Collagen-Induction Therapies

Limelight Medical Aesthetics offers several treatments that help stimulate collagen. Collagen-induction therapies yield long-lasting results to improve and postpone the aging process.

SkinPen® Microneedling


Microneedling is one of the best minimally-invasive treatments you can do to improve your skin quality. Going beyond collagen-induction, microneedling also stimulates elastin and other components of the extracellular matrix, leading to healthier, younger-appearing skin. SkinPen® microneedling is color blind; meaning it is safe for all skin tones.

There is minimal downtime with the procedure, especially when AnteAGE growth factors or exosomes are added. These solutions rapidly improve healing time, while also adding important molecules and chemicals to the skin to further increase the regenerative benefits of microneedling.

Visit our SkinPen® Microneedling page to learn more

  • Treatment Length: 20 min (+30 min for topical numbing)

    Downtime: 24-48 hours

    Contraindications: moderate, active acne, lidocaine allergy

    Best time of year for treatment: year-round

    Recommended number of treatments: 3 - 5 sessions per year

    • $400/session

    • $1000/3 sessions

    • $1650/5 sessions

Chemical Peels - VI Peel and BioRePeel


VI Peel is the #1 chemical peel in the world. It has been proven time and again to be one of the most effective ways to transform the skin. Not only do you see surface improvements at the 7 day mark, the collagen and elastin production, along with melanocyte regulation, continue for weeks afterwards.

BioRePeel is known as the “no peel” peel. It is safe to perform year round, is color-blind, and can be used for skin conditions ranging from active acne, to hyperpigmentation, to fine lines.

The base solution of each is composed of TCA, providing a medium-depth peel, penetrating into the papillary dermis to influence metabolically active fibroblasts to produce collagen.

Visit our Chemical Peels page to learn more

  • Treatment length: 30 min

    Downtime: can resume normal activities at 24 hours.- With VI Peel, you will peel for 7 days- For most patients, BioRePeel has no visible peeling or downtime

    Contraindications: pregnancy, eczema, open wounds

    Best time of year for treatment: both are technically safe year-round, but VI Peel is best during cooler/cloudier months.

    Recommended number of treatments: - VI Peel: 3 peels at 28 day intervals for specific concern or 1 peel quarterly for maintenance- BioRePeel: 1 treatment every 7-10 days for 4 weeks, then as needed for maintenance

    • Acne scars

    • Fine lines and wrinkles

    • Skin laxity

    • Hyperpigmentation

  • VI Peel

    • single treatment: $275 - $350

    • package of 3: $725 - $900 ($100 savings)

    BioRePeel

    • initial treatment sold as a series of 4 - $750

    • follow-up treatments - $175

PDO Smooth Threads


Polydiaxone (PDO) smooth threads are placed under the dermis to stimulate collagen and tighten the surrounding skin. Smooth threads are great for targeting a specific area of the face. They are fantastic to help treat deep set wrinkles that are too dangerous for filler, such as between the eye brows and the forehead. When placed directly under the wrinkle, they can provide some immediate benefit, by lifting the dermis, softening the line.

Over 6-8 weeks, the threads dissolve, activating fibroblasts to stimulate collagen in their wake. This means tighter skin in the area treated. Collagen forms around the thread (observed through the increase in the dermal layer), and improves sagging skin, vascularization and thinning of the superficial fat layer.

Visit our PDO Threads page to learn more

  • Treatment length: 30 min

    Downtime: none, but there can be pain and bruising

    Contraindications: history of keloid formation

    Best time of year for treatment: safe year-round

    Recommended number of treatments: 3 sessions at 6-8 week intervals provide optimal results

    • Skin laxity

    • Fine lines/wrinkles

    • Deep set wrinkles, that are unsafe for dermal filler correction

    • Frown lines: $150

    • Eyes: $200

    • Lips: $200

    • Forehead: $300

    • Laugh lines (nasolabial folds): $300

    • Neck and Jawline: $400


PDO Smooth Threads Treatment Timeline

  • Week 1

    Because PDO smooth threads are inserted with a sharp needle, bruising and pain are common.

  • Week 2-4

    Bruising should be resolved. Oftentimes, patients feel the skin tightening during this phase. In areas that have a lot of movement, you may still have some soreness. Some patients describe a shock or zing around the area the thread was inserted.

  • Week 5 and after

    The threads are mostly dissolved by now and new collagen has formed. Remember that optimal results are seen with 3 sessions, so now is the time to schedule your next treatment.

Hyperdilute Radiesse®


Radiesse® is a truly unique solution that, in its package concentration, is used as a filler for jawline, cheeks, and temples. When diluted with saline, the injectable transforms into a regenerative solution that can dramatically improve skin laxity, fine lines, and skin quality. Radiesse® is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite. These microscopic spheres are dispersed under the skin and directly communicate with fibroblasts to produce collagen type I and III, elastin, proteoglycans, and other components of the extracellular matrix.

There is no other injectable on the market that has the same regenerative and volumizing benefits as hyperdilute Radiesse®.

