Treatment

Collagen Stimulator

ABOUT

What are collagen stimulators (胶原蛋白针)?

Collagen is the main building block that maintains our skin’s architecture, firmness and elasticity. However, collagen production in our body decreases at a steady rate of 1.5% annually once we hit our mid 20’s. Collagen Stimulators stimulate collagen production in the dermal tissues to provide infrastructure for elastin and hyaluronic acid. The more collagen present, the stronger skin architecture is.

Collagen-stimulating dermal fillers are designed for individuals who lack skin elasticity and firmness and allows our body to naturally absorb collagen.

While traditional fillers which contain hyaluronic acid, PCL Collagen Stimulator is primarily made up of 30% biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres and 70% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier. PCL is a known polymer and the safety of PCL fillers has been supported in numerous clinical studies.

Interestingly, studies have found PCL to be longer lasting than not just HA-based fillers but even polylactic acid (PLLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) fillers due to its slower degradation by the body.

HOW IT WORKS

How Do Collagen Stimulators Work?

PCL Collagen Stimulator works via a 2-step process, first with immediate correction of volume loss and gradual skin improvements for long lasting results.

1. Immediate restoration of volume

Once injected, the CMC gel carrier fills volume-lacking areas of the face immediately. Effects last for about 12 weeks.

2. Long-lasting volumisation

The PCL microspheres work at the same time to stimulate Type I collagen, the main type of collagen found in skin. This creates a long lasting volumisation effect of over 3 years, depending on the type of Collagen Stimulator used.

Types of Collagen Stimulators in Singapore

In Singapore, the most common collagen stimulators contain the polymers: PCL, CaHA and PLLA.

Ellanse vs Sculptra vs Radiesse

	PCL Filler	CaHA Filler	PLLA Filler
Size	25 – 50 μm	25 – 45 μm	40 – 63 μm
Shape	Spherical	Generally Spherical	Irregular
Surface	Smooth	Smooth	Irregular
Immediate Volume Restoration (1-3 months)	Yes	Yes	No
Long Term Collagen Stimulation	Yes	No	Yes
Treatment Sessions Required	1	1	3

1. PCL Collagen Stimulator (Ellanse)

PCL Small: 18 months
PCL Medium: over 2 years
PCL Large: over 3 years

The difference in longevity between the 3 types of PCL collagen stimulators is due to the number of PCL molecules present. The longer the PCL molecule chain, the longer the results of the collagen stimulator.

2. CaHA Collagen Stimulator (Radiesse)

12 to 18 months

3. PLLA Collagen Stimulator (Sculptra)

25 months

Overall, collagen stimulator fillers last longer and act faster than traditional hyaluronic acid-based fillers, as hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen production subtly over a period of 2-3 months and breaks down after 6 to 18 months.

Which Areas Can PCL Collagen Stimulator Be Used?

PCL Collagen Stimulator fillers target facial volume loss and can be used to treat multiple areas on the face such as nasolabial folds, hollow cheeks and tear trough deformity to restore lost volume and stimulate the body’s natural collagen. This means that even after the effects of the PCL filler wears off, the skin would still be in a better state that it was pre-treatment, as the body would have stimulated its own natural collagen.

Which areas can Ellanse be Used?(#FFFFFF).

Benefits of Collagen Stimulators

Improves density and firmness of skin
Tightens and improves overall skin quality, giving smoother skin
Improves skin elasticity, resulting in younger and healthier skin
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Targets various parts of the face, including the forehead, nose, temples, brows, chin and jaw

Treatment at Veritas

Dr. Chua Cheng Yu is an official regional trainer for the PCL collagen stimulator with years of experience in administering PCL collagen stimulator for different areas of the face. Dr Chua’s technique involves using PCL collagen stimulator filler to lift upper eyelids and restore volume for under eye areas without causing lumps – a skill sought by his patients.

Experience the benefits of Ellanse and contact us for your Ellanse treatment in Singapore.