Biostimulators in Bucharest

Author: Revivera medical team · Last updated: 8 October 2026

Biostimulators are injectable treatments designed to stimulate the skin’s natural mechanisms for producing new collagen, for a firming and volumising effect that builds up gradually and lasts over time. At Revivera Clinic we use Sculptra, a biostimulator based on poly-L-lactic acid, and Profhilo, a bioremodelling treatment with hyaluronic acid, given by doctors experienced in aesthetic medicine, after a free medical consultation. On this page you will find how each one works, who they suit, how long the effect lasts, what the studies say and when they are not given.

What biostimulators are

Unlike classic hyaluronic acid fillers, which aim to fill a space and add volume, biostimulators act at cellular level: they trigger a controlled tissue response that reorganises the extracellular matrix, after which fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen (types I and III) [1] [12]. The result is not immediate; it builds up progressively over the weeks and months following the treatment.

Sculptra and Profhilo: how they differ

	Sculptra	Profhilo
Substance	poly-L-lactic acid, biodegradable	hybrid hyaluronic acid, with large and small molecules
How it works	stimulates your own collagen production [1]	bioremodelling: deep hydration and support for skin quality (elasticity) [9]
Suitable for	loss of facial volume and firmness	dehydrated skin, skin laxity, dull appearance
Sessions	usually several, a few weeks apart	usually two, about 4 weeks apart [10] [11]
When the effect appears	progressively, over the following months	after the first session, with progressive improvement

At the consultation, the doctor decides the right treatment and the number of sessions.

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid)

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable material that, injected deep into the skin, triggers a controlled tissue response. The body responds by producing new type I and type III collagen, which gradually restores volume and firmness [1]. As the injected substance is naturally metabolised, the newly formed collagen structure remains.

The effect builds up progressively: in a randomised clinical trial, skin elasticity and hydration were observed to keep improving for up to 12 months after treatment [4]. Results may vary depending on lifestyle and metabolic status.

Profhilo (bioremodelling with hyaluronic acid)

Profhilo combines large and small hyaluronic acid molecules in a stable complex, obtained through a thermal process, without chemical cross-linking agents [9]. Unlike a filler, its role is not to add volume but to improve skin quality: hydration, elasticity and firmness [9].

Randomised clinical trials observed improved skin hydration and laxity after a two-session protocol [10] [11]. The response to treatment, the rate of collagen synthesis and how long results last are individual and depend on several factors: lifestyle, metabolic status and the initial degree of tissue laxity.

Who biostimulators are recommended for

• People who notice loss of facial volume and firmness with age
• People with lax, dehydrated or tired-looking skin
• People who prefer a natural-looking result that builds up gradually
• Patients with facial lipoatrophy, on the doctor’s recommendation [5], under the supervision of the aesthetic doctor

The final indication is set by the doctor at the medical consultation.

How a session at Revivera works

1. Free medical consultation — the doctor assesses the skin and the areas to treat, discusses the result you want and your medical history, and recommends the right treatment.
2. Preparing the area — asepsis and disinfection of the injection area.
3. Administration — the product is injected by the doctor, at the points and depth set for each treatment.
4. Aftercare — the patient receives post-procedure recommendations.

Safety and possible reactions

Sculptra. Reactions are generally mild and temporary: oedema, transient bruising/haematomas, tenderness at the injection site [1] [2]. Small subcutaneous nodules may appear. Correct injection technique and the at-home massage recommended by the doctor significantly reduce this risk [6] [7].

Profhilo. Possible reactions are mainly local and resolve without complications within a few days [8].

Contraindications

Biostimulator treatments are not given:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• when there is an active infection or inflammation in the area to be treated
• in case of a known allergy to the product’s components

Tell the doctor at the consultation if you have an autoimmune disease, a tendency to keloid scars, or if you are on medication (anticoagulants).

