Biostimulators (Sculptra® & Radiesse®)

Sculptra results last 18-24+ months, sometimes 3+ years. Radiesse results last 12-18 months. Individual variation depends on metabolism, lifestyle, sun protection, and skincare routine. Results are significantly longer-lasting than traditional fillers (9-12 months), making biostimulators more cost-effective over time.

Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate volume by physically filling space—they're absorbed over 9-12 months. Biostimulators trigger your body to produce new collagen that provides structure—results develop gradually but last 18-24+ months. Fillers are best for specific lines/folds; biostimulators for overall volume loss and structural restoration. Dr. Nikfar will recommend the most appropriate option or combination approach during your consultation.

Pre-Care Guidelines

• Discontinue retinoids 3-5 days before treatment

• Limit alcohol 48 hours before

• Arrive with clean face—no makeup

• Plan for multiple treatment sessions

Post-Care Guidelines (Sculptra - CRITICAL)

• The "Rule of 5s": Massage treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5-7 days—NON-NEGOTIABLE

• Failure to massage properly increases risk of nodule formation

• Ice intermittently for first 24 hours

• Avoid makeup for 12 hours

Post-Care Guidelines (Radiesse)

• Massage treated areas gently several times daily for first few days

• Ice intermittently for first 24 hours

• Avoid makeup for 6-12 hours

Both Products:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours

• No alcohol for 24-48 hours

• Avoid heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga) for 1 week

• Apply SPF 30+ daily

• Follow all personalized instructions provided

During Treatment

• Treatment time: approximately 30-60 minutes

• Facial anatomy assessed and injection points marked

• Biostimulator reconstituted according to protocol

• Injected using precise cannula or needle technique

• Immediate massage to distribute product evenly

• Mild to moderate discomfort—manageable with local anesthesia

After Treatment

• Expect swelling for 2-5 days (provides preview of eventual volume)

• Bruising, redness, and tenderness common

• Sculptra: No visible results for 6-8 weeks

• Radiesse: Immediate volume visible, progressive improvement follows

Sculptra: Immediate swelling resolves in 2-5 days. No visible results for 6-8 weeks as product needs time to stimulate collagen. Gradual improvement begins at 2-3 months. Optimal results at 4-6 months post-final treatment with continued subtle improvement up to 12 months.

Radiesse: Immediate volume visible from gel carrier. Progressive improvement as collagen forms over 2-3 months. Optimal results at 3 months.

Yes. Combination approaches are common and often optimal—biostimulators restore foundational structure while HA fillers address specific lines and folds. They work synergistically with neuromodulators, microneedling, and other treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Your injector

Yes. Sculptra and Radiesse are FDA and Health Canada-approved with decades of safe use in medical applications. Both are biocompatible, biodegradable materials metabolized naturally by the body. When administered by qualified medical professionals using proper technique, appropriate dilution, and correct injection depth, they have excellent safety profiles.

Absolutely. Men increasingly seek biostimulator treatments to restore facial volume, improve jawline definition, and maintain youthful facial structure without looking artificially enhanced. Dr. Nikfar adjusts injection patterns and dosing to preserve masculine facial characteristics while providing natural rejuvenation.

Sculptra: Typically, 2-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for initial treatment. Maintenance every 18-24 months.

Radiesse: Typically, 1-2 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Maintenance every 12-18 months.

Number of sessions depends on degree of volume loss and treatment areas. Your injector will develop a customized plan during consultation.

Sculptra is injected gradually in multiple sessions to stimulate collagen evenly and progressively. Injecting too much at once increases nodule risk. The staged approach allows for controlled, natural-looking volume restoration that develops beautifully over time.

Proper massage distributes the product evenly and prevents it from clumping, which can cause palpable nodules. The 5-5-5 protocol (5 minutes, 5 times per day, 5-7 days) is non-negotiable for safe, even results and dramatically reduces complication risk.

No, unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, biostimulators cannot be reversed. This is why conservative, gradual treatment by an experienced injector is critical. Results are long-lasting but not permanent—eventually your body will metabolize the product naturally.