  • Treatment length: 60 min

    Downtime: mild swelling for 24-36 hrs

    Contraindications: history of keloid formation

    Best time of year for treatment: safe year-round

    Recommended number of treatments: 3 sessions at 8-10 week intervals provide optimal results

    • Sagging skin

    • Skin quality

    • Fine lines/wrinkles

    • Thin skin

  • (prices are per session and represent skin revitalization and not volume replacement)

    • Face: $900

    • Neck: $1250

    • Chest: $1500

    • Elbows/Knees: $900

    • Hands: $900

    • Buttock: $2000

    • Abdomen: $2000

    • In preparation for your treatment, if able, please have cleansed skin. Your skin will be sanitized before injection, but to give best results with least complications, cleansed skin is best.

    • If you enjoy regular exercise, please do so BEFORE your appointment. You cannot exercise for the remainder of the day after treatment, as there is risk for migration of product.

    • To decrease the chance of bleeding (and bruising) it is best to refrain from alcohol, fish oil, aspirin, and turmeric for 3-4 days before your appointment. You can also take arnica daily starting the week before your appointment to help with healing post-treatment. I also recommend taking zyrtec and pepcid the day of your treatment, as it can help with swelling.

    • If you have a history of cold sores, please let us know, as you may need to be on antiviral medication starting a few days before treatment.

    • 24 HOURS AFTER you can resume exercise and apply makeup.

    • AVOID extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.

    • Massage the areas treated in a circular motion 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each, for 5 days after treatment.

    • Wait a minimum of 2 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving laser treatments.

    • You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort.

    • You may apply an ice or cold gel pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising.

    Contact Our Office

    • If you develop signs of infection (increasing swelling, pain, heat, or surrounding redness) or if the treated area appears to be getting worse.

    • If you are experiencing significant pain that is not relieved by the recommended pain medication listed above.

    • If you develop severe swelling, redness, or bruising, that does not improve after two weeks.

    Follow-up

    • 4-6 weeks after each treatment.

    • Additional treatment sessions may be recommended


Hyperdilute Radiesse® Treatment Timeline

  • Day 1-3

    There will be mild swelling in the area treated. Most of the swelling is the diluent used. This is mostly resorbed by 36 hours.
    Massaging the treated area several times a day during this period is recommended, as the action aids in improved distribution of product.

  • Week 2-6

    The swelling should be resolved by now. Continued massage is encouraged if you have any palpable nodules or cords.
    Collagen stimulation starts around week 4 and will continue for several months. You should start to see tissue tightening and skin clarity around week 6.

  • Week 7 and onward

    After your first treatment, you will see improvement in the areas treated. But for best results, it is time to rebook! 2-3 sessions, 8-10 weeks apart, are needed for optimal outcomes.

EXION™ Radiofrequency


Radiofrequency therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production through targeted warming of the tissue. EXION™ is unique in that it provides two different modalities for delivering radiofrequency energy: fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) microneedling and radiofrequency + targeted ultrasound (TUS).

FRF microneedling involves gentle insertion of needles through the skin, with the energy directed at deeper tissues. RF+TUS is topical application of energy that does not involve needles. It not only stimulates collagen and elastin, but also hyaluronic acid production.

Both modalities can be used in a single session for faster and more dramatic results.

While results can be seen after the 2nd treatment, final results are seen 2-3 months after the final treatment.

Unlike SkinPen® microneedling, FRF microneedling can be performed on patients with active acne.

  • Treatment length: 30 - 60 min (+30 min for topical numbing)

    Downtime: 2 - 5 days

    Contraindications: this is not safe for individuals with implanted metal.

    Best time of year for treatment: safe year round, with general sun protection

    Recommended number of treatments: 3-5, based on the concern

    • Acne and surgical scars

    • Fine lines and wrinkles

    • Hooded eyelids

    • Skin laxity

    • Jowling and tiny pockets of excess fat

    • Rosacea

  • (only sold in packages)

    • FRF Microneedling: $2500 (package of 3)

    • RF+TUS is quoted per body area and sold as a package of 4. If FRF is purchased, RF+TUS can be added for 50% off the quoted price.

Sculptra®


Sculptra® is an injectable biostimulator that allows your body to replace lost volume and correct dull skin.

Everyone can benefit from this revolutionary treatment, as it is tailored to your needs. If you have great volume, the solution can be injected more superficially, specifically targeting skin concerns such as texture, laxity, and clarity. If more volume is needed, the injections are placed deep, onto the bone.

Not only is it amazing for the face, but it can be used all over the body! You can improve skin laxity in the neck, over the knees and elbows, and even the buttock and decollete.

If you’re wanting a natural, refreshed look, Sculptra® is a great option.

Visit our Sculptra® page to learn more

  • Treatment length: 30 min

    Downtime: none

    Contraindications: autoimmune disorders requiring systemic treatment

    Best time of year for treatment: year-round

    Recommended number of treatments: 2 - 3 sessions per year

    • Thin skin

    • Volume loss

    • Rough, dull skin

    • Skin clarity

    • Initial treatment is 2 vials: $1600

    • Maintenance treatment: $800/vial