Ellansé in London
A collagen stimulator that lifts on the day and then builds your own collagen for one to two years. I use it for structure, not for softness.
Ellansé is a CE-marked injectable made of polycaprolactone microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. The gel gives an immediate lift. Over the following three months the microspheres prompt your skin to lay down new collagen around them, so the result matures rather than fades. Depending on the version I choose, one treatment lasts around one year or up to two. It cannot be dissolved, which is why I place it conservatively and only where the tissue can carry it. I plan, inject and review every Ellansé treatment myself.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
202 Google reviews
GMC
Registered Doctor
MRCS
Royal College of Surgeons
Every treatment
ABOUT ELLANSÉ
What is Ellansé?
Ellansé is a collagen stimulator rather than a conventional filler. Each syringe contains microspheres of polycaprolactone, a polymer that has been used in dissolvable sutures for decades, suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel. The gel provides volume from the moment it is placed. As it is absorbed over the first weeks, the microspheres remain in the tissue and act as a scaffold, and fibroblasts build new collagen around them. The polycaprolactone itself is broken down over time and cleared by the body.
That two-stage action is what separates it from the alternatives. Hyaluronic acid fillers replace volume with a gel that the body gradually clears. Sculptra builds collagen but gives very little on the day and needs a course. Ellansé sits between the two: you leave with a visible result, and your own collagen takes over as the carrier gel fades.
What Ellansé does not do: it does not tighten loose skin, it does not treat fine surface lines, and it cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. If the problem is laxity rather than lost structure, I will tell you that at consultation and we will look at threads or energy-based tightening instead.
TREATABLE AREAS
Where I use Ellansé
Ellansé suits areas that need structure and lift over deep, well-supported tissue. I do not use it in the lips, under the eyes or between the brows, where the tissue is thin, mobile or close to critical vessels.
Cheeks and mid-face
Restore lost volume and lift the cheekbone
Temples
Fill the hollowing that narrows the upper face
Jawline and chin
Sharpen the lower face and support early jowls
Nasolabial and marionette folds
Soften the folds from nose to mouth to chin by supporting the tissue above them
Hands
Re-cover the tendons and veins that show on the back of the hand
ABOUT ELLANSÉ
How the treatment works
Every Ellansé treatment starts with an assessment of the whole face, not a single fold. I map where structure has been lost, where the skin still has enough support to respond, and whether a biostimulator is the right tool at all. Some patients are better served by hyaluronic acid filler, PDO threads or skin tightening, and I say so.
On the day I cleanse the skin and apply a topical anaesthetic. Ellansé is mixed with lidocaine for comfort and placed deep, on or just above the periosteum, through one or two small entry points per area using a blunt cannula. The cannula reduces bruising and keeps the product away from the vessels that run closer to the surface. A session treating two areas takes 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, with mild swelling for two or three days.
You will see the lift immediately. Over the next four to twelve weeks the carrier gel is absorbed and new collagen replaces it, so the result softens slightly and then firms again. I review every patient at around eight weeks, with photographs, to judge the collagen response before deciding whether a second syringe adds anything.
“Ellansé is not a product for chasing volume. It builds structure slowly, and structure is what an ageing face loses first. I place less than the syringe allows, in the right plane, and let the collagen do the rest.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
HONEST COMPARISON
How Ellansé compares to other treatments
Ellansé is usually weighed against Sculptra and hyaluronic acid filler, and sometimes against Radiesse. They do different jobs. The right choice depends on how much you need on the day, how long you want it to last, and whether reversibility matters to you.
