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Case Reports
. 2022 Dec 28:15:2895-2901.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S385202. eCollection 2022.

Objective Assessment of the Long-Term Volumizing Action of a Polycaprolactone-Based Filler

Maria Angelo-Khattar  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Objective Assessment of the Long-Term Volumizing Action of a Polycaprolactone-Based Filler

Maria Angelo-Khattar. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

Background: The polycaprolactone-based filler, (PCL-1, Ellansé-S), forms part of the recently growing portfolio of biodegradable collagen-stimulating fillers. It is comprised of a suspension of 25-50 micron diameter microspheres of polycaprolactone (PCL) (30%) in a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel carrier (70%) and has gained popularity due to its long-term volumizing action.

Objective: This study outlines a retrospective case series of nine patients injected with the PCL-1, for volume augmentation in the mid-face. Objective volume calculations were performed with the Canfield Vectra 3D Imaging System at two time points post-implantation, with the objective of determining the longevity of the volumizing effect of the bio-stimulating substance.

Results: A clear increase in volume, between 50-150%, was found in all of the patients at two years, over and above the volume initially injected. All the patients were satisfied with the longevity of the results.

Discussion: The PCL-based filler is believed to afford immediate volume restoration due to the CMC gel component and a long-term action due to neo-collagenesis, induced by the PCL microspheres. The CMC gel is known to dissipate within 6-8 weeks, only to be replaced by new collagen induced by the PCL particles. Thus soft-tissue formation induced by the PCL particles, ultimately leads to a sustained volumizing effect.

Conclusion: The PCL-based filler is shown to have a sustained volumizing effects of at least 2 years duration with clear evidence of increase in volume over and above the volume injected, in all of the cases studied. This is indicative of significant neo-collagenesis induced by the PCL microspheres.

Keywords: Vectra 3D; biostimulant; polycaprolactone.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frontal and profile colour distance maps of 38-year old patient injected with a total volume of 1.0cc of PCL- filler both malar areas.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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