Ellansé – Everything you Need To Know About The Collagen Stimulating Filler

By
Dr Siew
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75
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Ellanse Everything You Need To Know Dr Siew.com

You may have heard of Ellanse – popularly known as 少女针, a new anti-aging treatment which is becoming more and more sought after. It is an injectable filler, but with significant differences from other fillers. In my practice, I get asked all the time about how it differs from other filler treatments like Sculptra, Radiesse and hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane. All of them are excellent treatments, and the best choice will depend on your needs. I will explain as much as I can about Ellansé so that you can decide if it is suitable for you.

What Is Ellansé and How Does It Work?

Ellansé is a non-hyaluronic acid filler. It is injected into the skin to lift, sculpt and restore lost volume associated with skin aging. Its principle component is Poly-Caprolactone (PCL) microspheres – a bio-resorbable soft medical polymer. The PCL is suspended in a gel carrier made of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

When injected into the skin, Ellansé reverses skin aging with a 2-step process:

  1. The CMC gel gives immediate lifting and sculpting results. However, the gel only lasts for about 12 weeks.
  2. At the same time, the PCL microspheres begin to stimulate your skin to produce collagen. The collagen stimulation peaks at 12 weeks to give the final result.

Ellanse Clinical Results Dr Siew.com

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which lifts because of its properties as a gel, Ellanse works by stimulating your body to produce collagen. The results last 2 – 4years.

Why Does Ellansé Last Much Longer Than Other Dermal Fillers?

Ellansé is made of microspheres that degrade differently from other fillers. When Ellansé is introduced into your body, it undergoes a “resorption” process whereby the molecules progressively dissolve. The microspheres retain their original volume until almost all the molecules are dissolved.

The longevity is dependent on the number of molecules composing the spheres. The more molecules there are, the longer lasting the result will be.

Ellanse Collagen
After being implanted, Ellanse works by stimulating collagen to give long lasting results

Which Areas Can Be Treated?

Ellansé is surprisingly versatile. It is hard enough to sculpt facial features such as the chin and nose, yet moldable enough to restore volume to the forehead. In my practice, I love using Ellansé for the chin because it is so defined, and also for the forehead due to its natural, long lasting results.

Ellansé can be used to treat most areas which hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can treat, including the:

  • Temples and Brow area
  • Forehead
  • Cheeks
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Lower Face, Marionette lines
  • Nose
  • Chin
  • Jawline
  • Hands

Ellanse-Main-Treatment-Areas

Ellansé vs Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

In my opinion, both Ellansé and HA fillers such as Restylane give excellent results..

Advantages of Ellansé over HA fillers:

  • Ellansé is longer lasting than most HA fillers
  • Ellansé is more cost effective in the long term
  • Ellansé does not cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions (formation of a granuloma – or hardened lump), which, although rare, can happen with HA fillers
  • Because Ellansé works by your own collagen production, it does not migrate. (HA fillers can migrate, in rare instances)
  • Ellansé maintains its volume better over time.
  • Ellansé gives a better aesthetic result for the nose, chin, and forehead

Advantages of HA fillers over Ellansé include:

  • There is an antidote to HA fillers – they can be dissolved should a problem arise. Hence, both minor (lumpiness) and major complications (e.g. necrosis) can be treated more easily.
  • HA fillers give a more dewy look to the skin. Hence they are also used as Skinboosters to improve skin texture.
  • HA fillers are better for fine tuning very delicate areas such as the undereye area.
  • HA fillers are cheaper upfront.
  • Should you suddenly decide to go for surgery (e.g nose implant), HA fillers can be dissolved. Ellansé cannot be dissolved and you will have to wait until it resorbs in a few years.

Ellanse vs Hyaluronic acid filler Dr siew

Ellansé vs Sculptra and Radiesse

Ellansé, Radiesse and Sculptra have many similarities, and some important differences.

In many ways, Ellansé and Radiesse (also an excellent product) are very similar. Ellansé, however, lasts longer, and gives more skin texture improvement due to more collagen stimulation.

Sculptra is also a collagen simulator like Ellansé, but works very differently. It is a liquid, rather than gel, when injected – so you do not see immediate results, but have to wait a month before it starts to work. You also need 3 sessions for optimal results. Another big difference is in post-treatment care: you need to massage your face after Sculptra treatment, for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days, to ensure that the product is evenly distributed. Failure to do this can result in lumpiness.

