Polylactic Acid Filling (Plla - Lanluma, Sculptra)

Polylactic acid filler is a biostimulant technology that creates a revolution in skin rejuvenation. Applied with FDA-approved brands such as Sculptra® and Lanluma®, this method, when injected under the skin, naturally triggers collagen production and restructures the skin from the inside out over time. Instead of sudden swelling, it provides natural freshness, firmness, and fullness that develops within weeks. That is, your face looks younger and more rested, but no one understands that you have had an aesthetic procedure.

What is the difference of POLYLACTIC ACID FILLER (PLLA – LANLUMA, SCULPTRA) compared to other fillers (Hyaluronic acid)?

Polylactic acid fillers, unlike classical fillers, “remind” your subcutaneous tissues to produce collagen. In this way, instead of instant fullness, a natural, balanced, and youthful appearance that develops over time is achieved.

Do not let the term “volume” scare you; the goal of this procedure is not to inflate the face, but to restore the areas that gradually hollow out with age to a healthy form.
The result? A face that is not swollen, but healthy, fresh, and reshaped… Moreover, everyone notices, but no one understands what you have had done.

How Does It Work?

When injected under the skin, polylactic acid filler activates the body’s own repair mechanism. It shows its effect in three main ways:

  1. Collagen Stimulation:
    The microparticles in its content stimulate fibroblasts and start the production of new collagen. This allows the support structures under the skin to be rebuilt. Over time, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more elastic.
  2. Activation of Fat Cells:
    Recent studies show that polylactic acid stimulates not only collagen but also local fat cells, creating natural fullness in areas with volume loss. This provides a youthful and balanced appearance especially in facial contours.
  3. Lifting Effect:
    Strengthening of the subcutaneous tissues supports the face upward from within. In this way, a visible but non-surgical “lifting effect” occurs.

The result?
A fresh face that looks as if no filler has been injected, but resists time from within. The same you, only a more rested, livelier, and better version.

What Are the Benefits?

• Stimulates collagen production:
Reconstructs the skin from the inside, increases its firmness and elasticity.
• Eliminates volume loss naturally. Provides natural fullness over time:
Balances facial volume loss without swelling.
• Creates a lifting effect:
Sagging tissues are lifted upward, the facial oval is tightened.
• Improves skin quality:
Fine lines, dullness, and rough texture decrease over time.
• Facial expression appears rested and fresh:
Sunken and tired appearance is replaced by a healthy expression.
• Long-lasting:
Effects continue for 18–24 months, offering results that improve over time.
• Provides rejuvenation without surgery:
Applied without incisions, stitches, or long recovery periods.
• Gives natural and unnoticeable results:
You receive the comment “You look great!” instead of “What did you have done?”

Does It Provide a Natural Appearance?

Yes, polylactic acid filler is the ideal choice for those seeking natural results. Because the goal in this application is not to create artificial volume instantly, but to repair the subcutaneous tissues and enable the body to produce its own collagen over time.

Slow and controlled effect:
In the first weeks after the procedure, collagen production begins within the tissue. The effect develops over weeks, so people only comment “You look good,” but cannot understand what you have had done.

Expressions do not change, your expression is preserved:
Facial lines soften, but your personal facial expressions remain the same. You are still you; only a more energetic, healthier, and more rested version.

When performed with the correct technique, the face never looks swollen or filled.
Subtly supported contours provide a freshness that seems to come from within.

Beauty spread over time:
It is not a filler material, but an intelligent system that produces collagen. Therefore, the results never look exaggerated or artificial.

Who Is It Suitable For?

• People with facial volume loss, hollowness, or a tired expression
(Those wanting fullness and lifting in areas such as cheekbones, temples, jawline)
• Those experiencing loosening, dullness, and thinning due to collagen loss
• Those who want natural-looking but effective rejuvenation
(Those wanting to renew their skin without swelling or a frozen appearance)
• Individuals who do not want surgery but want long-lasting results
(Those wanting non-surgical tightening and shaping)
• Those targeting tightening and form gain in body areas such as neck, hands, arms, or buttocks
• Those seeking long-term effect, wanting “lasting beauty, not instant results”

Which Areas Can It Be Applied To?

Polylactic acid filler can be safely applied to many areas of the face and body:

Face Area

• Cheekbones and mid-face line (for volume loss)
• Temples (to correct hollowness)
• Jawline (for jawline definition)
• Lower cheeks (for lifting and fullness)

Neck and Décolleté

• To improve skin quality for fine lines and looseness

Body Area

• Buttocks (for a rounder and more lifted appearance – Lanluma®)
• Hip dips
• Inner upper arm and inner thigh (for sagging treatment and tightening)
• Hands (for thinning and volume loss)

When Are Results Seen?

• The volume seen in the first days after the procedure is temporary and due to the injection fluid.
• The real and lasting effect becomes visible within 4–6 weeks after collagen synthesis starts under the skin.
• The effect reaches its maximum within 2–3 months.
• With each passing week, you notice your skin looking livelier, firmer, and younger.

This procedure is a skin investment that requires patience but rewards you over time.

How Long Does It Last?

