What is Ellansé?
Ellansé is an injectable biostimulator in which polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres are supplied in a gel carrier. It provides support during treatment through the gel and, over time, aims to stimulate collagen production. Its licensing and traceability information in Turkey should be checked before treatment; unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, it cannot be dissolved with an enzyme.
Ellansé is a product marketed by Sinclair and known as a polycaprolactone-based biostimulator. Most of its content is a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) based gel carrier, and the rest consists of smooth-surfaced PCL microspheres. This structure resembles the microsphere-and-gel arrangement of CaHA products such as Radiesse; the material of the microspheres, however, is different. CaHA is a mineral compound, whereas PCL is a synthetic polymer that is slowly broken down in the body. Ellansé is therefore regarded as the PCL branch of the biostimulator class, offering both early support and a collagen-directed effect. A general comparison of biostimulator classes is given on a separate page; this page focuses on Ellansé alone.
Product information describes versions of Ellansé with different PCL chain lengths, designed to be broken down in the body over different periods. Which versions are licensed in Turkey should be verified before treatment through the box, the lot number and the Product Tracking System (ÜTS) record; you have the right to see and ask about the box, the lot number and the expiry date. This page describes the general characteristics of the product and the points considered in assessment; for product-specific technical details, the manufacturer’s current instructions for use apply. Whether Ellansé suits you, in which area it would be used, or whether another approach is more suitable is decided by the physician at an in-person examination.
What is polycaprolactone (PCL) and how does Ellansé work?
Polycaprolactone is a synthetic polymer, also used in some absorbable medical materials, that is slowly broken down in the body by hydrolysis. In Ellansé, the gel carrier gives support in the first weeks; as the gel is absorbed, the aim is for collagen production to be stimulated around the PCL microspheres and for support to be gradually handed over to this new tissue.
The change seen immediately after treatment depends largely on the carboxymethylcellulose gel. This gel is absorbed by the body within a few weeks to a few months. During this time the PCL microspheres remain in the tissue and start a mild, controlled response around themselves; the aim is for cells called fibroblasts to be stimulated to produce new collagen. Part of the volume the gel provided is thus replaced over time by the body’s own tissue. This transition proceeds at a different speed in each person, and its degree varies with your age, tissue structure and collagen response. The result of Ellansé is therefore judged not on the day of treatment but at check-ups in the following months. Knowing that some of the fullness in the first weeks is swelling from the procedure, which will fade, avoids misjudging the result.
Over time the PCL microspheres break into smaller pieces by hydrolysis and are eventually cleared as carbon dioxide and water through the body’s normal metabolism. How long the microspheres take to break down relates to the length of the polymer chain; the different versions of Ellansé are distinguished by this property. A version designed to remain in the tissue longer aims for a longer effect; this does not mean the product stays in the body indefinitely. Which version is chosen depends on the area, the goal, whether you have had biostimulator treatment before and the product’s licensed scope in Turkey. The name of the version used and the lot information should be recorded for planning future treatment and shared with you. PCL is not dissolved by hyaluronidase.
What is the difference between Ellansé, Radiesse and Sculptra?
Ellansé, Radiesse and Sculptra are all called biostimulators, but their active substances differ: Ellansé contains polycaprolactone (PCL), Radiesse calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and Sculptra poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Ellansé and Radiesse also provide early support through a gel, while Sculptra shows its effect more gradually. None is generally superior.
Ellansé and Radiesse are similar in structure: in both, microspheres sit in a carboxymethylcellulose-based gel carrier, and both provide support during treatment and aim for a collagen response over time. The main difference is the material of the microspheres. The calcium hydroxylapatite in Radiesse is a mineral compound and can be seen on X-ray and some imaging methods; Radiesse is also often used in diluted form for skin quality. The PCL in Ellansé is a polymer, and its breakdown time is adjusted through different versions. These differences affect which product is considered in which area and for what goal, but they do not make one generally better than the other. The areas each product is licensed for should also be checked against current product information in Turkey.
