Fibroblast: the cell that produces collagen
Quick facts
- Definition
- Connective tissue cell that produces collagen, elastin and other components of the matrix.
- Where it is
- Mainly in the dermis.
- Stimulus
- Mechanical tension, chemical signals and some biostimulator materials.
- With age
- Fewer active fibroblasts, which produce less and respond worse.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Biological basis of neocollagenesis and collagen biostimulation.
The fibroblast is the most common cell of connective tissue and the main one responsible for making the "structure" of the skin. In the dermis, it produces collagen, elastin and other molecules that form the extracellular matrix, the scaffold where cells live.
What does the fibroblast do?
Besides producing the components of the matrix, the fibroblast helps reorganize and repair it. When the skin is wounded, fibroblasts migrate to the site and produce new material to heal. Under normal conditions, they carry out quiet, continuous maintenance.
What happens with age and sun?
Over time, the number of active fibroblasts falls, and those that remain produce less and respond worse to stimuli. The result is a matrix with less collagen and poorer-quality elastic fibers, which shows up as thinning, sagging and wrinkles. Aggressors such as sun, smoking and pollution speed up this process.
What does this have to do with biostimulation?
The logic of collagen biostimulators is to provoke a controlled stimulus in the tissue that "wakes up" the fibroblasts, leading to the production of new collagen, or neocollagenesis. The response is not immediate, usually appears over weeks or months and varies from person to person. The quality of the patient's fibroblasts influences the result.
How to explain it to the patient?
Align expectations through the informed consent.
In Harmy
The app's projection is an AI-generated image over the frontal photo, based on the ml and intensity marked. It does not simulate biostimulation or collagen production.
Also known as: connective tissue cell.
Frequently asked questions
What does the fibroblast do in the skin?
It produces and organizes collagen, elastin and other substances of the dermal matrix, which supports the skin and gives it elasticity.
Do biostimulators activate fibroblasts?
The idea behind biostimulators is to provoke a stimulus in the tissue that makes fibroblasts produce new collagen. The intensity of the response varies between people and should not be promised.