You would like your face to look more rested, your skin firmer or your contours clearer, but you do not want to choose a treatment simply because it is popular. As you start researching, the names aesPlla, Lanluma and Radiesse appear. Do they do the same thing? Will you see a result straight away? And which might suit you?
The useful distinction is not which product is "best", but what you want to achieve. Collagen stimulators are different tools. The choice starts with your goal, your tissue and an assessment, not the name on a box.
Two types of product, different expectations
aesPlla and Lanluma are PLLA products, based on poly-L-lactic acid. Their purpose is biostimulation: encouraging collagen formation and gradual change, rather than judging a final result immediately after injection.
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in a gel. When used for volume, the gel can provide initial correction, while later effects are associated with collagen formation. Preparation and technique change the treatment goal; not every Radiesse treatment has the same filling effect.
So "stimulates collagen" is not a complete explanation. You need to know which product is proposed, for which area and with what goal.
What would you like to change?
If loss of fullness is your main concern, the discussion focuses on volume and tissue distribution. If you want better skin quality or a clearer contour, the assessment may be different. Not every wrinkle reflects the same problem, and not every collagen stimulator suits every area.
Describe your concern in your own words: "I look tired", "I want a subtle change" or "I do not want extra fullness". That is more useful than asking for a product you saw on social media.
When will I see a result?
With PLLA treatment, change develops gradually. The appearance immediately after the procedure is not a reliable measure of the final result: swelling can affect what you see.
When Radiesse is used for volume, initial correction may be visible earlier, but that is still not the same as the final assessment once the tissue reaction has settled. Agree when results will be reviewed and how they will be documented.
There is no single number that fairly describes result duration or appointment count for every person, product and area. Ask for your own plan, not a universal promise from the internet.
What happens during treatment, and how does it feel?
Before the procedure, you discuss your goal, previous fillers and other treatments, health, allergies and medicines. The product and injection sites are then planned. Measures to reduce discomfort depend on the procedure; an injectable treatment should not be described as guaranteed painless.
Tenderness, swelling, redness and bruising can occur. If you have an important event coming up, mention it beforehand rather than assuming there will be no visible reaction.
You receive aftercare and any massage instructions for the specific product. Do not transfer one brand's instructions to another or start massaging on your own initiative.
What does particle research add to this conversation?
A 2024 laboratory paper compared Radiesse particles with those of another PLLA formulation. The CaHA particles were smooth and approximately spherical; particles of the PLLA product studied were more irregular. This may help explain different interactions with tissue.
But it was not a comparison of patient outcomes. It does not establish which treatment lasts longer, looks better or causes fewer complications. aesPlla and Lanluma were not tested, so the findings cannot automatically be attributed to them. Merz Aesthetics, the manufacturer of Radiesse, supported the study, and two authors are employees of the company.
The practical message: material details matter, but a microscopic photograph cannot choose a treatment for you and your practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
Is Radiesse better because it can provide initial volume?
Not necessarily. Initial volume is an advantage only if it matches your goal. Someone who does not want extra fullness may need a different plan.
Are aesPlla and Lanluma interchangeable?
They should not be selected or prepared on the basis of the PLLA label alone. The documentation, instructions and plan for the specific product matter. This paper did not compare them with each other.
Can I tell which suits me just from this article?
No. The article helps you ask useful questions; an assessment establishes whether any of these treatments is appropriate at all.
Book a consultation
You do not need to arrive with a product already chosen. Bring an idea of what you would like to change. At ESTERA, we discuss aesPlla, Lanluma and Radiesse options, benefits, risks and alternatives, then develop a plan based on the assessment.
Book a consultation. For a wider overview, read Collagen stimulators: PLLA or CaHA?.
Content prepared and medically reviewed by Dr Nenad Stanković, DDS/DMD, specialist in cosmetology, international lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine.
References
1. McCarthy AD et al. A morphological analysis of calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid biostimulator particles. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13764. DOI: 10.1111/srt.13764. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11163027/
2. FDA. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers). General risk information, not confirmation of Serbian registration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers
3. Merz Aesthetics Canada. Radiesse: Mechanism of Action. Manufacturer information, not proof of superiority or approved indications in Serbia. https://www.merzaesthetics.ca/radiesse/hcp/mechanism-of-action/
4. Lanluma. Your Lanluma Journey. Brand information on the treatment process; individual plans follow the current instructions for the specific product. https://lanluma.com/lanluma-journey/