Skin Filler (3)

皮膚填充劑

As previously discussed, in addition to hyaluronic acid and Radiesse, there is another popular filler in Hong Kong called Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is temporarily marketed as Sculptra®. PLLA is a collagen-promoting substance that is biocompatible and dissolvable, gradually breaking down naturally in the body. Originally used as a dissolvable suture line in the medical industry for the past 30 years, it was later found to effectively stimulate collagen growth and improve wrinkles, sunken temples, and cheeks, making it suitable for cosmetic purposes.

After injecting PLLA into the body, the face may appear fuller immediately, but this is just a slight swelling reaction of the skin after injection, combined with the water used to dilute PLLA being injected deep into the skin, temporarily supporting the skin. After a few days, when the swelling subsides and the diluted PLLA water is absorbed by the body, the face gradually returns to its pre-injection state. Since PLLA stimulates collagen growth under the skin, it generally takes a few weeks (about four to six weeks) to see the effects. The results also depend on one’s own immune response, with some people seeing better results than others. The entire treatment usually involves three to four injections, depending on the body’s response.

There are many reasons why PLLA has become popular, with long-lasting effects being a major factor. It can also be injected into different parts of the body to improve sunken areas such as the temples and apple cheeks, and even improve facial contours such as the jawline and cheekbones. After completing the treatment, the sunken areas and contour problems gradually improve, yielding a natural effect.

Of course, PLLA also has its drawbacks. Unlike hyaluronic acid, post-injection care is crucial after PLLA injections. Within the first five days, the treatment area must be massaged five times a day for five minutes each time. If the massage is uneven, it may affect the effectiveness. Occasionally, micro-particles or nodules may appear after PLLA injections, which can be caused by various factors and must be treated with a saline solution or corticosteroids. If the reaction is too severe and causes facial swelling, it will slowly disappear over time, as there is no cure.

Therefore, if you are considering PLLA treatment, it is advisable to consult and receive recommendations from a doctor. The following article will provide a summary of three different fillers.