When I started out, hyaluronic acid was the centre of almost everything. Volume here, volume there. Today, my daily practice looks quite different. The most exciting developments are not happening in the world of filling, but in regeneration — treatments that encourage the skin to repair itself from within.
What does "regenerative aesthetics" mean?
Unlike traditional fillers, which add volume from the outside, regenerative treatments work with the body's own processes. They stimulate the skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid on its own.
The result looks more natural and often lasts longer, because the improvement comes from within.
The key regenerative treatments
Biostimulators (Radiesse, Sculptra)
These products contain substances (calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid, respectively) that act as a "scaffold" and stimulate collagen production. The carrier material is gradually absorbed, while the newly formed collagen remains.
Polynucleotides (PDRN)
DNA fragments derived from salmon — yes, it sounds odd, but the results are impressive. I use polynucleotides especially around the under-eye area, where I tend to be cautious with fillers. The skin becomes thicker and more vital without adding any volume. Learn more about the science behind polynucleotides.
Profhilo
Highly concentrated hyaluronic acid that does not act as a filler, but instead stimulates the skin to produce collagen and elastin. It is especially effective for skin laxity. I explain how Profhilo differs from skinboosters in a direct comparison.
Exosomes
The latest development: tiny vesicles that transport signalling molecules between cells. They can accelerate skin regeneration and are often used after other treatments to enhance results.
What the research shows
Studies confirm that regenerative treatments measurably increase collagen production beyond what the skin can achieve on its own. With biostimulators like Sculptra, biopsies show a doubling of collagen density after six months.
The quality of collagen also improves: more type I collagen (the "good" collagen responsible for firmness) and less type III collagen (which predominates during ageing).
Who is regenerative aesthetics suitable for?
- Early skin laxity
- Those wanting firmness without the "filled" look
- As a complement to other treatments
- For long-term prevention
- Sensitive skin (fewer side effects than fillers)
The limits
Regenerative treatments do not replace fillers when genuine volume is missing. Deep nasolabial folds or sunken cheeks still require traditional hyaluronic acid. However, both approaches can be excellently combined.
My outlook
What fascinates me most about regenerative aesthetics: the results do not look "done". Nothing puffy, nothing stiff. The skin simply gets better — and patients receive compliments about their complexion, not about their treatment. That is exactly the goal.
I am convinced that in five years, we will be using significantly fewer traditional fillers and relying far more on biostimulation and cellular regeneration. The goal remains the same: results that make a real difference without anyone being able to tell why.
