collagen stimulators

smooth lines & hydrate the skin

  • What are Collagen Stimulators and what do they do?

    What are Collagen Stimulators?

    Collagen Stimulators (RADIESSE) are an injectable gel filler made up of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Injected into the skin layer, it will aide in smoothing folds & lines as well as stimulate collagen & elastin production which naturally breaks down and slows in production as we age.

    Treatment can improve moderate to severe folds immediately. The product continues to integrate into the skin, creating a scaffold that stimulates continued production of collagen & elastin for up to two years - This is helpful for those who feel their skin appears thin and “crepey”.

    At the symm label we use Radiesse.

  • What areas of the face can you treat with collagen stimulators?

    Treatment Areas

    Collagen Stimulators soften folds and wrinkles and are excellent for full facial rejuvenation - they are also used to treat:

    • Perioral Comissures

    • Smile lines

    • Corners of the mouth

    • Marionette lines

    • Jawline

    • Chin

    • Neck & more

    Radiesse can be used alone or in combination with other dermal fillers to achieve full facial rejuvenation.

    Treatment areas vary for each person are based on their unique structure & desired outcome. Often multiple areas are treated to ensure optimal results. It is common to require minimum two treatments with collagen stimulators for optimal results.

  • What does a collagen stimulator treatment look like and what does it do?

    Treatment Overview

    Your Nurse Injector will review your treatment plan built exclusively for your facial structure, and desired end results.

    Prior to treatment, the face is cleansed thoroughly and your Nurse Injector will mark out the injection sites. Topical and/or local numbing and ice is used to manage minor discomforts as well as a pulsing distraction tool. Treatment typically takes 20-45 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated.

    Immediately post treatment you may have some swelling and bruising which is to be expected. There is minimal downtime expected, however swelling and mild bruising can occur for up to two weeks.

    We recommend patients come back in two weeks post initial treatment to ensure that everything is balanced & even post swelling and to determine if a second treatment is necessary.

  • What results should I expect with collagen stimulators and how long will it last?

    Results & Longevity

    Results are immediate and will continue to improve over the following weeks once the swelling has subsided and the product has integrated fully. Best results will be seen between 4 weeks post procedure and optimal results after a second treatment.

    The goal of treatment is to help restore skin volume or an appearance of plump & hydrated skin. Results will vary between individuals, some exceed our expectations. Good results are expected, focusing on improvements and not perfection. A series of treatments may be required for optimal results.

    Treatment efficacy & longevity depends on many factors including amount of product used & areas placed. Other factors effect longevity of including lifestyle habits (sleep, diet/water, exercise), age, genetics, stress, metabolism, time between treatments, etc.

before & after - coming soon!

before & after - coming soon!

collagen stimulators FAQ

Still have questions? You know what to do...

  • Yes, collagen stimulators are safe - they are FDA approved. Your intake forms will include everything we need to know prior to your in person assessment for treatment. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive should not get collagen stimulators.

    No, you will not look fake - The outcome we strive for is subtle & natural - always. Your desired results will be discussed with your Injector and we will determine a treatment plan accordingly. Years of experience ensures we can accurately and effectively assess & treat your face to create a restored, subtle, enhanced version of you.

  • Some patients may get some redness, irritation, swelling or bruising at the injection site which will disappear over time, often within a couple hours. Ice is used on and off to minimize swelling & reduce the chances of bruising post treatment.

    Treatments areas will be tender for the first few days and this can last for 1-2 weeks depending on numbers of areas treated and syringes used. Any post treatment discomfort can be managed with ice & Tylenol.

  • Anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in the treatment - it’s YOUR face!

    There is no “right time” for Collagen Stimulators - but starting early can improve your skin quality & reduce advanced aging in the future. Collagen Stimulators are perfect for those looking for a subtle & effective full facial rejuvenation, those looking to improve their overall skin quality, and mature patients looking to restore a youthful appearance.

    Our Nurse Injectors will explain how treatment can help any patient at any stage of life!

  • Results are immediate and can last a year or more - some patients get results for up to two years. The continued stimulation of collagen & production by Radiesse creates longer lasting results.

    Treatment efficacy & longevity depends on many factors including amount of product used, lifestyle habits (sleep, diet/water, exercise), age, genetics, time between treatments, etc.

  • Discomfort is different for each patient but for most people pain is minimal. Topical numbing cream is used prior to treatment. Radiesse has lidocaine in it which helps with discomfort during treatment as well.

    We use a variety of tools to reduce discomfort during treatment including; topical numbing, ice, and pulsing distraction tools.

    Downtime is minimal - You will experience some swelling and bruising which can be managed with ice.

    Any concerns about pain can be discussed with your Nurse Injector prior to treatment and she will discuss methods to provide you the most comfortable experience possible.

  • Costs are specific a to each patient & their treatment areas. Collagen Stimulators start from $900/treatment per area. It is common to require two treatments with Collagen Stimulators, 3 months apart.

    Total pricing depends on the number of areas being treated & the amount of product required to achieved desired results. At the symm label, we have a financing option available as well.

  • Our Nurse Injectors are all Registered Nurses and have taken extensive training in injectables including specific courses for facial anatomy & facial balancing. Our Nurses have years of hands on experience behind them & they would be happy to show you their before/after images for reference.

    Our Nurses all work under the direction & supervision of our Owner & Advanced Nurse Injector, Jillian Schenk, as well as our Medical Director, Dr. Joseph MacDonald.

    This is what our Nurses do - All day, every day. You are in great hands with our team!

  • We recommend getting a good nights sleep, being well hydrated, and having something to eat prior to treatment- This just ensures you feel your best!

    Avoiding alcohol & too much caffeine prior to treatment can also minimize bruising & swelling and will help with healing time. Yes you can still have a coffee, but maybe stick to one cup ;)

    Arnica (available at the symm label or at your local drugstore) can be taken a few days pre & post treatment to reduce swelling, bruising, and speed recovery time as well, but is not necessary.

    You can come make up free if you’d like, but we will thoroughly cleanse the area prior to treatment. Post care instructions are provided and ice will be your BFF for the first couple days post treatment :)

  • We provide post-care instructions after your treatment. In general we recommend - No strenuous physical activity for 48 hours, avoid hot tubs/saunas/steam showers for 48 hours, avoid anything that will press on the treatment areas for 48 hours, do not have any facial treatments/lasers/peels for 2 weeks as this can create inflammation, try to not sleep on your face for the first few days.

    These recommendations are to ensure the product stays where it was placed and does not shift in the tissue. This also aids in reducing swelling & bruising and allowing the tissue to heal without further irritation.

    A two or four week follow-up is recommended, especially if it is your first time getting collagen stimulators or your first time having treatment with one of our Nurse Injectors.

  • If it is your first time getting collagen stimulators, or your first time at our clinic, we always recommend a two-week follow up appointment. The appointment is free of charge.

    The follow up appointment allows us to compare your before and after photos, go over any concerns you have. Some patients require two treatments for optimal results & this is a great time to check in with your Nurse Injector to get her recommendation - We want to ensure you are 100% happy with your results and this appointment ensures we can do that.

  • Results are immediate and will continue to improve over the 2-4 weeks post treatment. During this time, the collagen & elastin in your skin will be stimulated and the scaffolds start to form.

    The swelling & tissue healing takes a full two weeks to subside which is why we do not re-treat or touch-up prior to that two week healing mark.

    Typically collagen stimulators last 12-18 months but treatment longevity varies for each patient. Some patients get up to two years out of their treatment.