I do not use Sculptra on the undereye and forehead area, and only perform it for patients who can be sure that they remember to perform the post-treatment massage, to minimize any lumpiness. For people with large volume deficiencies, such as HIV lipodystrophy – Sculptra is perfect because it is more cost effective.

Ellanse vs Hyaluronic acid filler Dr siew

Does Ellansé Have Any Possible Side Effects?

Ellansé is very safe, and most side effects are injection related – mild swelling, bruising and soreness. These are temporary and will resolve with no issues.

Severe side effects of Ellansé are similar to other injectable fillers – necrosis (death of skin) and blindness. These are extremely rare, and can be minimized with good doctor technique.

Because Ellansé is non-dissolvable, any overfilling cannot easily be removed – hence, it is even more important to find a doctor with ample experience, and whom you trust, to have the procedure done for you.

How Do I Know If I Suitable For Ellansé?

Ellanse Chin Dr Siew.com

As you can see, Ellansé is different from other fillers in many ways. Deciding on the filler which is best for you depends on several factors, detailed above, which you will need to discuss with your doctor in depth.

Ellansé is also more expensive upfront, but in the long term, you will enjoy cost savings due to its longevity.

Together with other hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, and other semi-permanent ones like Radiesse and Sculptra, Ellansé now allows doctors to be equipped with a large variety of injectable fillers- to sculpt, lift and restore volume to aging faces in ways which were not possible just 5 years ago, without the need for any invasive surgical procedures.

The outcome of your treatment will depend on several factors, including your doctor’s experience, his/her aesthetic appreciation, your skin texture, your commitment level, and of course, budget. With all these in find, I can recommend the most suitable filler, and give the best outcomes, in my practice.

Watch the procedure being performed here.


References:
  1. Polycaprolactone for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: A 24-Month, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical TrialMarion Michaela Moers-Carpi, MD* and Sally Sherwood, MA†
  2. A randomized, prospective, blinded, split-face, single-center study comparing polycaprolactone to hyaluronic acid for treatment of nasolabial folds.Galadari H1
  3. Safety and Long-Term Efficacy of Forehead Contouring With a Polycaprolactone-Based Dermal Filler.Bae B1, Lee G, Oh S, Hong K.

 

Disclaimer:
I am not sponsored by Sinclair/ Parvus (Ellansé’s distributor) in the writing of this article. The opinions expressed here are my own. It does not replace consultation with your doctor. 

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75 COMMENTS

  1. good evening , iam dr elramlawy ahmed plastic surgeon . i heard about ALLANSE PRODUCT i just wany more information about it and if there is sponsore in kuwait ?

    • Hi Elramlawy – I am afraid I am not sure if this product is available in Kuwait. You might have to check with the distributors to see if there is any representative in Kuwait for this product.

  2. Hi Dr Siew
    Can you tell me if cannulas can be used instead of needles for injecting of the various Small , medium , long and extended ellanse filleres? and if so from your experience which gauge and length is most suitable?

    • Hi – Unfortunately, it is challenging to reverse it. You should see a doctor to make slight adjustments so that you are comfortable with the result.

  4. Hi I injected ellanse L in my chin 2 years ago but I hate the result ,what can I do or how long more I should wait and are u sure this is not a permanent gel????im worry about it? I can not wait more I want do anything to melt this gel ,plz tell me is it permanent gel or not 😭😭😭

    • Hi M – Sorry to hear that you don’t like the result. It depends on the type of Ellanse filler your doctor used. It is best to go back to your doctor to seek his advice.

      • Yes but he told me you should wait to disapear the gel that’s it!:(he used ellanse L my chin )but now after 29 months i am apprehensive about it’s lasting effect 😭just I need to know is it permanent or not,cause I heard it has not FDA approved for this reason !!

  5. Hi , is there anyway to dissolve the product . I am very unhappy with the result . Which product could my doctor use?

    • Hi – Sorry to hear that you are unhappy with the result. You should consult your doctor and discuss with him what you can do to address the problem.

  6. Hi Dr Siew
    Can Ellanse help on the following?
    1. Slight deform nose
    2. Lost of tempered and cheek volume
    3. Face lifting

    How much will it cost?

  7. How many ml of ellane its allowed to put on my face the first 1 ml after how meny monts will be the second ml and the tird and ……. if i put the ellanse M tnx a lot

    • Hi Nikeya – thanks for your enquiry. I suggest you visit a doctor and allow him to assess your skin so that he will be able to better advise you on your treatment plan.