What the studies say about biostimulators

According to the specialist medical literature and international clinical studies:

• Sculptra efficacy. A systematic review of 11 randomised clinical trials observed that the effects can last for up to 25 months in the samples evaluated [1].
• Comparison with hyaluronic acid. Published comparative research found that poly-L-lactic acid had effects equivalent to a hyaluronic acid filler for nasolabial folds at 24 weeks [3].
• Skin quality. Assessments in a randomised, double-blind clinical trial showed increased and sustained skin elasticity and hydration 12 months after completing the protocol [4].
• Facial lipoatrophy. Poly-L-lactic acid is documented as a therapeutic option for facial lipoatrophy [5].
• Profhilo. Clinical trials on hybrid hyaluronic acid complexes indicate improved skin hydration and laxity, including on the neck [10] [11].

The results presented in studies are for information and education. The response to treatment, the degree of your own collagen synthesis and how long the effects last vary from one patient to another, depending on age, lifestyle, metabolic status, facial anatomy and following the post-procedure instructions. Information from studies does not replace an individual medical consultation.

Biostimulators or hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume and contour, with a visible effect. Biostimulators stimulate your own collagen production, with an effect that builds up gradually and lasts over time [12]. The treatments are complementary and can be combined, on the doctor’s recommendation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a biostimulator based on poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable material that stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. It gradually restores facial volume and firmness.

How long does the Sculptra effect last?

The effect builds up in the months after treatment. Studies have observed effects lasting up to 25 months, but the duration varies from one patient to another.

How many Sculptra sessions are needed?

Several sessions are usually needed, a few weeks apart. The doctor sets the exact number at the consultation, depending on the volume loss and the result you want.

When do Sculptra results show?

The result is not immediate: new collagen forms gradually, and the improvement becomes visible in the weeks and months after treatment.

What is Profhilo and how is it different from a filler?

Profhilo is a bioremodelling treatment with hybrid hyaluronic acid. It does not add volume like a filler; it improves skin hydration, elasticity and firmness.

How many Profhilo sessions are needed?

The usual protocol is two sessions, about 4 weeks apart. At the consultation, the doctor decides whether maintenance sessions are needed.

Can I combine biostimulators with hyaluronic acid?

Yes. Fillers restore volume, while biostimulators improve skin quality over time; the doctor may recommend a combined plan.

Are the injections painful?

The sensation is usually well tolerated; the doctor can use methods to reduce discomfort.

How much do biostimulator treatments cost?

A Sculptra session costs 2,200 lei and a Profhilo session 1,500 lei. The doctor sets the number of sessions at the consultation, depending on the result you want.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, an appointment is required. Aesthetic treatments have a different schedule from the clinic’s opening hours, so please book in advance.

Scientific sources

1. Signori R. et al. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review. Polymers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11435306/
2. Ferreira A.C.M. et al. (2026). Efficacy, Durability, and Safety of Collagen Biostimulators Based on Poly-L-Lactic Acid and Calcium Hydroxyapatite: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05412-8
3. Hyun M.Y. et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of injection with poly-L-lactic acid compared with hyaluronic acid for correction of nasolabial fold: a randomized, evaluator-blinded, comparative study. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.12499
4. Bohnert K. et al. (2019). Randomized, Controlled, Multicentered, Double-Blind Investigation of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Improving Skin Quality. Dermatologic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001772
5. Jagdeo J. et al. (2015). A systematic review of filler agents for aesthetic treatment of HIV facial lipoatrophy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.040
6. Avelar L. et al. (2023). Consensus recommendations on the use of injectable poly-L-lactic acid in Asian patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15969
7. Ianhez M. et al. (2024). Complications of collagen biostimulators in Brazil: Description of products, treatments, and evolution of 55 cases. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16343
8. Cassuto D. et al. (2020). Safety Assessment of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronans (Profhilo®) as Derived from Worldwide Postmarketing Data. BioMed Research International. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7327616/
9. Humzah D. et al. (2024). Intradermal Injection of Hybrid Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going? International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10970357/
10. Sparavigna A. et al. (2022). Efficacy and Tolerability of Hybrid Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan Intradermal Injections for the Treatment of Skin Roughness and Laxity of the Neck. The Scientific World Journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9509274/
11. Cheng S.W.N. et al. (2026). Efficacy and Tolerability of Profhilo in Asian Females. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12916531/
12. Haddad S. et al. (2022). Evaluation of the biostimulatory effects and the level of neocollagenesis of dermal fillers: a review. International Journal of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.16229