Table of Contents
In the fast-paced world of aesthetic medicine, collagen-stimulating dermal fillers like Ellanse and Sculptra have emerged as top choices for professionals seeking long-lasting, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. Both fillers go beyond traditional hyaluronic acid products by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, leading to gradual yet effective volumization and skin renewal.
But which of the two dermal fillers is better suited for your clinical goals and your patients’ needs? While they both serve similar purposes, Ellanse and Sculptra differ in formulation, mechanism of action, duration, and injection approach. In this Ellanse vs. Sculptra comparison, we’ll explore the differences and advantages of these dermal fillers to help you make the right choice for your practice.
Feature | Ellansé | Sculptra |
---|---|---|
Main Ingredient | Polycaprolactone (PCL) | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) |
How It Works | Immediate volume + stimulates collagen over time | Gradually stimulates collagen production |
Results Timeline | Immediate and long-term (collagen) | Gradual (visible after a few weeks) |
Longevity | 1 to 4 years (based on Ellansé variant) | Up to 2 years |
Treatment Areas | Cheeks, temples, jawline, nasolabial folds | Cheeks, temples, jawline, buttocks |
Number of Sessions | Usually 1 session | Series of 2–3 treatments |
Biocompatibility | Fully resorbable & biocompatible | Fully resorbable & biocompatible |
FDA Approved | No (CE-marked in Europe) | Yes (FDA approved) |
Ideal For | Patients wanting long-lasting and immediate results | Patients preferring gradual, natural improvements |
Above anything else, let us go through the general information on both products. Below, you will find the short description of Ellanse and Sculptra dermal fillers, two popular products that are substantially different from traditional hyaluronic acid fillers that do a great job when it comes to stimulating natural collagen production.
Ellanse is a next-generation, bioresorbable dermal filler developed by Sinclair Pharma to substantially improve the overall skin quality of a patient. It is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel. It provides instant volume restoration, while the PCL particles stimulate collagen production for long-term support and regeneration of youthful skin.
One of Ellanse’s most distinctive features is its versatility in duration. It comes in several versions – S, M, L, and E – each lasting from 1 to over 4 years, depending on the formulation used. This allows aesthetic professionals to tailor treatments based on the patient’s preferences and treatment goals.
Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler manufactured by Galderma, primarily composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Originally used to treat facial fat loss in patients with HIV, Sculptra has gained popularity in cosmetic applications for its ability to gradually stimulate collagen production, restore lost volume of the skin, and improve its texture through collagen stimulation.
Unlike fillers that provide immediate volume and improvement of skin texture, Sculptra’s results appear gradually, typically over a series of treatments spaced weeks apart. Patients see improvements develop naturally over several months, with results lasting up to two years.
Though both fillers are collagen stimulators (or, in other words, products that accelerate collagen synthesis), their composition and method of action differ.
Ellanse belongs to a group of skin boosters that work by delivering immediate volume via its gel carrier, while the PCL microspheres act as a scaffold for collagen growth. As the body metabolizes the gel and PCL over time, newly formed collagen takes its place, providing structure and volume that lasts for years.
Sculptra, on the other hand, contains microparticles of PLLA that stimulate fibroblast activity upon injection. The process takes longer, often requiring two to four sessions for full results while enhancing facial features, but the collagen produced helps restore facial volume in a subtle and natural manner.
While creating youthful appearance and generating long-term collagen stimulation, both fillers rely on the body’s biological response, but Ellanse provides a more immediate effect, while Sculptra offers a delayed, gradual transformation, alongside with long-term collagen production.
Both Ellanse and Sculptra are popular dermal fillers suited for patients experiencing volume loss, skin laxity, or signs of aging. They are primarily used in deeper facial areas where structural support is needed. Common treatment zones include:
However, neither filler is recommended for use in delicate or superficial areas such as the lips or tear troughs due to their composition and particle size. Also, Ellanse and Sculptra are not the right fillers for those looking for immediate volumizing effects. At the same time, it is worth mentioning that both aesthetic treatments should be administered only by experienced professionals familiar with advanced injection techniques, as misplacement can result in uneven texture or nodule formation (which is definitely not a desired outcome a patient would expect to arrive at).