  8. Hi dr , i inject ellanse yesterday but i think the gel move in my under right eye an its so pofy , like some one panch me in the eye 😂
    , in your opinion is this fine ? Im so scerd

    • Hi Sanaz – Sorry to hear about your experience. It is best for you to go back to your doctor to for a follow-up and also let him know your concerns. All the best!

  9. Dear dr , tanks for your responding , i dont accsses to my dr for wail but my under eye is ok , but after one week the ellanse is desipear and my cheack valume is gone , i had 2 cc for each said , its truo that after 2 munths the valume come bach ?

  10. Is 2 cc for each said not enugh , im so sorry my dr isnt avilabal and i done so mauch serch on this matter and i havent eny answer you are my only hope. Im soooo sory for my bad langueg dr.

  11. Hi dr , My valume cheek after one week is gone , is it back after wail?i am so sad i know ellanse take time but i am scerd that my cheek valume never cone back . After one week my face is skini again 😞

  13. The collagen will replace the loss of volume sanaz, The gel lasts for three months – and then the collagen works in the areas to pump them up so don’t panic

  14. Thank you debi , thank you so much , in my cuntry this treatmen is so expensive and small number aff people know about that , i asked about that of many people and dr and even farmasest but know body give me eny awnser .you gave me hope , after 5 weeks i steel cant see result , i lossing hop but know i’m look forwar for up coming reasult .

    • Hi Kirstina – unfortunately Ellanse is not dissolvable. Please see a doctor and have a discussion with him to see what you can do to address your concerns.

      • Oh dr it’s not dissolvable means it’s permanent???so why every website about ellanse and every phiscians telling it is absorbable and degradable isn’t it???nothig will help us that unhappy with our treatment ??there is no way to get rid of ellanse😭😭😭

  16. Hi sr siew I had Ellanse m injected in my nose 2 years ago and it still Hasn’t gone away completely. Is there a reason why? I thought 2 years last 2 years. And also because I injected it in My nose can it stretch my tip and make it worse After it goes Away ?

      • Thank you for your response it still hasn’t gone away and it’s been 27 months. Is this filler permanent ? I’m debating if I should get surgery to remove it

  19. Hi Dr,

    I am 48.
    I had 2 vials of very diluted sculptra injected 6 weeks ago. The result is very mild. I still need more volume for my cheeks, pre Jowl sulcus, chin, pre Jowl sulcus and visible nasolabial lines and to correct my preexisting assymetry.

    I want to do sculptra instead of ellanse because I think it is more precise, more predictable and less chance of granuloma.
    Also a few days I do not remember to massage!
    I think ellanse is a better product to address my assymetry.

    Can I use ellanse after sculptra ?
    How long shall I wait before starting ellanse?
    If not ellanse, can I instead use an HA filler?

  20. Hi Dr . I need to know if it possibol that ellanse melted with exersice ?
    I have enject ellanse to my cheeks and i soo love taht i dont want to melt them but i love exersice too , i afread exersice like runnig or spining melt them , thank you

    • Hi Naz – It should not happen. However, you should refrain from vigorous activities and from applying pressure on your face for 1-2 weeks after the treatment.

  22. Hi Dr Siew, is it safe & possible to top up ellansé? I had 1cc injected into my nasal bridge around 6 months ago, and I would like a little more height. Thank you

  24. Hi dr siew. Would appreciate your response I had ellanseM injected in my nose about 30 months ago and it’s still there. I thought the filler would last only 24 months. Any way to melt it out? I keep waiting for it to Go down but I still see it

  25. Hi Dr Siew,

    My mother has got a reaction with the filler almost a year after, swelling redness and very hard giving pressure around the nasolabial folds.
    What can be done please

  26. Hi Dr. Siew, about a month ago I had Ellanse injections into three areas on both sides of my face – next to my nose, on my laugh lines and under the edge of my mouth. A few days later I started to have pain on the right side of my face. At first it hurt only when I touched it, but the pain quickly accelerated. It is not constant, but when it comes it is unbearable. It hurts when I wash my face, brush my teeth, drink water, take a bite on even something as soft as a banana, and even when I put on eye make-up. The pain is now focused on the right side of my teeth and the nasolabial fold, particularly on the area on the upper part of my lip. My doctor prescribed Lyrica 75 mg (pregabalin), once a day at first and now increased to twice a day. However, the pain hasn’t eased. I’m worried that the filler might be pressing against a nerve and that I would suffer permanent nerve damage. I understand that the Ellanse treatment is irreversible, but will the filler be absorbed and dissipate after a while, thereby relieving my pain? And how long will it take? I really regret getting the treatment because my face isn’t looking any better and I end up with this excruciating pain.

