The duration of collagen stimulation from different treatments depends on three key factors:
1. The Type of Collagen Stimulation (Biostimulatory vs. Injury-Based)
Biostimulatory Injectables (Sculptra, Hyperdilute Radiesse) last the longest because they actively stimulate fibroblasts over time. These materials stay in the skin for months, encouraging collagen growth long after the product itself has been absorbed.
Injury-Based Modalities (CO₂ Laser, Microneedling, PDO Threads) work by triggering wound healing. Once the injury heals, collagen production slows down, meaning results have a shorter lifespan compared to biostimulatory injectables.
2. How Deep and How Long the Stimulus Lasts
Injectables (Sculptra, Radiesse): These products are placed in the deep dermis or subdermal layer, where collagen turnover is naturally slower. This allows them to sustain collagen production for 1-2 years.
CO₂ Fractional Laser: Penetrates deep into the dermis and stimulates fibroblasts, but because it's an injury-based treatment, the effects peak within 6 months and gradually decline.
PDO Mono Threads: Work by creating a foreign body reaction, leading to collagen synthesis around the threads. However, as the threads dissolve (typically within 3 months), collagen stimulation slows down.
Microneedling with RF: Works in the mid-to-superficial dermis and causes moderate collagen remodeling, but because it doesn’t leave behind a material that prolongs stimulation, the results are more temporary (lasting 6 months).
3. The Body’s Natural Collagen Turnover Rate
Collagen production is most active in response to stimuli, but it naturally declines over time. Even with aggressive treatments, the body will break down newly formed collagen unless it is continually stimulated - hence why you need multiple sessions and then maintain them at 1-2 treatments yearly.
Biostimulatory injectables like Sculptra and Hyperdilute Radiesse extend their effects because they stimulate both Type I and Type III collagen, leading to long-term structural improvements.
Injury-based treatments like CO₂ laser, microneedling, and PDO threads create Type III collagen first (which later converts to Type I), but the conversion slows down once the healing process is complete.


Summary: Why Some Treatments Last Longer
Injectables (Sculptra, Radiesse) last longer because they provide a sustained biostimulatory effect, rather than just triggering short-term injury repair.
CO₂ laser and PDO threads create a moderate, time-limited collagen response that fades once the stimulus is gone.
Microneedling with RF provides the shortest collagen stimulation because its injury is more superficial, and there’s no lasting material in the skin to keep fibroblasts activated.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right collagen-stimulating treatment depends on several factors, including price, specific concerns, and what each modality excels at (or lacks).
Sculptra & Hyperdilute Radiesse are highly effective but expensive—and require 2-3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, for optimal results. While they offer long-term collagen stimulation with minimal downtime and little to no pain, they can’t treat every inch of the face and may carry risks like nodules, which can be difficult to resolve if they form.
PDO Mono Threads are a more affordable option but work best when strategically placed in targeted areas (e.g., the center of the neck for “turkey neck”). They can be mildly painful, even with numbing, but their lower cost reflects this trade-off.
CO₂ Fractional Laser, in my opinion, sits right in the middle of all these treatments. It’s reasonably priced, relatively painless, and has minimal downtime (just a few days of redness). Unlike injectables or threads, it can cover the entire face and neck in a single session, making it a cost-effective and efficient option.
The only thing CO₂ fractional laser doesn’t provide is intense skin resurfacing—though you do get some mild peeling from the laser heat, revealing fresher skin.
However, if resurfacing is your goal, its more aggressive counterpart, CO₂ fully ablative laser, would be a better choice.
That said, none of these biostimulatory treatments—Sculptra, Radiesse, PDO Threads, or CO₂ fractional laser—are designed primarily for resurfacing. Their primary function is collagen stimulation, which occurs deep under the skin rather than on the surface.
Below is a table I have put together so you can see at a glance what each modality does and offers:

Final Thoughts; Which Treatment Would I Personally Have?
Sculptra & Hyperdilute Radiesse:
In full transparency (probably too honest, but hey—that's me!), I’ve had both Sculptra and Hyperdilute Radiesse multiple times over the years.
Since I only paid for the product itself and had a close colleague inject me, cost wasn’t a factor. But would I continue having them? And more importantly, would I recommend them to clients?
