After years of overfilled faces and instant-plump injections, the pendulum in aesthetics has swung toward subtlety. The new standard is regeneration, with treatments that teach the body to rebuild what time has thinned.
From exosome therapy to ultrasound skin-lifting and collagen biostimulators, the next generation of treatments blurs the line between dermatology and biotechnology. Often, treatments stand up to—or even rival— the results of surgery, but require only days of downtime and maintenance measured in months, not years. But with so many new technologies flooding the market, knowing where to invest your time and money requires expert guidance. We spoke to three of Southwest Florida’s top aesthetics physicians to share which treatments are worth the hype.
Exosome Therapy: The Cellular Reset
Dr. Irene Gladstein, Project Glammers
For Naples oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Irene Gladstein, exosome therapy is one of the most exciting innovations in the field. While it has long been explored in medical contexts, using exosomes in aesthetic practices is relatively recent.
Photography by Brian Tietz
Irene Gladstein next gen aesthetic treatments
“Results continue to build with a series of treatments and can be maintained through healthy habits, medical-grade skincare and occasional touch-ups.”
Tiny, naturally occurring messenger cells, exosomes reawaken the body’s renewal processes. Biotech labs package them as serums applied topically to deliver regenerative signals deep into the skin. The result: reduced redness and inflammation, accelerated healing, improved firmness and texture, revived thinning hair, and calmer skin for those prone to breakouts. “Most patients begin noticing improvements within a few weeks, as skin and hair gradually appear smoother, firmer and more vibrant,” she says, adding that the treatment is also used on the neck and chest, hands, and for scars and stretch marks.
The treatment is delivered through microchannels, usually created with microneedling, though some providers add radiofrequency for enhanced collagen stimulation or a laser treatment to reach deeper layers. The most common side effect is temporary redness from the microneedling. Dr. Gladstein often uses a ‘sandwich’ technique, applying exosomes before and after treatment to boost absorption, accelerate healing and create a luminous finish.
For anyone considering the treatment, she emphasizes the importance of knowing how exosomes are sourced. With so many new players entering the market and no formal FDA regulation in place, product quality can vary significantly. She partners only with U.S.-based companies that meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards for traceability and quality control.
Results build gradually, so she recommends three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by one or two maintenance treatments a year. “Many clients describe exosome therapy as their skin’s reset button,” she says. “It isn’t just a trend—it represents the future of regenerative aesthetics.” irenegladsteinmd.com
Ultherapy Prime: The Sonar Lift
Dr. Kiran Gill, Naples Aesthetic Institute
You may be familiar with Ultherapy, the ultrasound-based treatment that promises a lift without incisions. Introduced more than a decade ago, the FDA-approved device earned a loyal following for its results—and a reputation for discomfort.
Photography by Brian Tietz
Dr. Kiran Gill next gen aesthetic treatments
“Patients who have been consistent with these treatments age better and delay surgical lifting by several years.”
Naples plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Kiran Gill, founder of Naples Aesthetic Institute, hadn’t considered offering the treatment until the next-generation Ultherapy Prime launched in late 2024. The device refines the original concept with gentler, faster treatments; a smoother delivery of energy; and technology that lets the provider see precisely where they’re working. “We can accurately target the right tissue,” she says.
Suitable for the full face and neck, Prime consists of a single $5,000 treatment, repeated every 12 to 18 months. During a treatment, Dr. Gill maps the face to identify areas of laxity, then uses ultrasound energy at different depths—deeper levels to address sagging, more superficial passes to smooth fine lines and texture. “It boosts a patient’s own collagen and elastin production, creating a non-invasive lift with no downtime,” the doctor says. “The results are continual.”
Best suited for clients in their 30s to 60s who still produce natural collagen, the treatment appeals to those looking for lift and definition. It’s also useful for recent facelift patients who want to preserve their results. The goal is to continue building collagen as we age, she adds.
She often pairs the treatment with other rejuvenating approaches (lasers, microneedling or injectables) as time passes for enhanced results. “It doesn’t stop aging, and it’s not a replacement for surgery,” Dr. Gill says. “But it helps to slow down the clock.” kirangillmd.com
Injectable Biostimulators: The Internal Build
Dr. Cyndi Yag-Howard, Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology
Where traditional fillers rely on gel to create instant volume, injectable biostimulators take a more natural approach to achieve results that are more gradual and longer-lasting. “[They] encourage our bodies to generate new cells and, in some cases, replace less-functioning or tired older cells with new, more vital ones,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Cyndi Yag-Howard, of Yag-Howard Cosmetic Dermatology in Naples.
Courtesy Dr. Cyndi Yag-Howard
Dr. Cyndi Yag-Howard next gen aesthetic treatments
“I have used Renuva on my hands and saw an impressive improvement, with visible reduction in the appearance of hand veins and boniness.”
Several FDA-approved options have become mainstays: Radiesse, Sculptra and Renuva. Made of calcium-hydroxylapatite microspheres, Radiesse lifts immediately while stimulating collagen over time. Dr. Yag-Howard likes to use it on the face, as well as the upper arms, chest and above the knees. Sculptra, once used in dissolvable sutures, rebuilds collagen gradually for results that last up to two years. Renuva, the most novel, originated in reconstructive medicine and differs by prompting the body to generate new fat cells—ideal for thin faces or veiny, bony hands.
Dr. Yag-Howard often uses Sculptra to restore facial volume and smooth the chest and upper arms, Radiesse to lift the cheeks and define the jawline, and Renuva to replenish fat in delicate areas such as the temples and backs of the hands. Treatments typically take under half an hour with little to no downtime.
Though these injectables have existed for years, demand has surged as patients seek subtler, longer-lasting results. Updated formulas and refined techniques—now with layered or diluted applications—also continue to improve comfort and outcomes. “My goal is always to help you look refreshed, rejuvenated and vibrant, not altered,” Dr. Yag-Howard says. “People notice you look great, but they can’t quite put their finger on why.” yhderm.com