The "Weight Loss Revolution" has prompted a shift in how aesthetic practitioners approach facial and body rejuvenation. As individuals undergo transformational weight loss journeys, the demand for tailored solutions addressing skin laxity, volume loss and overall rejuvenation has surged. This unique population seeks non-surgical methods to comprehensively tighten, sculpt and shape their bodies. The evolution of total body rejuvenation integrates collagen-stimulating agents and energy devices, enhancing the synergy of these technologies.
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The "Weight Loss Revolution" has prompted a shift in how aesthetic practitioners approach facial and body rejuvenation. As individuals undergo transformational weight loss journeys, the demand for tailored solutions addressing skin laxity, volume loss and overall rejuvenation has surged. This unique population seeks non-surgical methods to comprehensively tighten, sculpt and shape their bodies. The evolution of total body rejuvenation integrates collagen-stimulating agents and energy devices, enhancing the synergy of these technologies.
Biostimulants in Aesthetics
Biostimulants in aesthetics refer to substances or techniques that stimulate the body's natural processes for skin enhancement. These often promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging.
Injectable Biostimulants:
1. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA):
- Encourages collagen synthesis and is found in biostimulant injectables
- Results are gradual, with fibroblasts stimulated over weeks to months.
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA):
- Found in biostimulant fillers, it acts as a scaffold in the skin.
- Stimulates fibroblasts, creating Type I and Type III collagen as well as elastin
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
- Involves processing a small blood sample to concentrate platelets for skin rejuvenation
- Rich in growth factors, stimulating collagen and elastin production
Energy Devices:
1. Radiofrequency (RF) Devices:
- Monopolar RF penetrates deep for skin tightening.
- Bipolar RF targets shallower layers.
- Fractional RF combines with micro-needling for skin resurfacing.
2. Ultrasound Devices:
- Ultherapy utilizes focused ultrasound for non-surgical lifting and tightening of facial tissue.
- HIFU targets deep tissues for skin tightening.
3. Microneedling Devices:
- DermaPen creates micro-injuries for collagen induction.
- RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency for enhanced results.
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Plastic Surgery Paradigm Shift - Combination Treatments
Combining biostimulants with advanced skin tightening procedures is instrumental in post-weight loss body contouring. This synergy addresses sagging skin, enhances contours and contributes to rejuvenation, aligning with the transformed physique.
In the changing world of aesthetics, a new frontier of personalized and integrative approaches, tailored treatments, combined modalities and leveraging of biostimulants is here. The hottest trend revolves around maximizing collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation treatments. The combination of biostimulants and skin tightening has created a shift in the plastic surgery paradigm of how we used to think about the use of classic fillers. In the past, we would use fillers for volume and energy devices for skin tightening. The products were used as isolated treatments, which have now evolved into synergistic treatments where the fillers/biostimulants can now be used to augment skin tightening treatments rather than as volumizing agents alone.
Structural sandwiching is a concept that we have developed at our practice to leverage the concept of the synergistic effect of biostimulants and skin tightening devices. Skin tightening devices, such as RF Microneedling, stimulate collagen superficially while the PLLA or CaHa is injected at a deeper level. The concept behind this treatment method is that the skin is being stimulated above and below the skin. The skin is “sandwiched” between stimulating agents.
This structural sandwich concept can be used in a variety of areas, such as the face, neck, buttocks and thighs. The treatments typically involve the use of RF Microneedling and simultaneous biostimulant injections such as PLLA or Hyperdilute CaHa. A series of treatments are performed roughly six to eight weeks apart. It is important to conceptualize that the biostimulating fillers, such as PLLA or CaHa, are used for their biostimulating properties, not as a classic filler. Thus, much less volume of the product is used over the treated areas.
Structural Sandwiching & the Lower Extremities
The lower extremities have always been a challenging area to treat, with limited options available in the past, even from a surgical standpoint. Historically, thigh lifts and circumferential body lifts were employed and were particularly effective for massive weight loss patients. However, for those involved in the “Weight Loss Revolution,” shedding 15 to 30 or 40 pounds, with mild to moderate skin laxity, the options were limited.
Filler, while offering some benefits, requires a substantial amount of product in the lower body, making it cost-prohibitive. Skin tightening treatments showed promise, but didn't always yield results that left patients ecstatic. In the current era of the “Weight Loss Revolution,” younger patients are more responsive to biostimulant products and treatments like ultrasound energy, radiofrequency microneedling and other energy-based devices for skin tightening.
This shift has given rise to a synergistic approach, a term we've coined as the "structural sandwich" for lower extremity treatments. The concept behind this approach is to maximize collagen stimulation, leading to the most significant improvement in skin tone in these challenging-to-treat areas.
As the “Weight Loss Revolution” unfolds, these innovative approaches are paving the way for unique aesthetic outcomes. The coined term “structural sandwich” describes the combination of injectable biostimulants with advanced skin tightening procedures. The innovative combinations are poised to revolutionize lower extremity care. This revolutionary concept maximizes collagen stimulation, offering hope for substantial improvements in skin tone in a traditionally difficult-to-treat area. Welcome to the transformative era of lower extremity aesthetics!
Structural Synergy in Aesthetics
Biostimulants, energy devices, ultrasound treatments and weight loss medications are set to revolutionize patient care. As patients utilize medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, there's anticipation for a significant influx, each with unique concerns. Combination treatments offer versatile solutions, extending to various body areas and presenting new opportunities and challenges in the ever-evolving field of aesthetic medicine.
Advancements in biostimulants, skin tightening and non-surgical toning devices are transforming patient outcomes. Treating skin laxity and these other challenging areas is now more accessible, particularly for those undergoing significant weight loss. This convergence in aesthetic medicine represents a paradigm shift, enhancing patient outcomes and creating an exciting chapter in the transformative journey of aesthetics. Welcome to structural synergy!
