What is regenerative aesthetics?

Regenerative aesthetics is a category of treatments that stimulate the skin's intrinsic repair mechanisms using biological agents — growth factors, polynucleotides, cellular signalling molecules — rather than adding exogenous volume or removing tissue. The goal is to restore the biological conditions for collagen synthesis, cellular renewal and tissue repair that decline with age and cumulative sun exposure. It is distinct from volumetric correction with fillers and from ablative or thermal energy treatments, though it is frequently used in combination with both to optimise clinical outcomes.

PRP vs. exosomes vs. peptides: what is the difference and which is permitted in Brazil?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is well-established, ANVISA-approved and fully permissible as an injectable treatment in Brazil. PDRN (polynucleotides, e.g. Rejuran) is ANVISA-cleared and injectable. Injectable exosomes are NOT approved by ANVISA in Brazil as of 2026 — only topical exosome formulations, applied after microneedling or laser to exploit skin permeability, are permissible. Topical peptides are established cosmeceutical ingredients. Injectable peptide protocols are investigational and not recommended at this stage. Patients should be cautious of any clinic offering injectable exosomes in Brazil, as this falls outside current regulatory approval.

How do costs compare to conventional aesthetic procedures?

Regenerative treatments span a broad cost range depending on the modality. PRP is typically the most accessible option, as the primary input is the patient's own blood and the procedure is straightforward. PDRN occupies a mid-range position reflecting the cost of the pharmaceutical polynucleotide product. Topical exosome preparations, when applied as adjuncts to laser or microneedling sessions, carry an additional premium. A meaningful cost comparison requires a clinical consultation, as the appropriate protocol varies significantly by indication and individual skin biology.

Who is the best candidate for regenerative aesthetic treatment?

The ideal candidate presents with diffuse skin quality decline — reduced luminosity, impaired texture, fine-line latticing, slow wound healing — rather than primarily structural volume loss. Patients aged 35-60 with cumulative photodamage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or androgenetic alopecia are frequently well-matched. Regenerative treatments also benefit patients recovering from energy-based procedures or fat grafting. Contraindications include active skin infection, autoimmune skin disorders, haematological conditions and current anticoagulant therapy without specialist clearance.

What evidence supports regenerative aesthetic treatments?

The evidence base varies by modality. PRP for skin rejuvenation and scalp hair loss is supported by multiple randomised controlled trials; Abuaf et al. (Dermatol Surg 2016) is among the frequently cited studies demonstrating measurable improvements in skin texture and elasticity. PDRN has published evidence in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal supporting its use in skin repair, periorbital rejuvenation and post-acne scarring. Topical exosomes represent an earlier stage of clinical investigation; the biological rationale is sound, but large randomised trial data are not yet available. Injectable peptide protocols remain investigational in most regulatory frameworks including Brazil.

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative aesthetic medicine in Brasília: PRP, exosomes, peptides

Evidence-stratified biostimulatory protocols — from well-established autologous PRP to emerging polynucleotide therapies — tailored to each patient's skin biology and clinical goals at INTI clinic, Lago Sul, Brasília.

Book Consultation

What regenerative aesthetics is — and what distinguishes it from conventional treatments

Regenerative aesthetic medicine refers to a class of treatments that work by activating or supplementing the skin's own repair and renewal mechanisms, rather than filling volume with exogenous materials or ablating tissue with energy. Where hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost structural support and laser devices create controlled injury to stimulate collagen via heat, regenerative modalities supply biological signals — growth factors, polynucleotides, cellular messengers — that instruct resident fibroblasts, stem cells and keratinocytes to accelerate their own remodelling activity.

The distinction is clinically meaningful. A patient who presents with diffuse skin quality decline — loss of luminosity, fine-line latticing, uneven texture, slow wound healing — may derive limited benefit from volumetric correction alone. Regenerative protocols address the cellular substrate of ageing: mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired collagen synthesis, reduced epidermal turnover and cumulative oxidative damage.

In practice, this means treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), polynucleotide (PDRN) injections, topical preparations applied through delivery channels, and, in emerging research, certain peptide formulations. Each operates through a distinct biological pathway, carries a different level of clinical evidence, and is most effective when selected for the correct indication — frequently combined with complementary procedures that create the dermal environment in which biological signals can act most efficiently.

At INTI clinic in Lago Sul, Brasília, regenerative medicine is a core component of the practice of Dr. Thiago Perfeito, CRM-DF 23199. Protocols are stratified by evidence tier and adapted to the individual patient's skin biology, age-related physiology and cosmetic objectives.

Ask a question on WhatsApp →

PRP, PDRN, exosomes and peptides: comparing the modalities by evidence tier

The four principal categories of regenerative aesthetic treatment differ substantially in their mechanism, regulatory status in Brazil and the depth of clinical evidence supporting them.

PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma (Established; ANVISA-approved; injectable): Prepared from 8-12 ml of the patient's own blood, centrifuged to concentrate platelets, which are then reinjected into the dermis or applied topically. The concentrated platelet fraction releases growth factors — PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF — that stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Multiple controlled trials support its use for facial skin quality improvement and androgenetic alopecia. PRP is autologous and carries no risk of allergic reaction to an exogenous substance.
PDRN — Polynucleotides / Rejuran (Established; ANVISA-cleared; injectable): PDRN consists of purified polynucleotide chains derived from salmon sperm DNA, injected intradermally. It activates A2A adenosine receptors to promote tissue repair, accelerate wound healing and support de novo collagen synthesis. Published evidence in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal supports its use for skin quality, post-acne scarring and periorbital rejuvenation. PDRN is a distinct molecule from exosomes — the two are frequently conflated in patient-facing marketing, inaccurately.
Topical exosomes (Emerging adjunct; ANVISA-permissible in topical form only): Exosome-based preparations contain extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells. In Brazil, injectable exosomes are NOT permitted by ANVISA as of 2026. Topical formulations may be applied immediately after microneedling or fractional laser to exploit transient skin permeability — a delivery strategy under active clinical investigation.
Peptides (Topical: established cosmeceutically; injectable: investigational): Topical peptides — palmitoyl tripeptide-1, GHK-Cu and related sequences — are well-characterised cosmeceutical ingredients with evidence of fibroblast stimulation in vitro. Injectable or subcutaneous peptide protocols remain investigational and are not recommended at this stage.

