Face · Injectable
PCL filler, known in Chinese as 少女针, is an injectable made of polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a smooth gel. The gel gives immediate volume, while the microspheres stimulate the skin’s own collagen over the following months. At TruGlow Medical Aesthetics, our doctors use it to help restore lost volume, soften lines and folds, and contour areas such as the jawline and chin.
Treatment time
~30–45 min
Recovery
A few days of swelling
Treatment and recovery times are estimates only. Please consult our Medical Team for advice specific to you.
About the treatment
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer with a long history of medical use, including in dissolvable stitches. In PCL filler, smooth PCL microspheres are suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel.
It stimulates collagen in the areas treated, so the result builds gradually and looks natural. Because it combines immediate correction with collagen stimulation, PCL filler is often described as a collagen-stimulating or hybrid filler. In Chinese it is commonly called 少女针.
1
Smooth, round particles of polycaprolactone that act as a scaffold for new collagen.
2
A carboxymethylcellulose gel that holds the microspheres and provides immediate volume.
3
A biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Both the gel and the microspheres are gradually absorbed and broken down by the body over time.
How it works
PCL filler works by adding volume straight away, then prompting your skin to rebuild its own collagen. Each treatment uses smooth polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel.
Before treatment, the loss of collagen and deeper volume leaves the skin with less support, so folds and hollows form. On the day of treatment, our doctor places the filler beneath these areas and the gel lifts and fills them immediately. Over the following weeks to about three months, the gel is gradually absorbed while the microspheres stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, to build new collagen around them. From about 3 months onwards, this network of your own collagen supports the area as the microspheres are slowly broken down by the body.
Select each stage in the diagram to see what happens beneath the skin.
Day 0: the gel carrier and PCL microspheres are placed beneath the fold, giving immediate volume.
1
The gel carrier and PCL microspheres are placed beneath the fold, lifting and filling the area from the first session.
2
The gel is gradually absorbed while the microspheres encourage fibroblasts to form new collagen around them.
3
A network of your own collagen supports the area, while the microspheres are slowly broken down by the body.
Benefits
The main benefits of PCL filler come from its two actions in one treatment. The gel restores volume from the first session, and the microspheres stimulate your own collagen, so the result continues to develop over the following months and tends to look natural.
How long results last depends on the formulation and the area treated. One treatment can address several concerns, including hollow temples, flattened cheeks, laugh lines and a softer jawline or chin. Recovery is usually limited to a few days of swelling or bruising.
Two actions
The gel gives visible correction from the first session, while collagen stimulation continues over the following months.
What this means: you see a change straight away, and the result can continue to develop.
Natural-looking
Because part of the result comes from your own collagen, changes appear gradually and tend to look natural.
What this means: a result that builds with your skin rather than sitting on top of it.
Duration
Because your own collagen helps hold the result, it tends to last longer than gel alone. Duration depends on the formulation, the area treated and individual factors.
What this means: our doctor will explain how long each formulation is expected to last for you.
Benefits vary between individuals. Our doctors will discuss whether PCL filler suits your goals.
Facial concerns
PCL filler may help with signs of ageing caused by lost volume and weakening facial support. As we age, the fat pads in the temples and cheeks shrink, the collagen and bone that support the face gradually decline, and the skin above begins to fold or sag.
PCL filler is placed beneath these areas to restore volume straight away, while its microspheres stimulate new collagen over the following months. It is commonly used to soften laugh lines and marionette lines, fill hollow temples and flattened cheeks, and refine the jawline and chin. As collagen builds in the treated area, skin may also look firmer. Our doctors will assess your facial structure and advise which concerns it suits.
Hollow temples or flattened cheeks as facial fat and support change with age.
Lines running down from the corners of the mouth.
Thinning skin that has lost some firmness.
5-point pentagram contouring
5-point pentagram contouring places a minimal amount of PCL filler at five points on each side of the face: the temple, the front cheekbone, the back cheekbone, the angle of the jaw and the pre-jowl. Each point is chosen where two or three of the ligaments that support the face intersect, so treating one point may help support several of them at once. Joined up, the five points form a star that gives the upper, mid and lower face a framework of support, rather than filling a single line or fold.
Illustration only, not a patient. The same points are treated on both sides for balance. The exact points, and whether additional areas are added, are planned by our doctor for each face.
Balance
Treating the same five points on both sides of the face keeps the result balanced and in proportion.
Aim: a symmetrical result rather than a single corrected area.
