Ellansé: What You Need to Know

Ellansé is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it's not yet available in the United States. 

However, it is widely used in Asia and Europe.

Pros

• Ellansé results can last up to three years, making it a more cost-effective option over time than hyaluronic acid-based fillers that typically last for a year or less. 
• PCL has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated.  
• A majority of RealSelf members say their procedure was Worth It, and Ellansé before and after photos show a softening of wrinkles and more facial volume, with natural-looking results. 

Cons

• Ellansé isn’t FDA-approved yet, so it’s not yet available from reputable providers in the U.S. 
• Unlike hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane, Ellansé can’t be dissolved early with hyaluronidase if you don’t like your result or have a complication.   
• Because it’s a longer-lasting filler, you may experience side effects like lumps for as long as it stays in your body. 

RealSelf Tip: If you're getting filler for the first time, consider starting off with a reversible hyaluronic acid-based product, to be sure you're pleased with the effect.

• Average Cost:
• $825

Your cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, and the number of syringes used.

A 2017 study funded by Aqtis Medical, the manufacturer of Ellansé, concluded that this dermal filler is safe.

PCL is a type of biocompatible polymer with a high safety profile; in fact, it's used medically in prosthetics, sutures, and drug delivery systems. The FDA classifies both the PCL microspheres and CMC gel in Ellansé as Generally Recognized As Safe substances.

Common injection-related side effects include inflammation, discomfort, mild swelling, or bruising (all of which can usually be covered by makeup). Most people have only mild reactions that resolve within a day or two. 

Severe side effects are extremely rare, but they are possible, if your body reacts to the ingredients or if your treatment is performed by an unqualified injector. Some patients develop lumps that last as long as the filler does, but the impact is aesthetic rather than a safety concern.

All injectable fillers also carry a small risk of vascular occlusion, which happens when a provider accidentally injects filler into a blood vessel. This creates a blockage that can lead to tissue death. It’s a rare complication, but because this filler can’t be dissolved with hyaluronidase, it’s important to be treated by an experienced surgeon or dermatologist with deep expertise in injectables and facial anatomy.

Related: Vascular Occlusion Is the Scary Filler Complication No One Talks About

During your consultation, your doctor will determine if Ellansé is the best filler for your goals and recommend one of four Ellansé formulas. Each can be used anywhere on the face (except under the eyes or in the lips) but varies in its reabsorption rate and longevity.

Before injection, your doctor will give you a local or topical anesthetic like lidocaine to minimize discomfort. 

Once you’re numb, they’ll use a syringe or ultra-thin cannula to inject the filler into the cheeks, temples, chin, or another area. You can expect the process to take about 30 minutes.

You'll be able to return to normal activities when the treatment is over, with virtually no downtime.

You’ll see immediate results in terms of more volume, improved facial contour, or smoothing of deep folds. 

Over the next three months, Ellansé will continue to promote collagen stimulation. Dr. Victoria Manning, a physician in London, explains that peak results take a few months to show, as your natural collagen production ramps up. “The best results really are around three months post-treatment, once your own new collagen forms," she says.

How long it lasts depends on the filler formula your injector uses.

• Ellansé S lasts up to 18 months.  
• Ellansé M lasts up to two years.
• Ellansé L lasts up to three years.