    • Hi Nancy – Sorry to hear about your experience. It will get better but you need to give it some time. Ellanse will be absorbed into your system but that will take several months to years to break down. If you are still concerned about the pain, please see a doctor to have it checked.

      • Many thanks for your reply. The doctor who gave me the injections – a licensed plastic surgeon – assured me that the pain would go away after a while. He’s the one who put me on the pregabalin medication but as it doesn’t seem to be working, I will go back to him to see if I need to change to something else. Thanks for your reassurance.

  27. Hello, Dr Siew.
    May I ask which filler (Radiesse or Ellansé) is “harder” and is the best for lifting up the nose bridge and radix, whilst leaving the nose tip untouched? Or would nose threads be a better option for this? Thank you.
    Best regards, Alena.

  28. I had Juvederm Voluma recently but the effects seem to go away rather quickly. Can I have Ellanse fillers injected immediately or must I wait until the Voluma is completely gone? Are there any dangers in mixing the two?

  29. Hello Doctor,

    Can Ellanse be removed (just a bit) in the first week? I like the way it works and what has done for my chin but I think I asked for a bit too much on the sides of my chin. Sometimes it’s hard to guide your doctor because you are looking just a few seconds in the mirror.
    Best Regards,
    P.J.

  30. Hai dr siew, please answer my question, i have juvederm voluma filler last week but i think i want more ml to get the shape i want. Can i add more ml with ellanse? Is it safe?

    • Merissa – Although it is possible to do so, it is better for you to get a consultation with a doctor to determine if you need it, and if so, what fillers might be the best choice for the treatment. All the best.

  31. I have done Ellanse 12 months ago and I got a reaction swelling redness and very hard ball on both side under eyes very painful with teach. I contact my doctor and he always assures me that it will dissolve but over a 1 year there are no change and I think is worse. I am very shocked by reading very bad reviews and other people problems. I would like get rid of it. Could you give mi advise Dr Siew please

    • I have same issue ellanse S, after 19 month still not removed. I visit 5 doctors, I was wrote to many countries to found someone who can help me. Can you advice where can I find helps?

  34. Hi dr. Please respond. I got Ellanse m injected and it was About 3 years ago. It stated that it will Last 2 years. The filler is still there. I wanted to surgically remove it but They said it might get worse. Need ur answer please why is the filler still there if it stated 2 years. It’s been much longer. Thank you for your time

    • Hi Kim – The longevity of collagen fillers can vary quite differently from person to person. Give it a bit more time and it should subside. Otherwise, you can visit a doctor and he might be able to try to reduce the appearance with some steroid treatment. It may or may not work but you can always give it a try.

  35. Hi dr, I don’t know if you’re still responding here, but please help me. I can’t find this information anywhere. I’m about to choose betwen using Ellansé and Hyaluronic Acid to augument my mandibular angle and jawline. I would like for something more defined and less “puffy”, but I can’t find much reference to know if it’s the same result. The dr really recomends Ellansé, but from what I’ve it looks a little more “swollen” them the Hyaluronic Acid. Could you share from your experience if the result I’m looking for is achievable through the Ellansé?

    • Hi Philip – Sorry but I am not able to answer your questions without seeing you in person. If you have consulted a doctor for filler treatment, you ought to trust him to make the best decision for you. Alternatively, you can seek a consultation with another doctor.

  38. Hi, I had Ellanse in 2018 and I really loved the results. At that time I had been diagnosed with a very low hypothyroidism that didn’t require any treatment in 2016, but in 2019 it turned to a severe hyperthyrodism, Hashimoto and I needed a treatment. The doctors told me that I’m “cured” and I only need half pill for the tryroid for one year. Can I have Ellanse and Botox again or is completely nos advisable? thank you very much.
    Regards.

    • Hi M,

      Thanks for your enquiry.

      I don’t see any issue in you undergoing the treatments.

      However, it is best for you to have a detailed discussion with your doctor during the consultation.

      All the best!

  39. Hi Doctor. I injected the ellanse m 12 months ago into the back of my lip and it became inflamed from the first week after the injection and 3 months later I injected corticosteroids. It got a little better but my tissue is still inflamed. And does the collagen tissue created disappear?

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