Ellansé vs Sculptra in Korea

When you’re considering a longer-lasting injectable to stimulate collagen rather than simply fill with hyaluronic acid, two standout options in Korea are Ellansé and Sculptra. Both are biostimulatory fillers (not just volume fillers) but differ in mechanism, onset of results, longevity, costs, and ideal indications. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you and your patients make the right decision.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable that stimulates the body’s own collagen production slowly over weeks to months.
Key features:

• Works gradually: improvements develop over 2-4 months.
• Good for significant volume loss: cheeks, temples, nasolabial and other mid-face areas.
• Longer treatment time and sometimes multiple sessions.
• Great for patients who are comfortable with subtle change unfolding naturally.

What Is Ellansé?

Ellansé is based on polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It provides an initial volumising effect and then stimulates collagen over time.
Key features:

• Immediate visible improvement (because of gel volume) PLUS long-term collagen stimulation.
• Several product variants offering different durations (e.g., some up to 3-4 years depending on version).
• Useful for patients wanting faster visible lift and volume correction but also long-term benefit.

Key Differences Between Ellansé & Sculptra

Speed of Visible Result

• Ellansé tends to show visible volume/contour improvement immediately thanks to gel component.
• Sculptra builds gradually—initial improvement may be subtle, full effect takes months.

Longevity and Maintenance

• Ellansé’s different versions can last 2-4 years (depending on variant and individual factors).
• Sculptra may last up to 2 years or more, with maintenance sessions required.

Best Indications & Areas

• Ellansé: Excellent for volume restoration + lift where you want visible change quickly (cheeks, jawline, temples).
• Sculptra: Excellent for structural improvement over time, skin quality improvement, and generalized volume support in ageing faces.
• For Asian (Korean) anatomy: Consider skin thickness, amount of fat loss, desire for contour vs subtle improvement.

Downtime & Risk

• Both fillers are minimally invasive but technique matters more with biostimulators.
• Because Ellansé gives immediate volume, risk of over-fill or visible material could be higher if technique is not well controlled.
• Sculptra requires patience and proper layering; risk of irregularities or nodules if too much too soon or poor technique.

Cost & Treatment Sessions

• Ellansé: Often single session maybe sufficient for many patients given longevity.
• Sculptra: Often multiple sessions initially (e.g., 2-3 sessions) then maintenance.
• In Korea your clinic should clarify number of vials/sessions and expected maintenance.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Sculptra if you:

• Have significant volume loss or facial hollowing and want gradual but long-lasting collagen support.
• Are okay with waiting for full results and possibly multiple sessions.
• Want a subtle, natural change over time rather than an immediate “lifted” look.

Choose Ellansé if you:

• Want noticeable improvement sooner (visible volume/contour improvement) with the added benefit of collagen stimulation.
• Are looking for a longer-term result (2-4 years) in one or maybe very few sessions.
• Want a strong contour-lifting effect plus skin quality boost.

Many clinics in Korea combine both or tailor-mix approach depending on face region (e.g., Sculptra for cheeks, Ellansé for jawline) and patient’s aging pattern.

What to Ask During Consultation in Korea

• Which product is best for my face shape, skin type and ageing pattern?
• How many vials and treatment sessions will I need?
• What is the expected timeline for visible improvement and full effect?
• What is the cost breakdown (product, injection fee, maintenance)?
• What are the after-care steps and what can I expect in terms of downtime/swelling/bruising?
• What are risks for Asian anatomy (skin thickness, fat distribution) and how will you mitigate them?
• How many maintenance sessions are anticipated and when?

Final Takeaway

Both Ellansé and Sculptra are excellent choices for collagen-stimulator type fillers and go beyond simple hyaluronic acid volume fillers.

• If your priority is speed + contour lift + longer single-session result, Ellansé may fit best.
• If your priority is gradual improvement, long-term collagen rebuilding, subtle natural change, Sculptra could be the right choice.
• The best outcome will come from a skilled injector who understands the specific facial anatomy of Korean/Asian patients and tailors the product, dose and placement precisely.