Sculptra has no gel carrier; PLLA powder is reconstituted with sterile water before use, and the fullness in the first days fades as the fluid is absorbed. The real effect appears over weeks and months, and several sessions a few weeks apart are usually needed. With Ellansé, early support from the gel is seen and the number of sessions varies with the goal; a single session is seen as enough in some plans, while in others an additional treatment is discussed at follow-up. None of the three is dissolved by hyaluronidase, and all three carry a risk of nodules. The choice is made at an in-person examination according to the area, the type of volume loss, the expected timing and your earlier treatments. If one of these products has been used before, its name and date must be stated at consultation.
What can Ellansé address and what can it not?
Ellansé can be considered for loss of support in the mid and lower face, more pronounced nasolabial and marionette areas, the jawline and the chin. Ellansé does not remove marked excess skin, does not replace surgery in advanced sagging and is generally not preferred in thin areas such as the lips and tear trough.
Ellansé stands out in situations where facial contours have become vague because of age-related loss of support and the skin still keeps a certain elasticity. Flattening over the cheekbones, hollow cheeks, shadows running from the corner of the mouth to the chin, slight breaks in the jawline and lack of support at the chin are examples. Use outside the face is assessed separately according to the product’s current instructions and its licensed scope in Turkey. The degree of change varies with your age, skin structure and collagen response and cannot be promised in advance. Expectations are set by discussing what the product cannot do as well as what it can. Ellansé can be used alone or considered together with a hyaluronic acid filler or botulinum toxin within a liquid facelift plan.
Because of the risk of nodules that can be seen or felt, Ellansé is generally not preferred in the lips, tear trough and very thin-skinned areas; in these areas, options that can be dissolved with an enzyme, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, can be discussed. Caution is also taken in areas with a higher risk because of their vascular anatomy, such as the nose. Marked excess skin, advanced laxity of the neck and deep tissue sagging are beyond what injections can address; in these situations, increasing the amount of product may make the face heavier. Ellansé is not equivalent to a surgical facelift. That the product cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase also means the plan must be made accordingly in areas where reversibility matters. In advanced sagging, a surgical assessment may also come into consideration.
Who may not be suitable for Ellansé?
Ellansé is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when there is an active infection in the area, or with hypersensitivity to product components. A tendency to keloid scarring, autoimmune conditions, treatments affecting the immune system, blood-thinner use and an old filler of unknown content in the same area are assessed separately. It may also not suit people expecting a rapid, marked change.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infection, cold sores, an acne flare or inflamed skin disease in the area, and known hypersensitivity to product components are the main situations in which treatment is not given or is postponed. Because Ellansé works through the tissue’s response, a tendency to keloid or thick scarring, active autoimmune disease and treatments that suppress or stimulate the immune system are assessed with particular care. Bleeding disorders and blood-thinner use are also discussed at consultation; it is important not to stop prescribed medication on your own. This list is not exhaustive and is considered together with the contraindications in the product’s instructions for use. Telling the physician about all the medicines and herbal supplements you take before the examination helps the assessment be made correctly.
If there is an earlier filler of unknown content in the same area, especially a material that stays in the body for a long time, assessment is more careful because of possible interaction between different products. If dental treatment, surgery on the face or a process that may stimulate the immune system, such as vaccination, is planned soon, timing is discussed separately. Ellansé may not be a suitable option for people who expect a rapid, marked change, who see the result as equivalent to surgery or who will find it difficult to attend follow-up appointments. All of these matters are addressed at an in-person examination together with your health history and earlier treatments. If necessary, the decision may be left to a later visit after further information and documents have been reviewed.
How is Ellansé given, and what are the aftercare and risks?
Ellansé is given with a needle or cannula depending on the area, usually in a short procedure, and most people can return to daily life the same day. Swelling, tenderness and bruising can occur in the first days. Risks include nodules, rarely granuloma, and vascular occlusion; because Ellansé cannot be dissolved with an enzyme, technique is especially important.
