Face · Injectable
A PLLA collagen biostimulator uses poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate the skin’s own collagen production. Instead of filling an area straight away, it restores volume gradually over several months for a natural-looking result. At TruGlow Medical Aesthetics, it is performed by our doctors to help with volume loss, facial hollows and skin firmness.
Treatment time
~30–45 min
Recovery
2–3 days of swelling
Treatment and recovery times are estimates only. Please consult our Medical Team for advice specific to you.
About the treatment
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable material long used in dissolvable medical sutures. As an injectable, PLLA microparticles are reconstituted with sterile water before being injected into selected deeper tissue layers.
Over the following weeks, the body responds by producing new collagen around the particles, which are then broken down naturally. Because the result comes from your own collagen, it develops gradually and a course of sessions is usually needed.
1
Tiny particles of poly-L-lactic acid that prompt the skin to produce new collagen.
2
The PLLA microparticles are suspended in sterile water, allowing them to be distributed throughout the treatment area, and the water is gradually absorbed.
3
The particles are gradually broken down by the body as new collagen takes their place.
How it works
As collagen and facial volume gradually decrease with age, the overlying skin may lose structural support, contributing to folds, hollowing and changes in facial contours.
PLLA works differently from a conventional filler. The sterile water used to suspend the PLLA microparticles can create temporary fullness immediately after treatment, which subsides as the fluid is absorbed. The PLLA microparticles then stimulate gradual collagen production and remodelling over the following weeks and months.
Select each stage in the diagram to see what happens beneath the skin.
Day 0: PLLA microparticles suspended in sterile water are placed in selected deeper tissue layers. The early fullness comes mainly from the water and is temporary.
1
PLLA microparticles suspended in sterile water are placed in selected deeper tissue layers. The early fullness comes mainly from the water and fades within a few days.
2
The microparticles stimulate fibroblasts to form new collagen. Further sessions are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
3
New collagen restores volume and firmness step by step, while the microparticles are broken down naturally by the body.
Benefits
PLLA works through your own collagen rather than a filling gel. How much each benefit applies depends on the areas treated, the number of sessions and your skin.
Collagen-based
PLLA prompts your skin to rebuild collagen, so volume and firmness come from your own tissue.
What this means: changes tend to look natural and in proportion.
Gradual
Results build across a course of sessions, with changes usually visible from 2 to 3 months, rather than all at once.
What this means: a gradual change that develops with your skin.
Duration
Results may last up to about two years in some individuals, depending on age, lifestyle and how your skin responds.
What this means: our doctor will advise on maintenance timing for you.
Benefits vary between individuals. Our doctors will discuss whether PLLA suits your goals.
Facial concerns
PLLA is used for gradual, broad restoration of volume and firmness rather than filling a single line.
Volume loss that makes the face look tired or gaunt.
Skin that has become thinner and less firm over time.
Treatment areas
PLLA is spread across broader areas, rather than single lines, to restore volume where it has been lost.
Upper face
Temple hollowing can make the upper face look narrow or tired.
Aim: a smoother, fuller-looking temple contour.
Mid face
Cheek volume loss can flatten the face and deepen folds.
Aim: restored support across the cheeks.
Lower face
Loss of support can soften the jawline and deepen lines around the mouth.
Aim: a firmer-looking lower face and jawline.
Areas, product preparation and the number of vials are planned by our doctor after assessment.
Treatment options
TruGlow offers more than one treatment that works through collagen. They differ in depth, how results appear and what they are used for.
| Treatment | What it is | How results appear | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLLA collagen biostimulator This treatment | Poly-L-lactic acid microparticles placed deep | Gradually, across the course | Volume loss and firmness |
| PCL filler | Polycaprolactone microspheres in a gel | Immediate volume, then collagen builds | Volume, folds and contouring |
| PDLLA skin booster | Poly-D,L-lactic acid placed more superficially | Gradual change in skin quality | Texture, pores and skin quality |
| Hyaluronic acid filler | Crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel | Immediately | Volume and contour |
PLLA focuses on deeper volume, while the PDLLA skin booster focuses on skin texture and quality. Our doctors will advise which suits your concerns.
Suitability
Please share your full medical history during consultation so our doctors can advise whether PLLA is appropriate for you.
Your visit
From assessment to aftercare, each step is planned around your facial structure and goals.
Step 1
Our doctor assesses your facial structure and skin, discusses your goals and plans the areas, amount and number of sessions.
Step 2
The product is prepared under sterile conditions. The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied.
Step 3
Our doctor places PLLA with a cannula in the planned areas, then massages the area to spread it evenly.
Step 4
Massage the treated area as instructed by your doctor. Swelling or bruising may occur for a few days.
Timeline
PLLA works through your own collagen, so results develop gradually rather than straight away. Any fullness right after treatment comes from the water the particles are mixed with, and fades within days.
Over the following weeks, the PLLA microparticles prompt your skin to produce new collagen, which slowly restores volume and firmness. Each session builds on the last, with visible changes usually starting from 2 to 3 months and continuing across the course.
Immediately after
Day 0 to 3
Early fullness from the water carrier and swelling fade within days, so the area may look similar to before.
Between sessions
Weeks 4 to 6
The next session is scheduled as collagen begins to form.
Progressive change
Months 2 onwards
Volume and firmness build gradually after each session.
Long term
Up to about 2 years
Results may last up to about two years in some individuals, with maintenance as advised.
Results vary between individuals and depend on factors including age, skin quality, the number of sessions and aftercare.
Estimated figures for a course. Our doctors will tailor your plan after assessment.
Treatment time
About 30 to 45 min
Recommended course
Usually 2 to 4 sessions, as advised
Session interval
About 4 to 6 weeks apart, or as advised by our Medical Team
Recovery
Swelling or bruising for a few days
Comfort
Topical numbing cream
Results
Visible from 2 to 3 months, building across the course
FAQs
Not sure whether PLLA or another injectable suits you? Our team can help.
It is an injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid microparticles. Once placed in selected deeper tissue layers, the particles stimulate your own collagen production, restoring volume and firmness gradually.
A dermal filler adds volume immediately with a gel. PLLA works indirectly by prompting your skin to produce collagen, so results build over weeks to months and look gradual.
Early fullness after treatment fades within days. Visible changes usually start to show from 2 to 3 months as collagen forms, and continue to develop across the course.
Most plans involve 2 to 4 sessions about 4 to 6 weeks apart. The number depends on the degree of volume loss and your goals, and will be advised by our doctor.
Results may last up to about two years in some individuals. Duration depends on age, lifestyle and how your skin responds. Maintenance sessions may be recommended.
A numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most people feel pressure and mild discomfort during the injections. Comfort levels vary between individuals.
Massage helps distribute the product evenly and lowers the chance of small lumps forming. Our Medical Team will instruct you further following your treatment.
Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising are common and usually settle within days. Less commonly, small bumps or nodules can form. Correct preparation, technique and aftercare help lower these risks.
Both stimulate collagen. PLLA is placed deeper to restore volume and firmness, while the PDLLA skin booster is placed more superficially to improve texture and skin quality. Our doctors will advise which suits your concerns.
The cost depends on the areas treated and the number of vials and sessions 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.