| Ellansé (PCL) | Hyaluronic acid filler | Sculptra (PLLA) | Radiesse (CaHA) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
What it is |
Polycaprolactone microspheres in a gel carrier |
A gel of hyaluronic acid, which the body already makes |
Poly-L-lactic acid particles reconstituted in sterile water |
Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier |
|
Result on the day |
Immediate lift from the carrier gel |
Immediate and precise |
Little on the day; builds over months |
Immediate lift |
|
How it builds |
Collagen forms around the microspheres over about 3 months |
No meaningful collagen stimulation |
Collagen over 3 to 6 months, usually a course |
Collagen over 2 to 3 months |
|
How long it lasts |
Around 1 year (S) or up to 2 years (M) |
6 to 18 months by area |
Up to around 2 years |
12 to 18 months |
|
Best areas |
Cheeks, temples, jawline, chin, hands |
Lips, tear troughs, nose, and fine detail anywhere |
Broad, diffuse volume loss across the face |
Jawline, chin, hands |
|
Not used for |
Lips, tear troughs, glabella |
Very little in small volumes |
Lips, tear troughs |
Lips, tear troughs |
|
Sessions |
Usually one, reviewed at 8 weeks |
One, with a top-up at review |
Two or three, 4 to 6 weeks apart |
One or two |
|
Reversible |
No |
Yes, with hyaluronidase |
No |
No |
|
Downtime |
Swelling 2 to 3 days, bruising possible |
Swelling 1 to 3 days |
Mild swelling; massage for 5 days |
Swelling 2 to 3 days |
|
Price at the clinic |
£450 per syringe |
From £350 per area |
£500 per vial, £900 for two |
£450 |
|
Who it suits |
Structure and lift that lasts, in patients who know they respond well to volume |
First-time patients and anyone who wants the option to adjust or remove |
Broad loss where gradual and subtle is the goal |
Lower face definition and hands |
For a first treatment I usually recommend hyaluronic acid, because it can be adjusted or dissolved. Ellansé makes more sense once you know how your face responds to volume and want something that lasts longer between visits. Where the loss is broad and diffuse, Sculptra is often the better biostimulator; for the jawline and hands, Ellansé and Radiesse are the closer comparison.
COMBINING TREATMENTS
Combining Ellansé with other treatments, and the spacing
Ellansé rarely works alone in a plan for an ageing face. These are the pairings I use most and the minimum gaps I keep between them.
| Paired with | Why | Order and minimum spacing |
|---|---|---|
|
Ellansé for structure; hyaluronic acid for lips, tear troughs and fine detail |
Same visit in different areas, or hyaluronic acid 2 weeks after Ellansé |
|
|
Ellansé restores volume; toxin softens expression lines |
Same visit, or at any time |
|
|
Skin quality over the new structure |
2 weeks either side of Ellansé |
|
|
Sculptra for broad loss; Ellansé for defined points such as the cheekbone and chin |
Different areas; I stage them at consultation |
|
|
Threads reposition tissue; Ellansé supports it |
Threads first, Ellansé 2 to 4 weeks later; or Ellansé first and threads after the 8-week review |
|
|
Skin tightening for laxity, which Ellansé does not treat |
Energy treatment first, Ellansé 2 weeks after; or Ellansé first, energy 4 to 6 weeks after |
|
|
Microneedling or peels |
Texture and tone |
2 weeks after Ellansé |
The spacing is conservative on purpose. A biostimulator is still working for months, and I would rather see the collagen response at review than add anything over the same tissue too early.
RESULTS
Results and what to expect
You leave the clinic with a visible lift from the carrier gel. Over the following two to four weeks that early volume softens as the gel is absorbed, which can feel as though the result is fading. It is not. From around week four the collagen response becomes visible, and most patients see their fullest result at three months. I photograph each stage so you can see the change objectively.
Ellansé is made in versions that differ in how long the microspheres persist. Ellansé S lasts around 12 months and Ellansé M up to 24 months. I choose the version for each area at consultation. A partial top-up at 12 to 18 months usually maintains the result. Longevity varies with metabolism, the area treated and how much was placed.
Ellansé restores structure. It does not tighten loose skin and it does not stop the ageing process. If the main concern is laxity rather than volume, HIFU or threads may be a better first step, and I will say so.
Ellansé, cheeks
One syringe. Photographed at 3 months.
Ellansé, jawline and chin
Two syringes. Photographed at 3 months.
Ellansé, temples
One syringe. Photographed at 8 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Recovery, downtime and aftercare
Downtime is short. Most patients return to work the same day with some swelling, and occasionally a bruise at the entry point, that settles within a week.
Before your appointment. Avoid alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers for 24 hours to reduce bruising, unless you take them on prescription. Arrive with clean skin. Allow at least three weeks before an important event, and closer to three months if you want the collagen phase visible on the day.
The first two weeks. On the day, stay upright for four hours, avoid make-up over the entry points and skip strenuous exercise. For the first three days avoid heat, saunas and pressure on the area, including sleeping face-down. Between days three and fourteen the swelling resolves and any early firmness softens. You will have my direct contact details throughout, and written aftercare to take home.
IS THIS FOR ME?
Is Ellansé right for you?