Before the procedure, your face and health history are assessed, and the product box and lot information are checked. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic and a numbing cream may be applied if needed. Whether the product can be prepared with a local anaesthetic depends on its instructions for use. Ellansé is usually placed at a deep level with a needle or cannula depending on the area. Afterwards, avoiding strenuous exercise, sauna, alcohol and pressure on the area for 24 to 48 hours is generally advised; your physician may also ask for short-term massage or cold application. Fullness in the first days is partly swelling. A follow-up appointment is important for assessing the result, symmetry and any irregularities. The duration of the procedure depends on the number of areas, a mild feeling of tightness may follow, and care instructions specific to you are given afterwards.
Common effects are swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising, usually settling within days. Nodules that can be felt or seen under the skin can develop, particularly with superficial placement or larger amounts, and may be noticed weeks or months later. More rarely, an inflammatory response called a granuloma can develop. Vascular occlusion is a rare but serious risk; blanching of the skin, a net-like purplish discolouration or steadily increasing pain needs assessment without delay, and any change in vision means going straight to an emergency department. Because Ellansé cannot be dissolved with an enzyme, safety rests on the right area, depth, technique and a measured amount.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ellansé last?
The duration of Ellansé varies with the version used, the area treated, your age and your metabolism. Manufacturer information describes different durations for the versions, from about a year to several years; these are average targets, and the same result should not be expected in everyone. The expected duration and follow-up interval for you are discussed at consultation.
What is the difference between Ellansé S and Ellansé M?
The main difference between Ellansé S and Ellansé M is the length of the PCL chains and therefore how long the microspheres take to break down in the body. Manufacturer information describes the S version as designed to remain in the tissue for a shorter time and the M version for longer. Which version is chosen, and which are licensed in Turkey, is assessed against the product documents before treatment.
Can Ellansé be dissolved with hyaluronidase?
No, the polycaprolactone microspheres in Ellansé cannot be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase, which only breaks down hyaluronic acid. Ellansé is therefore not regarded as a reversible product, and area, depth and amount are planned cautiously. If a nodule or irregularity develops, the approach is decided by the physician case by case.
Is Ellansé given in a single session?
In many plans Ellansé can be given in a single session; in some people, however, the result is assessed at a check-up after a few weeks and a small additional treatment may be discussed. Not using too much product at once helps reduce the risk of overcorrection. The session plan is set at consultation according to the number of areas, the degree of support loss and how your tissue responds.
Is Ellansé a filler or a biostimulator?
Ellansé has features of both: the gel carrier gives filler-like support during treatment, while the PCL microspheres aim to stimulate collagen production. It is therefore assessed in the biostimulator class. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, it cannot be dissolved with an enzyme, and part of its effect relies on the tissue response that develops over time.
Is it normal for my face to look fuller in the first days after Ellansé?
Yes, a fuller look in the first days after Ellansé is common; this fullness comes partly from swelling due to the procedure and partly from the gel carrier. Swelling settles within one to two weeks for most people. Swelling that increases on one side, redness, warmth or steadily increasing pain should be reported to the physician without delay.
When can I exercise or use a sauna or hammam after Ellansé?
After Ellansé, waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before strenuous exercise, sauna or hammam is generally advised; if swelling and bruising are marked, this may be extended to a few days, because heat and heavy exertion can increase swelling. Lying face down, massage that presses on the area and skin care in the first days are also avoided; your physician sets the exact period.
Sources (2)
- Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol (de Melo et al.): Recommendations for volume augmentation and rejuvenation of the face and hands with the new generation polycaprolactone-based collagen stimulator (Ellansé) (2017)
- Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol (Christen, Vercesi): Polycaprolactone: How a Well-Known and Futuristic Polymer Has Become an Innovative Collagen-Stimulator in Esthetics (2020)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.