Poly-L-lactic Acid, also known as PLLA fillers, has become a standout option thanks to its long-term facial-rejuvenation feature. While fillers in non-surgical aesthetic treatments usually focus only on volume, PLLA’s ability to restore one’s own collagen and skin tissue makes it a safer option than others.
In Turkey, the most attractive country for PLLA fillers, the cost for each syringe is approximately $150 to $450.
As a leading clinic for medical tourism in Turkey, we specialize in advanced biostimulators like PLLA, ensuring international safety standards.
In this article, we will discuss the properties of PLLA fillers used in dermal filler treatment, which parts of the body they can or cannot be applied to, and the treatment and recovery process.
With age, our face loses its volume of fat, muscle, skin and bone. Over time this leads to a lax & sunken appearance. At this stage, injectable dermal fillers based on poly-L-lactic acid restore that structure. PLLA is known as a biostimulating dermal filler, meaning that it stimulates your own tissue to produce new collagen. With time, your skin will break down PLLA into water and CO2.
In short, injectable polylactic acid is a synthetic substance that is biodegradable and biocompatible. It has been used for decades in dissolvable surgical stitches. But, unlike HA fillers, it works differently. Instead of making the skin instantly plump, PLLA helps to produce collagen.
Makes your face look more defined, improves your profile and supports your chin.
It fixes the hollow look on the upper part of the face and makes the face look youthful.
It makes the volume of your cheeks more even, and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around your mouth by making the cheekbones firmer.
It makes your face look more even and balanced.
It makes your face look more defined and firm, and it helps reduce the appearance of jowls over time. The jawline is cleaned with antiseptic.
It makes deep smile lines less noticeable over time.
A successful PLLA treatment depends on good pre- and post-treatment care.
Aftercare
You will see the results after 6 weeks to 2 months as new collagen starts to form. This effect is done bit by bit and looks quite natural. Therefore, your skin can feel softer, more elastic and fuller over time.
NOTE: Depending on your goals, you may need 2-3 sessions at 4-6 week intervals.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, poly-L-lactic fillers last up to 2 years, depending on the individual. A scientific article in the National Institutes of Health supports this term, stating that nearly half of the PLLA product can be digested within 6 months.
The total duration of treatment is usually between 1 and 2 years. In general, follow-up treatments are required to maintain the results.
PLLA fillers are not suitable for every body type and cannot be applied to every part of the face or body. For example, lips and areas close to the eyes are at risk for these fillers. Below you can find a table of who the treatment is suitable for and who it is not suitable for:
PLLA fillers are ideal for such patients:
PLLA is not recommended for:
PLLA (e.g., Sculptra) stimulates collagen, and the results can last for more than two years. You can have PLLA for the face, bottom, chest and arms. You can see the first results in 6 to 12 weeks. However, it can’t be reversed.
HA fillers such as Juverderm and Restylane add volume instantly. You can see the results within a few hours. It is shorter than PLLA, lasting between six months and a year. You can use it on the face, lips and under the eyes. It is possible to reverse this process, and hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
To sum it up, PLLA is best for people who prefer results that are natural and regenerative. On the other hand, HA is ideal for those wanting quick volume.
Feature | Details & Specifications |
Treatment Type | Non-surgical bio-stimulatory injectable |
Primary Goal | Natural collagen production & volume restoration |
Target Areas | Nasolabial folds, chin wrinkles, hollow cheeks, and temples |
Procedure Time | 30 – 45 minutes |
Anesthesia | Local anesthetic or numbing cream |
Results Visibility | Gradual (optimal results after 4-6 weeks) |
Longevity | Up to 24 months (2 years) |
Recommended Sessions | Typically 2-3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart |
Recovery Period | Minimal (1-2 days of slight swelling or bruising) |
Best For: Overall facial hollowing, deep skin folds, and long-term volume restoration.
How it Works: It is a bio-stimulator. Instead of physically filling the wrinkle, it triggers your body’s natural collagen production.
Results: Results are gradual (visible after 4-6 weeks) but very natural-looking.
Longevity: One of the longest-lasting options, with results remaining visible for up to 2 years.
Reversibility: Cannot be dissolved manually; it is naturally metabolized by your body over time.
Best For: Fine lines, lip enhancement, and immediate hydration.
How it Works: It is a physical gel that binds to water molecules to provide instant volume.
Results: You see the final effect immediately after the injection.
Longevity: Typically lasts between 6 to 12 months.
Reversibility: Fully reversible using an enzyme called Hyaluronidase.
Best For: Jawline contouring, hand rejuvenation, and deep wrinkles.
How it Works: It provides a dual action instant physical lift and long-term collagen stimulation.
Results: Provides immediate correction with improved skin quality over the following months.
Longevity: Generally lasts between 12 to 18 months.
More than just competitive pricing, opting for your Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) treatment in Istanbul provides access to first-class medical resources and top-tier specialists. At our clinic, we blend Turkish hospitality with global medical benchmarks.
We put safety first. If you’re thinking of coming to us for hair restoration or high-end skin treatments like PLLA, you can be confident that we’re following all the medical standards to keep you safe and sound.
Yes, certain choices can affect how long the effects of PLLA fillers last. For instance, smoking, alcoholism, pot, poor skin care, and excessive sun exposure can accelerate the breakdown of collagen on your skin. This may shorten the duration of the results. In contrast, a healthy living style, including the use of sun screen, proper skin care, and a nutritious diet, can help extend the benefits of PLLA treatments.
Yes, at Vantage Clinic we can combine PLLA fillers. For example, a common combination is PLLA with hyaluronic acid fillers. Microneedling, non-surgical rhinoplasty and laser therapy can also improve your skin by improving its texture, shape and tone. Based on your expectations, we can decide your sessions and treatments together.
PLLA fillers like Sculptra® are made from biologically compatible synthetic materials that have been used for decades. Because they contain no animal or human components, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal. That’s why allergy testing is not usually required before treatment.
According to the NIH, PLLA can have some complications. Examples of short-term side effects include oedema, pain, dyschromia, ecchymosis, overcorrection, localised cellulitis and embolism.
Polylactic acid (PLA) has important properties that give it a particular place in the field of medicine. For example, it is biocompatible and has a biodegradable nature. Because of this, it can be used safely in the body and breaks down naturally over time. However, like any filler, the injection of PLA dermal fillers also has some side effects. For example, the most common short-term effects are localized bruising and swelling, while long-term complications include nodules, subcutaneous papules, and granulomas.
The target of polylactic acid treatments is to make the skin firm and elastic. Polylactic acid improves the appearance of wrinkles by bringing volume to the skin. It makes the skin look younger and more oval, and balances skin tone.
Sickles, C. K., Nassereddin, A., & Gross, G. P. Poly-L-Lactic Acid: Mechanism of action, indications, and clinical applications. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing, 2021.
Skin Experts. Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid: Professional skin treatments and injectable guide. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
Cabral, L. R. B., et al. Effect of Hyaluronic Acid and Poly-L-Lactic Acid Dermal Fillers on Collagen Synthesis: An in vitro and in vivo study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020.
Fitzgerald, R., & Vleggaar, D. Facial volume restoration of the aging face with poly-l-lactic acid: Comprehensive clinical review. Dermatologic Therapy, 2011.
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