Ellansé suits healthy adults, typically from the late thirties onwards, who have lost structure in the cheeks, temples, jawline or hands and want a result that lasts longer than hyaluronic acid. It is a good fit for people who have had filler before and know they respond well to volume. Because it cannot be dissolved, I am cautious with first-time patients and with anyone whose expectations are not yet settled.
Likely a good fit
Late thirties onwards with lost structure in the cheeks, temples, jawline or chin. Filler before, with a good response. A preference for a result that holds for a year or two rather than a top-up every six months. Ageing hands that show tendons and veins.
Better with something else first
First-time filler patients: start with hyaluronic acid, which can be adjusted. Mainly loose skin rather than lost volume: threads or skin tightening. Broad, diffuse loss across the whole face: Sculptra. Lips or under-eyes: hyaluronic acid only.
Not suitable now
Pregnant or breastfeeding. Active infection or inflammation in the area. A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring. Certain autoimmune conditions or immunosuppression. Expectations that are not yet settled about a product that cannot be reversed.
PRICING
What Ellansé costs
Ellansé is priced per 1 ml syringe and most single areas need one. Larger areas such as both cheeks or the full jawline usually need two. Every quote is itemised before treatment begins, and the price includes the assessment, the eight-week review with photographs and written aftercare.
| Treatment | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Ellansé, 1 syringe |
One area, for example temples, chin or one cheek plane |
£450 |
|
Ellansé, 2 syringes |
Both cheeks, or jawline and chin together |
£850 (to confirm) |
|
Ellansé, 3 syringes |
Mid-face and lower face in one plan |
£1,200 (to confirm) |
|
Hand rejuvenation with Ellansé |
Back of both hands |
£450 |
Complex cases, for example significant asymmetry or correction after previous treatment elsewhere, are planned individually and quoted at consultation.
WHY US
Why choose Hampstead Aesthetics
A collagen stimulator that cannot be dissolved puts more weight on the judgement of the person placing it. I am a GMC-registered doctor (4418489) and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. My surgical and general practice background means I work from a detailed understanding of the arteries, nerves and tissue planes of the face, which is what keeps deep placement safe. I train other practitioners in injectable and thread techniques and I am a Key Opinion Leader for Stylage.
Every Ellansé treatment, from assessment to the eight-week review, is carried out by me. The clinic is on West End Lane in West Hampstead, NW6, two minutes from West Hampstead station, and sees patients from Swiss Cottage, St John’s Wood, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill and across London.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What patients say
Google 4.8 ★★★★★
TRUSTED BRANDS
Clinically validated products we use
I work only with clinically validated, CE-marked products sourced from authorised UK distributors, so every syringe is traceable to its batch.
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
At Hampstead Aesthetics, every Ellansé treatment is performed by Dr Chike Emeagi, a fully registered medical doctor whose qualifications and licence to practise are publicly verifiable.
MRCS - Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP - Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine - Postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC Licensed - Full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration directly on the https://www.gmc-uk.org/
DOCTOR LED TREATMENT
Why Doctor Led Matters
Ellansé is a CE-marked medical device, not a prescription-only medicine. Under current UK law there is no requirement for the person injecting it to hold a medical qualification, although the government has committed to a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Until that is in force, who treats you is your choice, and it matters more with a biostimulator than with a hyaluronic acid filler, because there is no enzyme to undo a poor placement.
At Hampstead Aesthetics every treatment is assessed, planned and carried out by me. Nothing is delegated. The most serious risk with any deep injectable is vascular occlusion, rare but a genuine emergency, and managing it depends on anatomical knowledge, cannula technique and the equipment being in the room.
YOUR SAFETY
Emergency Safety Protocols
- Anaphylaxis kit on site — full adrenaline protocol for allergic reaction.
- Hyaluronidase on site — for any hyaluronic acid filler placed alongside Ellansé, and as part of the vascular occlusion protocol.
- ACE-certified practitioner — I hold emergency complication management certification.
- 999 escalation protocol — written procedures for emergency hospital transfer.
Every product is CE-marked and sourced from authorised UK distributors. The clinic holds full professional indemnity insurance covering all treatments.
CONSENT
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Before treatment you have a full written consultation covering medical history, contraindications, realistic outcomes and the specific risks of a product that cannot be reversed. Treatment only proceeds with informed, documented consent. If you have a concern, raise it with me directly; if it is not resolved, you can escalate to the General Medical Council.
Your consultation, treatment and eight-week review are all conducted by the same doctor. There are no hand-offs.
