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. 2025 May;24(5):e70210.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.70210.

Clinical Evaluation of an Innovative CaHA Bio-Stimulator in Facial Rejuvenation: 1 Year Follow-Up

Giseli Petrone  1 , Caroline Leão  2 , Danilo Morais  3 , Eliza Ducati  4 , Matheus Kasai  2 , Renata Viana  2
Affiliations

Clinical Evaluation of an Innovative CaHA Bio-Stimulator in Facial Rejuvenation: 1 Year Follow-Up

Giseli Petrone et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Skin aging is characterized by wrinkles, loss of elasticity, laxity, and rough texture, resulting from degenerative changes in the skin's layers. Effective treatments targeting skin structure are increasingly sought after in aesthetic medicine.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of STIIM, a novel calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)-based bio-stimulator, in facial rejuvenation.

Patients/methods: Thirty-two patients aged 35-59 received diluted CaHA injections. Outcomes were assessed through patient satisfaction surveys and objective measurements, including ultrasound evaluation of dermal thickness. Follow-ups were conducted at 120 and 360 days post-procedure. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events.

Results: At 120 days post-treatment, 85% of patients reported visible aesthetic improvements, and ultrasound assessments in a subset of patients demonstrated a significant 51% increase in dermal thickness, indicating improved skin structure. At 360 days, 75% of the patients continued to report aesthetic benefits, confirming the durability of the results. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported throughout the study period.

Conclusions: This novel CaHA-based bio-stimulator demonstrates a safe and effective profile for facial rejuvenation, providing significant aesthetic and structural improvements with long-lasting results. It offers a promising option for addressing the challenges of skin aging.

Keywords: calcium hydroxilapatite; patient satisfaction; skin laxity.

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Conflict of interest statement

M.K., D.M., and C.L. provide lectures and training on behalf of Ilikia Brasil, the distributor of the product used in this study. R.V. serves as a scientific consultant for Ilikia Brasil. G.P. previously delivered lectures for Ilikia Brasil but currently has no affiliation with the company. E.D., who was responsible for the ultrasound analyses in the study, declares no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Ligament line (in black) and fan‐shaped distribution pattern (in yellow) for the application of the CaHA biostimulator on the face.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Three‐dimensional photographic evaluations of a 48‐year‐old patient pre (D0), 120‐ and 360‐days post treatment.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Three‐dimensional photographic evaluations of a 40‐year‐old patient pre (D0), 120‐ and 360‐days post treatment.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Three‐dimensional photographic evaluations of a 57‐year‐old patient pre (D0), 120‐ and 360‐days post treatment.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Patient‐Self‐Assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). This graph presents the distribution of patients based on their own self‐assessments using the GAIS 120 and 360 days after the procedure.
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
Immediate post‐procedure ultrasound image showing the distribution of the CaHA‐based biostimulator (STIIM) within the superficial subcutaneous layer. The hyperechoic areas, indicated by the arrow, correspond to the calcium hydroxyapatite biostimulator, demonstrating its uniform distribution within the tissue.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 7
Epidermal/dermal thickness pre‐procedure and at 120 days after treatment.
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