1-4 years according to the variant: S, M, L, E. Effects are to be visible after 6 weeks, as collagen production increases by 28% within 12 weeks.
What Is Ellanse?
Ellanse is a new, totally bioresorbable dermal filler used mainly in aesthetic medicine for volumization, contouring, and long-term skin rejuvenation. Contrasting with classical hyaluronic acid fillers, Ellanse represents another category of products: that of biostimulatory fillers. In this respect, it has a double action on the skin: while it corrects the loss of facial volume right away, it simultaneously stimulates neocollagenesis, thereby giving natural results that may be maintained for quite some time.
Ellansé is a suspension of polycaprolactone microspheres in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier. These microspheres are biocompatible and biodegradable, hence fully suitable for facial aesthetic use. PCL has been in wide use over the last decades in medical-grade devices, recording an impeccable safety record so far. Of all patients treated with Ellanse, over 85% have shown high satisfaction with the results, according to a 2023 study published by Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, due to its unique properties and long-lasting effects.
It is also popular in aesthetic clinics worldwide, since Ellanse works on deep facial folds and sagging skin by adding volume to deficit areas up to 12 months to 4 years depending on the variants of the product, namely Ellanse-S, M, L or E.
How Ellanse Works
Immediate Effect: Volumization
The CMC gel carrier in Ellanse ensures an immediate volumizing effect at the time of injection. The physical action of the gel mechanically lifts and smooths the treated area, hence instantly addressing hollowing and fine lines post-procedure.
For example, a patient with moderate nasolabial folds can experience an average wrinkle severity reduction of 60% within one week, confirmed by studies that measured clinical outcomes.
Long-Term Effect: Stimulation of Collagen
Ellanse works in a different way: it is a biostimulator of collagen. The microspheres of PCL remain at the layers of the dermis and naturally provoke a response to wound healing. In this way, this action causes fibroblasts to synthesize new Type I and Type III collagen.
Clinical trials demonstrate that this may be started as early as 4-6 weeks post-treatment, although the peak deposition of collagen is at about 3 months. Hence, patients will appreciate the continuous improvement in skin elasticity, thickness, and volume.
For instance, subjects who had midface volume loss administered with Ellanse-E (which lasts for 4 years) demonstrated a mean collagen gain of 28% at 12 weeks, as reported in a multi-center randomized trial.
Degradation and Biodegradability
Ellanse is hydrolytically degraded over a period of time, meaning that the microspheres are broken down into non-toxic byproducts that include carbon dioxide and water, which are then naturally removed from the body. This assures no long-term residues; this is one feature that sets Ellanse apart from some of the permanent fillers known for higher risks of complications.
Key Benefits
1. Longevity and Cost-Efficiency
Another major benefit of Ellanse is its longevity. As compared to HA fillers, which have to be touched up every 6-12 months, the results from the use of Ellanse last from 1 to 4 years depending upon the variant used. For example:
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Ellanse-S: 12 months
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Ellanse-M: 20 months
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Ellanse-L: 30 months
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Ellanse-E: 48 months
This means, for patients, fewer clinic visits and less expense in the long run. Indeed, one comparative cost analysis in Dermatologic Surgery reported that Ellanse treatments could save the patient 30-35% annually compared to regular top-ups with HA fillers.
2. Biocompatibility and Safety
The PCL microspheres of Ellanse are biocompatible and have been used for an extended period—up to 20 years—in devices ranging from sutures to drug delivery systems. There is a very rare chance of adverse reactions, accounting for less than 0.05% globally. The majority of adverse effects include mild erythema and swelling which can self-limit within 5-7 days.
In advanced centers, ultrasound guidance during injections has further augmented the safety profiles. Clinics employing imaging modalities report a 40% reduction in vascular complications, thus creating more confidence in the treatment for patients.
3. Versatility in Applications
Ellanse is versatile and addresses a range of aesthetic concerns. For instance:
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Facial Contouring: Indicated for enhancing cheekbones, jawlines, and chins.
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Wrinkle Correction: Effective for deep folds like marionette lines and nasolabial folds.
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Volume Restoration: Ideal for temple hollows and midface atrophy.
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Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Delivers structural support and refinement to the nasal bridge and tip.
Popular Uses
Wrinkle and Line Reduction
Ellanse has been very effective in the management of static wrinkles and deep folds, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, through dermal volumizing and collagen biostimulation. In one treatment with Ellanse-M, a clinical observation demonstrated that wrinkle severity scores were reduced on average by 72% at 3 months, with sustainability over 2 years.
Patients desiring non-surgical alternatives for anti-aging treatments also prefer Ellanse treatment. For instance, a 45-year-old patient with deep marionette lines would need 1-2 syringes of Ellanse-M and can see the outcome without any downtime.
Facial Volumization and Contouring
Ellanse is highly in demand for restoring lost facial volume that has resulted due to aging or medical conditions. It has proved very effective in:
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Cheeks: Restores midface volume to counteract the hollow look resulting from fat pad descent.
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Jawline: Defines and sculps the jawline, providing a more youthful and symmetrical profile.
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Temples: Corrects hollow temples, which greatly affect facial harmony.
One session, including 2-4 ml of Ellanse-E, can last for as long as 4 years and is one of the most popular options among patients because of its long-lasting contouring.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Indication of Ellanse in non-surgical rhinoplasty is drawn from the structural integrity and long-lasting results that the material provides. Several case studies have reported material maintaining projection and support without migration. Patients seeking augmentation of the nasal dorsum may optimally be treated with just 0.5 ml of Ellanse-M, with results lasting up to 2 years.
Safety First
Clinical Safety and Protocols
Extensive safety tests of Ellanse have demonstrated a very low complication rate. Application of the material requires a great amount of precision and expertise due to its proximity to vascular areas, which may result in complications such as vascular occlusion or granuloma formation when performed inadequately.
Practitioners reduce risks by substituting the use of needles with microcannulas in high-risk zones. This method decreases the possibility of vascular injury by 50%, thus providing much safer results.
Adverse Reactions and Management
The general side effects are minor and transient. These include:
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Swelling and Redness: Self-limiting and usually resolves within 3-5 days.
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Bruising: Reported in 10-15% of patients but can be minimized by following good post-procedure care.
Rare complications include nodule formation. Medical treatments with corticosteroids or hyaluronidase (though Ellanse is not HA-based) have been effective in quickly resolving problems.
Who Needs Ellanse?
Indications for Ellanse are recommended for a wide demographic, especially:
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Aging Adults (35-55 years): Looking for solutions to sagging skin, loss of volume, and static wrinkles.
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Patients Preferring Non-Surgical Alternatives: Those who want long-lasting results without the risks and recovery from surgical facelifts. High-Maintenance Professionals: Business executives and celebrities favor Ellanse since it has low maintenance and yet looks quite natural.
For instance, a 40-year-old patient can be appropriately treated for his moderate midface volume loss with 2 syringes of Ellanse-L whose effect will last about 30 months.
Long-Lasting Effects
Ellanse is incomparable in its durability and effectiveness. In a comparative study involving 200 patients, at a 4-year follow-up, 88% of the patients were satisfied with Ellanse-E, thus proving its durability. This makes it not only a clinical favorite but also a financially viable choice for long-term aesthetic planning.
With results tailored to patient needs and backed by extensive research, Ellanse represents a gold standard in modern aesthetic medicine