Ideal candidates, combination strategies and cost context in Brasília

Regenerative aesthetic treatments are best suited to patients who present with skin quality concerns rather than, or in addition to, structural volume loss. The prototypical candidate is aged 35-60, notices progressive decline in skin luminosity, texture uniformity and healing speed, and seeks improvement that appears gradual and biological rather than immediately apparent as a cosmetic procedure. Patients with androgenetic alopecia resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy represent another well-matched group for PRP scalp protocols.

These treatments also serve as effective adjuncts to energy-based procedures. PRP applied immediately after fractional laser or microneedling augments the healing response and may potentiate collagen deposition. PDRN is particularly well-suited to patients with periorbital thinning, post-inflammatory marks or chronic photodamage. For patients undergoing fat grafting or structural filling, a regenerative protocol in the weeks following the procedure can optimise the tissue environment for graft retention and remodelling.

Patients who are not suitable candidates include those with active infections, autoimmune conditions affecting the skin, haematological disorders, current anticoagulant therapy without specialist clearance, or pregnancy. A thorough medical history is taken at consultation before any protocol is proposed.

On cost: regenerative treatments in Brasília vary by modality. PRP is generally the most accessible entry point; PDRN occupies a mid-range position reflecting the cost of the pharmaceutical input; topical exosome adjuncts add a premium when applied in conjunction with energy procedures. A direct cost comparison is best addressed in consultation, where the clinical indication and proposed protocol can be defined precisely.

Dr. Thiago Perfeito, CRM-DF 23199, consults at INTI clinic, Lago Sul, Brasília. Last reviewed 21 June 2026.

Dr. Thiago Perfeito

CRM-DF 23199 · Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine

Physician with more than 10 years of practice in aesthetic and regenerative medicine. Master's degree in Aesthetic Medicine (2024). International training at Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic. Member of ASLMS, A4M, AMS, and NYAS. Practicing in Brasília, Lago Sul.

Learn about Dr. Thiago →

Frequently asked questions about Regenerative aesthetic

What is regenerative aesthetics?

Regenerative aesthetics is a category of treatments that stimulate the skin's intrinsic repair mechanisms using biological agents — growth factors, polynucleotides, cellular signalling molecules — rather than adding exogenous volume or removing tissue. The goal is to restore the biological conditions for collagen synthesis, cellular renewal and tissue repair that decline with age and cumulative sun exposure. It is distinct from volumetric correction with fillers and from ablative or thermal energy treatments, though it is frequently used in combination with both to optimise clinical outcomes.
PRP vs. exosomes vs. peptides: what is the difference and which is permitted in Brazil?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is well-established, ANVISA-approved and fully permissible as an injectable treatment in Brazil. PDRN (polynucleotides, e.g. Rejuran) is ANVISA-cleared and injectable. Injectable exosomes are NOT approved by ANVISA in Brazil as of 2026 — only topical exosome formulations, applied after microneedling or laser to exploit skin permeability, are permissible. Topical peptides are established cosmeceutical ingredients. Injectable peptide protocols are investigational and not recommended at this stage. Patients should be cautious of any clinic offering injectable exosomes in Brazil, as this falls outside current regulatory approval.
How do costs compare to conventional aesthetic procedures?

Regenerative treatments span a broad cost range depending on the modality. PRP is typically the most accessible option, as the primary input is the patient's own blood and the procedure is straightforward. PDRN occupies a mid-range position reflecting the cost of the pharmaceutical polynucleotide product. Topical exosome preparations, when applied as adjuncts to laser or microneedling sessions, carry an additional premium. A meaningful cost comparison requires a clinical consultation, as the appropriate protocol varies significantly by indication and individual skin biology.
Who is the best candidate for regenerative aesthetic treatment?

The ideal candidate presents with diffuse skin quality decline — reduced luminosity, impaired texture, fine-line latticing, slow wound healing — rather than primarily structural volume loss. Patients aged 35-60 with cumulative photodamage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or androgenetic alopecia are frequently well-matched. Regenerative treatments also benefit patients recovering from energy-based procedures or fat grafting. Contraindications include active skin infection, autoimmune skin disorders, haematological conditions and current anticoagulant therapy without specialist clearance.
What evidence supports regenerative aesthetic treatments?

The evidence base varies by modality. PRP for skin rejuvenation and scalp hair loss is supported by multiple randomised controlled trials; Abuaf et al. (Dermatol Surg 2016) is among the frequently cited studies demonstrating measurable improvements in skin texture and elasticity. PDRN has published evidence in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal supporting its use in skin repair, periorbital rejuvenation and post-acne scarring. Topical exosomes represent an earlier stage of clinical investigation; the biological rationale is sound, but large randomised trial data are not yet available. Injectable peptide protocols remain investigational in most regulatory frameworks including Brazil.

Consult on a regenerative protocol tailored to your skin biology

Dr. Thiago Perfeito, CRM-DF 23199, conducts in-depth consultations at INTI clinic, Lago Sul, Brasília. Regenerative protocols are selected by indication and evidence tier. International patients and Brasília-based diplomats and expatriates are welcome. Schedule your consultation via WhatsApp.

Book on WhatsApp Browse all procedures