Well, I did offer both in my clinic for a while, but ultimately, I removed them from my treatment menu—and here’s why.
1. They Only Stimulate Collagen—And That’s It.
Yes, collagen is essential for keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful, but these treatments don’t provide any immediate results. It takes several weeks and at least three sessions before you start noticing a real difference.
2. Clients Want Results NOW.
Most clients don’t want to invest hundreds or even thousands of pounds in something they can’t visibly see working right away—which, honestly, I completely understand.
3. They Can’t Target the Entire Face.
One of my biggest frustrations? Certain areas just can’t be treated effectively—what about under-eyes, jowls, forehead? These areas still age and need collagen too! This limitation made me question the value of these treatments for my personal regimen.
4. The Cost vs. Benefit Didn’t Add Up.
Yes, Sculptra and Radiesse last longer than some other treatments, meaning fewer sessions in the long run. But when you factor in the high cost per session (multiplied by three), the initial outlay is a big investment—one that, in my opinion, isn’t justified when other, more affordable treatments offer similar or better results.
5. I Was Underwhelmed by the Results.
Honestly? After going through the process, I just wasn’t blown away. The results were subtle—too subtle for the price and commitment involved.
So for those reasons, I personally stopped having Sculptra and Hyperdilute Radiesse and no longer offer them in my clinic.
Microneedling:
Microneedling is one of the few treatments I always recommend clients do at home. There’s no need to pay a professional for something easily done yourself.
If you’re unsure how to do it properly or which device to buy, don’t worry—I’ve covered everything you need in a separate blog post HERE.
Once you’ve got the device, you only need to microneedle once a month to keep a steady flow of collagen production going.
Now, does microneedling produce a huge amount of collagen? Not really. But if you’re consistent over the years, your skin will absolutely look fresher and younger compared to doing nothing at all.
Want to supercharge your results? Pair microneedling with a more powerful, professional collagen-stimulating treatment, like those we’ve discussed here.
I personally microneedled monthly for years, but since investing in CO₂ Fractional Laser, I’ve switched over and haven’t looked back.
PDO Mono Threads:
PDO Mono Threads are a treatment I genuinely love and have done once a year, alongside CO₂ Fractional Laser.
I focus PDOs around my neck and jawline—my insurance policy against jowls and sagging!
What makes PDOs different? They offer something no other treatment does—structural support.
🕸️ Here’s why:
When inserted, PDO threads create a mesh-like structure under the skin, offering immediate support.
As collagen forms around the dissolving threads, it locks into that tight mesh formation, keeping the skin firm and lifted even after the threads are gone (around the 3-4 month mark).
This reinforces the skin—acting as a natural scaffolding system that helps prevent sagging over time.
When done properly, PDOs are bloody amazing—and that’s why I’ll never stop having them as part of my anti-aging routine.
CO₂ Fractional Laser:
The other treatment I regularly have is CO₂ Fractional Laser (non-ablative).
✅ Targets the entire face—including right under the eyes
✅ Quick, easy, and nearly painless
✅ Minimal downtime (a few days of redness)
✅ Extremely low risk—similar to PDO threads
✅ Affordable compared to other biostimulatory treatments
For me, CO₂ laser ticks all the boxes—it’s one of the most cost-effective and effective ways to stimulate collagen, improve skin texture, and maintain youthful skin long term.
The only thing it doesn’t do is full skin resurfacing (though you do get a bit of mild peeling). If resurfacing is your goal, you’d need the fully ablative CO₂ laser instead.
The Bottom Line:
All biostimulatory treatments create collagen—but they vary in price, effectiveness, downtime, and specific benefits. Each one has its place in aesthetics, but ultimately, you need to choose the one that fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Your decision should be based on:
Frequency (How often are you willing to get treatments?)
Price (What fits your budget?)
Downtime (How much recovery time can you handle?)
Effectiveness (Do you want immediate results or long-term prevention?)
If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, I’m happy to help.
Contact me, and we can arrange a consultation to go over your best options!
PDO threads are a powerful tool for long-term collagen support—see how they work.
Not all treatments stimulate collagen equally—find out which is best for you.
Σχόλια