PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid, is known commercially as Sculptra® and Sculptra Aesthetic) is a bio-stimulant used to restore soft tissue volume loss. PLLA is derived from fruit acids. Originally, this product was introduced in 1999 for HIV associated lipoatrophy or severe volume and soft tissue loss. Since that time this product has been used successful to also treat the volume loss associated with aging.
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) stimulates collagen production slowly over time and therefore provides not only volume in a gentle way, but also improves the firmness in the skin. It is good to correct areas of facial fat loss such as the cheeks, the temples, the lateral facial areas and the chin.
It’s also used on body areas such as the buttocks, legs, arms and abdomen.
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PLLA is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance that has been used in medical applications for decades.
Mechanism of Action
- Initial Volume Effect: PLLA is mixed with sterile water, so there is an immediate plumping effect, but this disappears within a few days as the water is absorbed.
- Collagen Stimulation Phase: Over the next several weeks, the PLLA microparticles act as a scaffold, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen in the treated area.
- Gradual, Natural Rejuvenation: The collagen production process continues for months, leading to firmer, more youthful skin with improved texture and elasticity.
- Collagen Restoration: Rebuilds the skin’s structure naturally over time.
- Long-Lasting Results: Effects can last 2+ years, unlike traditional fillers that fade in 6-12 months.
- Skin Tightening & Elasticity Improvement: Enhances skin firmness and reduces laxity.
- Natural-Looking Volume: Avoids an overfilled or artificial appearance.
- Versatile Applications: Can be used for facial volume, skin tightening, and body rejuvenation.
The average number of sessions required for full correction varies from person to person depending on the amount of volume lost.
Typically, 2-3 sessions over a 2-3 month period are required. Over this period, PLLA is discretely building collagen improving the areas of depression.
It goes without saying that the more volume loss a patient has, the more sessions are required.
Also, since collagen remodeling decreases with age, older patients may require more sessions to produce the desired results.
Once the patient is satisfied with the results, treatment results can last up to 2 years.
Given that we continue to age, maintenance is always required as with any filler, bio stimulant or injectable.
A yearly visit is generally recommended.
In many parts of the world PLLA is successfully injected in the body for volume and skin laxity.
An area that is popular for injection is the buttocks, also known as “Sculptra Buttocks Lift” or “non-surgical buttocks injections.”
For the buttocks, PLLA is very good for volume enhancement and creates a lifting effect. It’s also a great injection to improve cellulite, especially in post-liposuction depressions.
It can provide volume in aging arms and improve texture of crêpey skin in the arms and the abdomen.
Like facial injections, several sessions are required. We generally recommend 3 sessions scheduled one month apart, and then reevaluate several months later.
As with the face, results will easily last 1-2 years and maintenance will be required.
PLLA (known commercially as Sculptra® and Sculptra Aesthetic) is approved in Canada for facial injections.
Injections with PLLA (known commercially as Sculptra® and Sculptra Aesthetic) on the body are not approved in Canada and are considered off label.
“ Warning: These photos are published for information purposes only to provide information on the nature of the intervention. They do not constitute any guarantee of results.“
Before and after gallery
