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.
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.
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.
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.
Sickles, C. K., Nassereddin, A., & Gross, G. P. (2021). Poly-L-Lactic Acid. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/
Skin Experts. (n.d.). Asds.net. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/injectables/injectable-poly-l-lactic-acid
Cabral, L. R. B., Teixeira, L. N., Gimenez, R. P., Demasi, A. P. D., Junior, R. B. de B., Araújo, V. C. de, & Martinez, E. F. (2020). 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, 13, 701–710. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S266015
Fitzgerald, R., & Vleggaar, D. (2011). Facial volume restoration of the aging face with poly-l-lactic acid. Dermatologic Therapy, 24(1), 2–27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01375.x
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