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Why is PLLA a trusted molecule in aesthetics?

BlogsJuly 24, 20265 min reading
Main benefits of using PLLA injections

In the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, PLLA injections have emerged as an essential tool for facial rejuvenation. They work by activating the skin’s own collagen regeneration1 and this natural biological process gradually smooths wrinkles, tightens the skin, and enhances skin quality.2 The injected PLLA material is biodegradable and derived from lactic acid—a molecule naturally present in the skin. Below is a summary of the benefits of using PLLA injections.

What is PLLA?

PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) is a versatile biopolymer made of repeating units of L-lactic acid—a molecule that already exists naturally in the human body and skin.3

PLLA is biodegradable and breaks down naturally in the body into naturally occurring  L-lactic acid.4

● PLLA is eco-friendly and is derived from 100% natural resources like corn starch or sugar canes.4

● Thanks to its well-established safety profile, PLLA has been used for decades in medical applications, such as dissolvable sutures, and in regenerative medicine for tissue engineering for bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and skin.4

These advantageous properties have made PLLA a suitable choice also for aesthetic treatments. By increasing collagen and elastin in the skin, PLLA injections provide long-lasting facial rejuvenation that feels authentic and real.2

New PLLA design helps minimize inflammation

PLLA has occasionally been associated with the risk of prolonged inflammation in the skin. This is particularly relevant because chronic low-grade inflammation is a well-known driver of aging—a phenomenon referred to as inflammaging.5

These concerns have spurred the development of next-generation PLLA technologies, specifically designed to minimize the risk of prolonged inflammation while preserving, or even enhancing, the treatment’s collagen-stimulating benefits.

Research into injectable biomaterials has demonstrated that microparticle shape and surface quality play a critical role in how the body responds:

● Spherical microspheres have a lower tendency to trigger inflammatory responses compared to particles with irregular shapes or rough surfaces.6

A smooth surface texture of the microparticles has a low tendency to trigger inflammatory responses.7

Particles should also be within an optimal size range, neither too small or large, to minimize inflammatory responses.8

These findings have been the starting point when we have developed our microsphere technology PLLA-LASYNPRO™, used exclusively in the bio-activator JULÄINE™ of Sweden.

Research findings on PLLA microsphere design

● A study by Geara et al, 2025 , on human skin explants injected with our microsphere technology PLLA-LASYNPRO™,  showed an increase in the expression of collagen and elastin beginning already at day 1.9

● In another study on animal skin, histology images showed that injections of microsphere-based PLLA-LASYNPRO™ had regenerated a fine network of new collagen. There were also signs of newly formed blood vessels—a key sign of regeneration.10

An objective behind our PLLA microsphere technology LASYNPRO™ was to help the skin transition to genuine collagen regeneration. We are pleased to confirm that this key transition has now been clearly observed in patients.2

Long-lasting, gradual, and authentic results

● PLLA injections aren’t a quick fix, but provide gradual, long-lasting results based on the skin’s own biological processes in regenerating new collagen.1,2

● It is not about changing the appearance but about enhancing the beauty that is already there.

● In line with  today’s patient expectations, which increasingly favor natural, healthy-looking results,11 PLLA injectables provide subtle and natural rejuvenation, without sudden changes.2

● Our dermal bio-activator JULÄINE™ has been shown to effectively smoothen wrinkles and tighten the skin, and improve overall skin quality.2

Proven performance profile of JULÄINE™

The efficacy and safety of JULÄINE™ was evaluated in a study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The study results showed that adverse events were infrequent, mild in intensity, and transient, with a low incidence of moderate or severe events.2

A common concern with PLLA injections is the potential formation of nodules or lumps under the skin. A survey  conducted among 36 Spanish professionals experienced in biostimulator treatments, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, showed that the incidence of nodules was perceived as extremely rare or absent. The survey also found that most respondents noted that moderate adverse events were infrequent or rare and nearly all reported never having observed severe adverse events.12

Interested in partnering with JULÄINE™? Connect with us!

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Main benefits of using PLLA injections
Main benefits of using PLLA injections

References

1. 2025. JULÄINE™ Instructions for Use: V4

2. Urdiales-Gálvez F, Benítez PA, Díaz I, Clinical Outcomes of an Innovative Poly-L-Lactic Acid (LASYNPRO) in Facial Rejuvenation: Prospective, Multicenter Spanish Study, J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Feb;25(2):e70753.

3. Chirumbolo, Bertossi, Magistretti. 2023, Insights into the Role of L-Lactate as a Signaling Molecule in Skin Aging. Biogerontology (2023) 24:709-726.

4. Capuana E. Et al., Poly-l-Lactic Acid (PLLA)-Based Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine: A Review on Processing and Applications, Polers (Basel). 2022 Mar 14;14(6):1153.

5. Pilkington S.M. et al, Inflammaging and the Skin, Invest Dermatol. 2021 Apr;141(4S):1087-1095

6. Matlaga B.F., Yasenchak L.P., Salthouse N.T., Tissue response to implanted polymers: the significance of sample shape, J Biomed Mater Res. 1976 May;10(3):391-7.

7. Vaine CA et al., Tuning innate immune activation by surface texturing of polymer microparticles: the role of shape in inflammasome activation, J Immunol. 2013 Apr 1;190(7):3525-32.

8. Guo J. et al., Injectable fillers: current status, physicochemical properties, function mechanism, and perspectives, RSC Adv. , 2023, 13, 23841-23858.

9. Geara J. et al., Poly-L-Lactic Acid Microspheres Promote Skin Rejuvenation via Enhanced Fibroblast Function, Biomed Mater Res A. 2025 Nov;113(11):e38017.

10. 2024. PLLA medical device implantation study. Local Tissue Effects, Degradation and Performance Following Subcutaneous Injection in Rabbit. NAMSA Intermediate Audited Report. Data on file.

11. BCG medical aesthetics provider surveys; DRG Clarivate; Market participant interviews; Company 10-Ks, BCG analysis. Presented during Medical Aesthetics Injectable Summit, October 5, 2024.

12. Serrano-Coronado M. et al., Clinical Perspectives on the Safety Profile of Poly-L-

Lactic Acid (Juläine): Results From a National Survey, J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Sep 8;24(9):e70439.

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