• Polylactic acid filler is an application that shows delayed but long-lasting effects.
• The effects of polylactic acid fillers may last for 2–3 years.
• During this period, collagen production is supported, providing lasting results.

Is One Session Enough, or Is Repetition Needed?

• Polylactic acid filler is a “process treatment.”
It restructures the skin over time rather than changing it suddenly.

• Usually 2–3 sessions are recommended.
An interval of 4–6 weeks is left between sessions.
In this way, each application gradually increases collagen production.

• Session number is personalized according to skin type, age, treatment area, and expectations.
• After the effect is established, results can be maintained with a single maintenance session every 18–24 months.

The result?
A gradual yet natural, unnoticeable yet impressive transformation.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

• It is completed within 30–45 minutes.

Is It a Painful Procedure?

• Pain is minimal with local anesthesia.
• Needles or cannulas are used, and the patient usually feels slight pressure.

Can You Return to Social Life Immediately After?

Yes, the recovery process after polylactic acid filler is quite comfortable, and most people can return to social life the same day.

• Mild redness, swelling, or rarely bruising may occur, but these effects usually disappear within 1–3 days.
• Makeup and daily routines are generally possible after the procedure.
• For the first 24–48 hours, hot showers, sauna, heavy exercise, and massage should be avoided. However, a warm shower can be taken from the first day.
• Massaging the treated area for 5 minutes a day, for 5 days is important for even distribution and supporting collagen production.

In short: a renewal process that does not confine you to home and does not interrupt your daily routine awaits you.

What Should Be Considered After the Procedure?

The recovery process is comfortable; however, for results to settle more quickly and evenly, a few simple but important points should be considered:

• Massage for 5 minutes a day, for 5 days:
Gentle circular massage ensures homogeneous distribution.
• Avoid heavy exercise for 24–48 hours:
Heat-increasing activities may increase temporary swelling.
• Avoid excessive pressure:
Do not press on the area or sleep face-down for the first few days.
• Wait a few hours before applying makeup:
Do not touch your skin to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
• Drink plenty of water:
Hydration is essential for collagen production.
• Do not forget sun protection:
Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for the first days; use SPF 50+ when going outside.

Is the Procedure Safe?

Yes, polylactic acid filler (Lanluma®, Sculptra®) is medically safe and scientifically proven.

FDA and CE approved:
Sculptra® and Lanluma® are reliable products used for many years in both the USA and Europe.

Biocompatible and naturally dissolves in the body:
Polylactic acid has been used in medicine for many years and is metabolized naturally.

Low allergy risk:
Contains no animal-derived or toxic substances.

Minimal complication risk when done correctly:
When performed by an experienced dermatologist, side-effect risk is extremely low. Small lumps, rarely seen, can be prevented with proper dilution and massage.

Low-risk alternative to surgery:
Effective and safe for those wanting non-surgical rejuvenation and shaping.

Nothing comes before safety in beauty. Therefore, the procedure must be performed by an expert dermatologist, with proper planning and the right product.

Are There Side Effects?

• Mild redness, rarely bruising and swelling may occur, but these usually resolve within 3–5 days.
• Rarely, small nodules may occur, but these resolve with regular massage.

Can Everyone Have It? Who Is Not Recommended?

• Those in pregnancy and breastfeeding periods
• Those with active infection, autoimmune disease, or cold sore
• Those with connective tissue diseases
• Those with a history of keloid scars
• Those who previously reacted to polylactic acid

Will There Be Redness, Bruising, or Swelling After?

• Yes, mild swelling and bruising may occur, but usually disappear within a few days.
• They can be minimized with ice, arnica, and cica cream.

Is Extra Care Required After the Procedure?

No, there is no special or demanding care protocol. However, to support results and maximize benefits:

Massage is the most important supportive step:
5 minutes a day for 5 days.
Drink plenty of water to support collagen production.
Use sunscreen due to temporary sensitivity.
• Optional medical skincare products may be used with your doctor’s advice.

Is Regular Treatment Necessary?

Polylactic acid filler is not maintenance; it is an investment.
It does not require constant repetition after the initial treatment, but to maintain long-term effects, renewal every 2–3 years is recommended.

What Are the Differences Between Polylactic Acid (Lanluma®, Sculptra®) and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse®)?

CriteriaPolylactic Acid Fillers (Lanluma®, Sculptra®)Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler (Radiesse®)
MechanismStimulates collagen productionStimulates collagen + provides immediate volume
Volume EffectIncreases slowly (over weeks)Immediately visible
When It WorksStarts to appear after 4–6 weeksGives immediate volume, collagen starts in 2–3 months
Longevity18–24 months12–18 months
StructureLiquid – spreads, gives natural appearanceGel-like – more defined form
Application AreasFace, buttocks, temples, jawline, arm, thighFace, hand, neck, jawline
Ideal ProfileThose wanting gradual, natural, long-lasting resultsThose wanting instant results
Massage RequiredYes, mandatory for 5 daysNo, generally not required
Effect on Skin QualityImproves graduallyProvides faster improvement
Lifting EffectStrongFaster but shorter-lasting
CompatibilityEasily combined with other treatmentsStrong effect especially alone in hands