Treatments and supplements · Poly-L-lactic acid filler (Sculptra)

Does Sculptra really stimulate collagen?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

11 studies, including one that brings together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 1 study

4 Large controlled trial 2 studies

3 Small study in people 8 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Skin aging

The studies

5 Repeated evidence Efficacy, Durability, and Safety of Collagen Biostimulators Based on Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) in the Face: A Systematic Review.
2026 · Aesthetic plastic surgery
4 Large controlled trial A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of injectable poly-L-lactic acid versus human-based collagen implant in the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles.
2010 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 117 participants
4 Large controlled trial Efficacy and Safety of a Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler for Temporal Augmentation: A Randomized, No-treatment Control, Evaluator-blinded, Multicenter Study.
2026 · Aesthetic surgery journal · 174 participants · manufacturer helped fund this
3 Small study in people Gene Analysis of Biostimulators: Poly-L-Lactic Acid Triggers Regeneration While Calcium Hydroxylapatite Induces Inflammation Upon Facial Injection.
2025 · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 21 participants
3 Small study in people A Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded, Multicenter Study to Compare Injectable Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid vs Hyaluronic Acid for Nasolabial Fold Augmentation.
2024 · Aesthetic surgery journal
3 Small study in people Comparative Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis of Poly-l-Lactic Acid Versus Calcium Hydroxylapatite Reveals a Novel, Adipocyte-Mediated Regenerative Mechanism of Action Unique to PLLA.
2024 · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for America · 21 participants
3 Small study in people Microneedling Radiofrequency Enhances Poly-L-Lactic Acid Penetration That Effectively Improves Facial Skin Laxity without Lipolysis.
2024 · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 32 participants
3 Small study in people Safety and Efficacy of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler (Gana V vs. Sculptra) Injection for Correction of the Nasolabial Fold: A Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority, Randomized, Split-Face Controlled Trial.
2023 · Aesthetic plastic surgery
3 Small study in people Efficacy and Safety of Poly-L-lactic Acid for Midface Rejuvenation: A 12-Month Split-face Controlled Evaluation With 3D Imaging and Patient-reported Outcomes.
2026 · Aesthetic surgery journal
3 Small study in people A Split Face Study Comparing the Effect of a PDLLA Based Product and PLLA on the Nasolabial Fold (NLF).
2026 · Skin research and technology : official journal of Inte · 33 participants · manufacturer helped fund this
3 Small study in people Randomized, Controlled, Multicentered, Double-Blind Investigation of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Improving Skin Quality.
2019 · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for America