PLLA

What it is

Poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, is an injectable material used for gradual changes in facial volume and skin structure. Products differ, so ask which one the clinician plans to use.

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Appointment: 30–60 minutes, plus assessment
Downtime: Swelling/bruising for several days or longer
Results: Weeks to months
Typical course: Product-specific staged course

Assessment comes first. Ask about suitability and recovery, and give yourself time to consider the options before booking a procedure.

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Your appointment, explained

What to expect

The clinician examines your face, discusses your aims and checks previous injections.
After cleaning and any numbing, product is placed with a needle or cannula. You receive product-specific aftercare.

How it feels

Needle stings, pressure and temporary soreness. Local anaesthetic may reduce discomfort.

Downtime

Swelling, tenderness and bruising can be visible for several days or longer. Early fullness includes the injected fluid and swelling; leave time before important social plans.

Results

When you might see a change. Any lasting change develops gradually over weeks to months. Initial fullness is not the finished result.

How long it might last. Duration depends on the formulation and response. Do not apply a Sculptra longevity claim to every PLLA product.

How often?

Usually planned as a staged course with reviews between sessions. Session number, spacing and later maintenance depend on the exact product and response.

Before your appointment

Confirm the product, areas and total course cost.
Disclose previous filler, allergies, scarring problems, medicines and planned dental work.

Aftercare

Follow the product-specific massage instructions, if given.
Seek urgent help for unusual severe pain, pale or mottled skin or any vision change. Call 999 for sudden vision loss.

Is it right for everyone?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection and a history of raised scarring need assessment. Risks include delayed lumps and rare blockage of a blood vessel. PLLA cannot be dissolved like HA filler.

Common reasons people book

Gradual facial volume concerns
An alternative to immediate-volume filler

What your practitioner will confirm

Product, dilution, placement and course are clinical decisions. The practitioner should explain how they manage both immediate complications and delayed nodules.

Treatment details are a general guide. Your practitioner will confirm what is suitable for you, the exact treatment plan and aftercare.

Sources and review information

Source-checked 2026-09-22. Qualified clinical review is pending.

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