Reviewed September 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi, GMC No. 4418489. Regulatory position correct at date of review; licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is subject to change.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ellansé cost in London?
At Hampstead Aesthetics Ellansé is £450 per syringe, and most single areas need one. Across London the usual range is £450 to £700 per syringe; the difference reflects who is injecting rather than the product. A two-area plan such as both cheeks is quoted before treatment, and the price includes the assessment, the review at eight weeks and written aftercare.
How long does Ellansé last?
Between one and two years depending on the version. Ellansé S persists for around 12 months and Ellansé M for up to 24 months. The collagen your skin builds outlasts the microspheres to some degree, so the return to baseline is gradual rather than sudden. I choose the version by area and give you a personal estimate at review.
Is Ellansé better than Sculptra?
Neither is better; they suit different faces. Ellansé gives a visible lift on the day and works well for defined structural areas such as the cheekbones, jawline and temples. Sculptra gives little on the day, builds over months, and suits broad, diffuse volume loss across the whole face. Some patients have both, in different areas.
Is Ellansé a filler?
It is often searched for as a filler, and it is injected like one, but it works differently. A hyaluronic acid filler adds volume that the body clears over time. Ellansé adds volume from its carrier gel and then stimulates your own collagen, which is why it lasts longer and why it cannot be dissolved. The distinction matters when you decide which to have.
Can Ellansé be dissolved?
No. There is no hyaluronic acid in Ellansé, so hyaluronidase has no effect on it. Correction relies on the product breaking down naturally over time. That is the main reason I under-treat and review, and why I often suggest hyaluronic acid filler for a first treatment.
Is Ellansé safe?
In experienced medical hands, yes, though no injectable is risk-free. Ellansé has been CE-marked since 2009 and polycaprolactone has a long history in dissolvable sutures. The main risks are nodules if the product is placed too superficially, and vascular occlusion, which is rare. Both are reduced by deep placement with a cannula, conservative volumes and an injector who knows the anatomy.
Does Ellansé hurt?
Most patients find it more comfortable than they expected. I apply numbing cream first and the product is mixed with lidocaine. The cannula entry point stings briefly; after that the sensation is pressure as the product is placed. Deep areas such as the temples can ache for a day afterwards.
Can Ellansé be used in the lips or under the eyes?
No. I do not use Ellansé in the lips, the tear troughs or between the brows, where the tissue is thin, mobile or close to critical vessels. For those areas I use hyaluronic acid, for example tear trough filler.
Will I get lumps after Ellansé?
Nodules are uncommon when the product is placed deep, on or near the bone. Early firmness in the first two weeks is normal and settles. Persistent nodules are rare and can usually be managed in clinic, which is one of the reasons the eight-week review is not optional.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually one. Unlike Sculptra, Ellansé is not a course. Some patients add a second syringe at the eight-week review if an area needs more support, and a partial top-up at 12 to 18 months maintains the result.
Can I combine Ellansé with other treatments?
Yes, with planning. Hyaluronic acid filler in the lips or under the eyes, Profhilo for skin quality, or anti-wrinkle injections can sit alongside it. Energy treatments such as HIFU over an Ellansé area are spaced by several weeks. I sequence everything at consultation; the spacing table above sets out the gaps I keep.
How soon before an event should I have Ellansé?
Allow at least three weeks for swelling to settle, and closer to three months if you want the full collagen result visible on the day.
What happens if I stop having Ellansé?
Nothing harmful. The microspheres are broken down and cleared by the body, and the area returns gradually towards its pre-treatment appearance. You do not end up worse than you started; the original volume loss simply resumes.
Who is not suitable for Ellansé?
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, has an active infection or inflammation in the area, a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, or certain autoimmune conditions. I also postpone treatment where expectations about a non-reversible product are not yet settled. All of this is covered at consultation.
Can men have Ellansé?
Yes, and a growing number do, most often for jawline and chin definition and for temple hollowing. The approach is tailored to a masculine framework, with stronger, more angular support and restrained dosing. The aim is the same: balance and a result that does not look treated.
Arrange your Ellansé consultation
If your face has lost structure rather than just softness, a consultation is the right starting point. I will assess whether Ellansé, hyaluronic acid or a different approach suits you, and agree a plan without pressure. The clinic welcomes patients from West Hampstead, NW6 and across North London.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, GMC No. 4418489.
Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. All treatments carry potential risks, which are discussed before any procedure. Ellansé is a CE-marked medical device. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS.
Book Your Consultation
