the best result from your treatment.
Biostimulator pricing
Treatment plans are personalised — the number of vials or sessions required depends on your anatomy, degree of volume loss, and the product chosen. Dr. Adè will advise on a plan at your appointment.
Sculptra
R7,000
per vial
Most treatment plans require 1–2 vials per session, depending on the area being treated and the degree of volume restoration needed. Dr. Adè will advise on the number of vials and sessions required at your appointment.
Book directly online
Book via BookemHarmonyca
R5,800
per ml
Harmonyca combines an immediate result with long-term collagen stimulation. Pricing is per ml — the volume required is determined by your anatomy and goals, discussed with Dr. Adè at your appointment.
Enquire to book
WhatsApp to bookRadiesse
R7,000
per syringe
Radiesse provides immediate structural definition alongside long-term collagen stimulation. Pricing is per syringe — the volume required depends on the areas being treated and the degree of correction needed.
Enquire to book
WhatsApp to bookTreatment plans are discussed and agreed at your appointment. Dr. Adè will assess your anatomy and goals, advise on the most suitable product, and outline the number of sessions and vials required to achieve your result — before any treatment begins.
Biostimulator FAQs
Everything you need to know before your appointment.
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Dermal fillers physically replace lost volume immediately — they sit in the tissue and provide immediate structural support. Biostimulators work differently: they trigger your own cells to produce new collagen and structural proteins over time. The result is more gradual but driven by your own biology, which is why it tends to look more natural and last longer.
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For Sculptra, results typically become noticeable from around 2–3 months post-treatment, with the full result visible at 3–6 months. Harmonyca offers an immediate result from its HA component, which then continues to improve. Radiesse also provides immediate structural effect, with collagen stimulation adding to the result over 3–6 months.
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Most patients require 1–2 sessions for their initial treatment plan. The exact number depends on the product used, the areas being treated, and the degree of correction needed. Dr. Adè will outline a recommended plan at your appointment. A second session, if needed, is typically scheduled 6 weeks after the first.
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Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment, and many biostimulators contain lidocaine in the formulation. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and describe the sensation as mild pressure. Some areas — particularly the temples — can be more sensitive. Dr. Adè works efficiently to minimise discomfort.
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After Sculptra treatment, you will need to massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days — known as the "5-5-5 rule". This is essential to ensure the product distributes evenly and to prevent nodule formation. Dr. Adè will demonstrate the technique at your appointment and provide written aftercare instructions.
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Yes — biostimulators work well as part of a broader treatment plan. They combine effectively with anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin boosters, and skin resurfacing treatments. Dr. Adè will advise on the most appropriate combination and sequencing based on your goals at your appointment.
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Results typically last 18–24 months depending on the product used, your metabolism, lifestyle, and how much collagen your body produces in response to treatment. Patients who maintain a biostimulator programme over several years often require less product per session over time as the foundation keeps improving.
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No — your 30-minute appointment includes a thorough assessment at the start of the session. Dr. Adè will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and select the most appropriate product and treatment plan before any treatment begins. If for any reason she feels treatment is not appropriate, she will advise you accordingly.
Ready to start building?
Book your biostimulator appointment directly. Dr. Adè will assess your anatomy, select the right product, and outline a treatment plan at your session.