Biostimulators compared — Sculptra · Radiesse · Ellansé · Lenisna · Juvelook (2026 guide)

01What 'biostimulator' actually means

A biostimulator is an injectable that does NOT primarily add volume — it triggers the body's own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to build new tissue. The injected microparticles act as a scaffold; over weeks to months they are gradually replaced by new collagen, then resorbed entirely.

This is mechanically different from HA fillers (which sit in place and provide volume directly, then degrade) and from bio-remodelling agents like Profhilo (which improve skin quality without volume change).

02Side-by-side comparison

Quick decision matrix — read across the row that matches your priority:

• Longest natural build: Sculptra (PLLA) · 2-3 yr
• Immediate volume + collagen: Radiesse (CaHA) · 12-18 mo
• Thailand carries S only: Ellansé (PCL) · 12-18 mo
• Lenisna: PDLLA + HA
• Skin-quality boost + glow: Juvelook (PLA particle) · 6-12 mo
• Cheapest entry: HA filler (not on this list — different category)

031. Sculptra (PLLA)

Galderma's poly-L-lactic acid biostimulator, FDA-approved since 2004. The 'classic' biostimulator with the longest clinical track record.

Onset is the slowest of the five — you see almost nothing for 4-6 weeks, then a gradual rebuild peaking at 6 months. Duration is the longest in this category at 2-3 years.

Standard course: 2-3 vials over 2-3 sessions.

Best when: you want the most natural-looking, slow-burn result + longest duration + are okay with a 3-6 month wait. Not ideal when: you need immediate visible change or can only commit to a single session.

Waleerat price: ฿25,000 / 1 catalogue bottle. A bottle price is not a full treatment total.

Available at Waleerat: yes.

• Composition: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microparticles
• Onset: visible at month 3, peak at month 6
• Duration: 2-3 years
• Sessions: 2-3, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
• Best for: diffuse mid-face volume loss in age 35+

042. Radiesse (CaHA)

Merz's calcium hydroxylapatite biostimulator. Mechanically different from Sculptra: the CaHA microspheres themselves provide immediate volume on day 1, then dissolve over months while triggering collagen production.

So you get BOTH instant volume AND a long-term collagen gain in a single product.

Best when: you want immediate visible change without waiting 3-6 months, plus collagen build for longevity. Not ideal when: you're sensitive about porcine concerns (CaHA is synthetic, but ask about excipients) or want the longest possible duration.

Duration: 12-18 months. Waleerat price for regular Radiesse: ฿22,999 / 1 catalogue bottle.

A bottle price is not a full treatment total. Waleerat also offers Reset Regenerative as a CaHA-class option — same product class, halal-compatible formulation.

• Composition: Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in gel carrier
• Onset: immediate volume + collagen build over months
• Duration: 12-18 months
• Sessions: 1, occasionally 2 for diffuse cases
• Best for: jawline contouring + immediate hand/face volume

053. Ellansé (PCL)

Sinclair Pharma's polycaprolactone biostimulator, widely used in Korean and Thai aesthetic practice. The product line has four grades that differ only in how long the body takes to resorb the polymer: S (12-18 months), M (2 years), L (3 years) and E (4 years).

Only S is registered with the Thai FDA, so S is what you can actually receive in Thailand. The PCL microspheres give some immediate volume and then a sustained collagen build.

Best when: you want a defined 12-18 month commitment rather than an open-ended one, which suits patients who travel and want to reassess. Not ideal when: you want the longest possible result (Sculptra wins on maximum duration in practice), or when reversibility matters — unlike an HA filler, PCL cannot be dissolved with an enzyme.

Bangkok pricing: from ฿25,000 — Waleerat now offers it as Program Ellansé (grade S). If any clinic offers you grade M, L or E in Thailand, ask to see the Thai FDA registration number on that specific box.

• Composition: Polycaprolactone microspheres
• Onset: gentle immediate volume + collagen build
• Duration: 12-18 months (grade S — the only one registered in Thailand)
• Sessions: 1, occasionally 2
• Best for: patients who want defined-duration commitment

064. Lenisna (PDLLA + HA)

Juvetek's product information lists Lenisna as PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactic acid) 170 mg and HA (sodium hyaluronate) 30 mg.

These masses describe the listed product composition, not an injection dose or treatment plan. This comparison does not verify Lenisna's onset, duration, number of sessions, regulatory status, availability at Waleerat, or price.

• Composition: PDLLA 170 mg + HA (sodium hyaluronate) 30 mg

075. Juvelook (PLA + booster)

Korean PLA-particle product positioned at the border between biostimulator and skin booster. Smaller particle size + lower concentration than Sculptra means a milder collagen stimulus but better suitability for thinner skin and superficial application.

Often marketed alongside Rejuran in 'skin booster' packages.

Best when: skin quality + mild firmness is the goal, NOT volume restoration. The Sculptra-Juvelook overlap is small — they're not really substitutes.

Not ideal when: you have meaningful volume loss (Juvelook can't restore it). Bangkok pricing: ฿8-12K/session, courses of 2-3.

Available at Waleerat, though not as a Sculptra substitute — the two do different jobs. Rejuran addresses an overlapping skin-quality goal, so the choice between them is a consultation question rather than a ranking.

• Composition: PLA microparticles (smaller than Sculptra's)
• Onset: 4-8 weeks
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Sessions: 2-3
• Best for: skin-quality boost, not volume restoration

08How to choose

Most patients should not choose a biostimulator by brand — they should choose by what they need treated. The decision tree we use at Waleerat:

Step 1: Is the goal STRUCTURAL VOLUME (hollow temples, flat cheeks, jowls)? Yes → biostimulator family.

No → look at Profhilo (skin quality) or HA filler (point correction). Step 2: Do you want IMMEDIATE volume or are you okay waiting?

Immediate → CaHA (Radiesse/Reset). Patient → PLLA (Sculptra).

Step 3: How long do you want the result to last? 2-3 yr → Sculptra. 1-2 yr → CaHA/Reset. 12-18 mo from PCL → Ellansé, variant S, the only grade registered in Thailand. The free physician consult is exactly for this conversation.