Structure
Each point is placed where the face’s supporting ligaments meet, so one point can support several areas.
Aim: a framework of support that may help the mid and lower face look lifted.
Planned for you
Our doctor assesses your facial structure and adjusts the points and amount used for your face.
Aim: a plan based on your anatomy and goals.
Additional areas may be added where suitable. Your plan is confirmed during consultation.
Treatment options
Several injectables can restore volume. They differ in what they are made of, how results appear and whether they can be dissolved.
| Treatment | What it is | How results appear | Can be dissolved |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCL filler This treatment | PCL microspheres in a gel carrier | Immediate volume, then collagen builds over months | No |
| Hyaluronic acid filler | Crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel | Immediate volume and contour | Yes, with hyaluronidase |
| PLLA collagen biostimulator | Poly-L-lactic acid microparticles | Gradual, over a course of sessions | No |
Hyaluronic acid filler is often chosen when the option to dissolve matters. PCL filler may suit those who want collagen stimulation as part of the result. Our doctors will advise on the most suitable option.
Suitability
Please share your full medical history during consultation so our doctors can advise whether PCL filler is appropriate for you.
Your visit
From assessment to review, each step is planned around your facial structure and goals.
Step 1
Our doctor assesses your facial structure, discusses your goals and plans the injection points and amount.
Step 2
The skin is cleansed, a numbing cream is applied, and the injection points are marked.
Step 3
PCL filler is placed with a fine needle or cannula at the planned points, then gently moulded for an even result.
Step 4
Swelling, tenderness or bruising may last a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and pressing on the area for a few days, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Timeline
Results from PCL filler develop in two stages. You will see added volume straight away, although some swelling is normal for the first few days and can make the area look fuller than the final result. Over the first two weeks, swelling and tenderness settle and the filler softens into place.
Between about one and three months, the gel is gradually absorbed while the microspheres stimulate new collagen, which takes over the supporting role and helps the result look natural. From around three months, most of the support comes from your own collagen. How long results last depends on the formulation used, the area treated and factors such as age and metabolism. Our doctor will advise when to review.
Immediately after
Day 0
Volume is visible straight away, together with some swelling.
Settling
Days 2 to 14
Swelling and tenderness settle, and the area softens.
Collagen building
Months 1 to 3
As the gel is absorbed, new collagen gradually takes over.
Review
Beyond 3 months
How long results last depends on the formulation used and individual factors. Our doctor will advise on review.
Results vary between individuals and depend on factors including age, facial structure, skin quality and the formulation used.
Estimated figures. Our doctors will tailor your plan after assessment.
Treatment time
About 30 to 45 min
Recovery
Swelling or bruising for a few days
Comfort
Topical numbing cream
Results
Immediate, then develop over months
FAQs
Not sure whether PCL filler or another injectable suits you? Our team can help.
PCL filler is an injectable made of polycaprolactone microspheres in a gel carrier. The gel gives immediate volume and is absorbed over time, while the microspheres stimulate new collagen, which helps maintain the result.
Yes. 少女针 is the name commonly used in Chinese for PCL filler, the polycaprolactone-based collagen-stimulating filler described on this page.
It is a treatment plan in which a minimal amount of PCL filler is placed at five points on each side of the face: the temple, the front cheekbone, the back cheekbone, the angle of the jaw and the pre-jowl. Each point is where two or three of the face’s supporting ligaments intersect, so treating it may help support several of them at once. Joined up, the points form a five-pointed star.
Hyaluronic acid filler adds volume with a gel that can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed. PCL filler also adds volume, but stimulates collagen as well and cannot be dissolved. Our doctors will explain which suits your goals.
How long results last depends on the formulation used, the area treated and individual factors such as age and metabolism. Our doctor will discuss expected duration and review timing during consultation.
A numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most people feel pressure and mild discomfort during the injections. Comfort levels vary between individuals.
Swelling, tenderness or bruising may last a few days. Most people return to work within a day or two. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and pressing on the area for a few days.
Common areas include the temples, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, chin and jawline. Our doctor will advise which areas suit your facial structure.
Common effects include swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising, which usually settle within days. Less commonly, lumps or nodules can form. Correct placement and aftercare help lower these risks, and our doctors will explain them before treatment.
The cost depends on the areas treated and the amount of product needed. Please contact our team for current pricing after your assessment.
Our medical team
Get to know the doctors at TruGlow Medical Aesthetics. Our team values authentic beauty and takes a personalised approach, understanding your unique needs and goals.
