The Pilla 365 mg – Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Collagen Stimulator for Face and Body The Pilla is a CE-marked injectable collagen stimulator based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), developed by JOHA Meditech for gradual collagen induction in the face and body. Each vial contains 365 mg of lyophilised powder, of which 150 mg is PLLA. Supplied as a powder for reconstitution, it sits within the collagen biostimulator category and is indicated for facial and body applications. The correction develops through newly formed collagen rather than implanted material, making it well suited to protocols requiring multiple vials, including larger body treatment areas. Key features ✓ CE-marked injectable medical device ✓ 150 mg PLLA per vial ✓ Face and body indications ✓ Fully synthetic, biodegradable polymer ✓ Suited to large treatment areas ✓ Progressive collagen stimulation Product overview Feature Value Category Injectable collagen stimulator (biostimulator) Active substance Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), 150 mg Origin of material Fully synthetic polymer Mechanism Fibroblast activation, neocollagenesis Injection depth Subcutaneous and supraperiosteal, by area Technique Linear threading, fanning or cross-hatching, per IFU Face Nasolabial folds, cheeks, temples, chin, jawline, neck lines Body Abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, buttocks, back of hands Patient profile Diffuse collagen deficit, structural laxity Sessions 2-3, at approximately 4-week intervals Onset of results Progressive across the course Final assessment 3 months after the last session Maintenance Typically every 12-24 months Downtime Minimal Mechanism Poly-L-lactic acid is a resorbable synthetic polymer. In clinical literature this class of product is described as acting through a controlled tissue response: the injected microparticles form a temporary subcutaneous scaffold, fibroblasts migrate to the particle surface and collagen synthesis is upregulated, while the polymer itself is progressively resorbed. The polymer degrades. The newly formed collagen remains. It does not produce immediate volumisation. Any volume visible on the day of treatment reflects the reconstitution fluid and associated oedema, both resolving within 48 to 72 hours. Improvement in dermal thickness, firmness and structural support develops across the course, with outcome assessed at three months from the last session rather than at the next scheduled visit. Where a patient requires immediate contour correction, a volumising dermal filler is the appropriate product class. Patient counselling that establishes this distinction upfront is widely regarded as one of the key factors in satisfaction with PLLA treatment. Treatment areas Face: shallow-to-deep nasolabial folds, perioral wrinkles, temples, cheeks, chin and jawline definition, neck lines. Body: abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, buttocks, back of hands. Practical protocol planning for large body areas often depends on the number of vials required per session, which places The Pilla alongside the rest of the body contouring range rather than in a face-only role. Poly-L-lactic acid has an established evidence base in facial collagen stimulation, with published data available across multiple PLLA products, including Sculptra . Clinical positioning Poly-L-lactic acid is indicated where the deficit is collagen rather than contour. The Pilla is suitable when: ✓ Diffuse collagen loss and structural laxity dominate the presentation ✓ Gradual, progressive improvement is preferred over immediate correction ✓ Treatment covers large surfaces requiring several vials per session ✓ A fully synthetic, biodegradable active is required ✓ Reconstitution and injection follow established PLLA practice It is not the appropriate choice for isolated contour defects, for patients requiring a same-day result, or where the clinical objective is volumisation rather than tissue remodelling. Administration Reconstitution: sterile water for injection, in the volume specified in the manufacturer’s IFU. Current PLLA practice favours high-volume dilution. Allow full hydration, then agitate to homogenise particle distribution before use. Depth: subcutaneous and supraperiosteal planes, selected by area. Avoid intradermal, intramuscular and intravascular placement; superficial placement is a recognised contributing factor in papule formation. Technique: linear threading, fanning or cross-hatching, with volume per point according to IFU and injector preference. Needle or cannula: selected by area and plane; see the available cannulas and needles . Anaesthetic: the product contains none; lidocaine is added to the suspension immediately before injection at the practitioner’s discretion. Aftercare: massage of the treated area, five minutes five times daily for five days after each session. Avoid sun exposure, sauna and intense heat until erythema and oedema resolve. Tissue preparation: where dermal quality is compromised, a course of skin boosters two to four weeks earlier may support tissue response and treatment planning. Safety profile Common reactions are erythema, oedema, bruising and tenderness at the injection site, generally resolving within days. These reactions are expected, transient and typically resolve without intervention. Delayed subcutaneous papules and nodules are the adverse event most commonly associated with PLLA; reported incidence is reduced by adequate dilution, correct depth of placement, homogeneous suspension and compliance with the post-treatment massage protocol. Less frequently reported: injection-site infection, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, granuloma formation and skin necrosis following intravascular placement. PLLA microparticles are visible on ultrasound. Contraindications The following are general considerations and do not replace the product-specific Instructions for Use. Known hypersensitivity to poly-L-lactic acid or any component of the product History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring Active infection, inflammation or skin lesions at the injection site Pregnancy and breastfeeding Patients under 18 years of age Areas containing permanent implants or non-resorbable fillers Specification Active substance Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), 150 mg Presentation 365 mg lyophilised powder per vial Pack 1 vial + package insert Anaesthetic None Storage Below 30 degrees Celsius, protected from light. Do not freeze. Shelf life 21 months, unopened packaging Manufacturer JOHA Meditech Co., Ltd. Classification CE-marked injectable medical device, MFDS-registered Availability Restricted to licensed healthcare professionals FAQ What is the difference between The Pilla and Sculptra? Both are poly-L-lactic acid collagen stimulators delivering 150 mg PLLA per vial and acting through the same mechanism. They differ in manufacturer, regulatory registration and the volume of published clinical data available for each. Can it be used on the body? Yes. Documented body areas include the abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, buttocks and back of the hands. Body protocols commonly involve higher dilution volumes and broader treatment distribution than facial applications. Why is there no result on the day? PLLA does not provide immediate volumisation. Day-one fullness is reconstitution fluid and resolves within 48 to 72 hours. The correction is collagen the patient produces, and it develops progressively across the course. How many sessions are required? Two to three sessions at approximately four-week intervals, with maintenance typically every 12 to 24 months. Outcomes after an incomplete course may not reflect the result expected from the full protocol. When can treatment be repeated? Typically 12 to 24 months after the last session, once collagen remodelling has fully developed and residual correction can be assessed objectively rather than on a fixed schedule. Can it be combined with other injectables? Sequentially, yes. Same-session combination with fillers or other biostimulators makes it harder to attribute both results and adverse events. Complete the course, assess, then introduce the second product. { “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the difference between The Pilla and Sculptra?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Both are poly-L-lactic acid collagen stimulators delivering 150 mg PLLA per vial and acting through the same mechanism. They differ in manufacturer, regulatory registration and the volume of published clinical data available for each.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can it be used on the body?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. Documented body areas include the abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, buttocks and back of the hands. Body protocols commonly involve higher dilution volumes and broader treatment distribution than facial applications.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why is there no result on the day?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “PLLA does not provide immediate volumisation. Day-one fullness is reconstitution fluid and resolves within 48 to 72 hours. The correction is collagen the patient produces, and it develops progressively across the course.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How many sessions are required?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Two to three sessions at approximately four-week intervals, with maintenance typically every 12 to 24 months. 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