Sculptra treatments involve multiple sessions, usually spaced 4–6 weeks apart. On average, patients require 2–3 sessions to achieve significant improvements. Because it lacks an immediate volumizing gel and offers gradual results, patients must wait for their body to restore lost collagen over time. Post-treatment massage is essential to avoid the formation of nodules and to ensure even distribution.
Ellanse, by contrast, usually requires just one session and has nothing to do with monthly treatments. Its CMC gel carrier allows for quick results, which are further enhanced over time as collagen production increases. Post-injection care is generally minimal, with no need for massaging, making it a more convenient option for some patients.
Both treatments offer natural-looking outcomes, but the timeline of results and patient commitment differ. Ellanse may be ideal for those seeking faster gratification, while Sculptra appeals to patients comfortable with a gradual transformation.
When selecting a dermal filler, treatment duration is a major consideration for both the injector and the patient.
Ellanse offers flexible longevity options based on the product chosen:
This modular approach lets practitioners customize treatment based on budget, goals, and lifestyle.
Sculptra, meanwhile, offers results that typically last up to 2 years (no matter whether it has been used to improve the overall skin appearance, tighten the sagging skin, prevent age-related volume loss, reduce deep wrinkles, or slow down facial aging). While its longevity is consistent and predictable, it does not offer the same flexibility in duration as Ellanse. However, patients who complete the full treatment course usually experience high patient satisfaction and often return for maintenance.
When used appropriately by trained professionals, both fillers are considered safe. However, as with all injectable treatments, side effects may include inflammatory tissue reactions, redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising at the injection site.
Sculptra has a well-documented safety profile, though proper dilution and massage are crucial. Failure to follow the recommended post-treatment routine can lead to the formation of subcutaneous nodules or lumps, especially when being injected into a relatively firmer skin.
Ellanse generally creates more immediate results and requires fewer sessions and less aftercare. However, since it’s not reversible (unlike hyaluronic acid fillers), precise placement is essential. Incorrect depth or technique may lead to uneven results or granuloma formation in human body.
Neither product is ideal for superficial lines or sensitive areas, and both require skilled injection techniques and detailed patient assessments to avoid complications and enhance facial contours in attractive way.
The right choice between Ellanse and Sculptra often comes down to individual patient expectations, facial anatomy, and treatment preferences.
Ellanse is better suited for:
Sculptra may be a better fit for:
Both products serve as excellent alternatives for patients not suitable for HA-based fillers or who desire a longer-lasting, regenerative approach to facial rejuvenation. At the same time, neither Ellanse nor Sculptra are the right dermal fillers for patients who would like to plump lips.
While Sculptra is widely approved and available in many markets, Ellanse is more commonly used in Europe and Asia. It is not currently FDA-approved for the U.S., though it is widely trusted internationally by experienced aesthetic practitioners.
Regardless of location, it’s important to source these products only from authorized and reputable distributors to ensure product authenticity and patient safety.
Both Ellanse and Sculptra are substantially different from traditional dermal fillers. At the same time, they are the powerful tools in the hands of experienced aesthetic professionals. Though they share similarities as collagen stimulators, their differences in composition, onset of results, longevity, and treatment protocols make each uniquely suited for specific patient needs.
Ellanse offers immediate gratification and customizable duration with fewer sessions – perfect for those seeking quick and long-lasting results. Sculptra, meanwhile, provides a subtle, progressive transformation over time, making it ideal for patients with broader volume concerns who value gradual improvement.
Ultimately, the decision lies in careful patient assessment, treatment planning, and injector expertise.
If you’re a licensed medical professional ready to incorporate these advanced fillers into your aesthetic practice, you can order Ellanse and Sculptra at competitive prices on FillerCloud. With top-tier customer service, verified sourcing, and secure delivery, FillerCloud helps you offer your patients the very best – safely and reliably.
You may download the form, complete it and email back to [email protected].
Or fax it at 360.768.3126