Lanluma is a collagen stimulator containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Rather than adding volume directly, it stimulates the tissue’s own collagen production and produces a gradual change.
On this page I explain the difference between the two forms of Lanluma, the areas where I prefer it, and why the massage protocol is kept long. For the general framework of biostimulator treatments, see the liquid facelift page.
How does Lanluma work?
The active substance in Lanluma is poly-L-lactic acid. The crystalline particles are placed in the deeper layer beneath the skin. The body reads them as a repair signal; fibroblast cells are stimulated and new collagen production begins 1.
The particles are gradually broken down into lactic acid and then into carbon dioxide and water, and eliminated by the body. What remains is the collagen network the tissue has produced itself.
The fullness you see immediately after treatment belongs to the carrier fluid and settles within a few days. The collagen response becomes noticeable between the fourth and sixth week. In body areas the tissue response is slower than on the face and can continue developing up to the sixth month.
Lanluma V and Lanluma X
Lanluma has two forms; the manufacturer distinguishes them by the size of the area they are intended for.
Lanluma V is designed for smaller areas. It is used on the face and in limited body areas.
Lanluma X is designed for larger body areas. It is preferred for the buttocks, thighs and similar regions.
I decide which form is appropriate during consultation, based on the size of the area and what the tissue needs.
Where do I prefer it?
On the body:
- Tissue support and skin firmness in the buttocks
- Lateral hip depression (hip dips)
- Skin firmness in the thighs and above the knees
- Tissue support on the inner arms
- Skin quality in the abdominal area
In body areas, the use of biostimulators for contour and tissue support is a well described application in the literature 1. What matters here is not millimetric symmetry but a gradual tissue response across a wide area.
On the face: I use Lanluma for skin quality and tissue support. I do not use it for shaping. In areas requiring millimetric symmetry such as the cheekbones, chin and jawline, I use hyaluronic acid fillers, which are reversible. This is not a matter of taste but of safety: PLLA cannot be dissolved with an enzyme. For these areas, see the dermal fillers page.
Which PLLA product is used on the face is decided at consultation, according to the area and the patient’s daily routine.
How the treatment is performed
During consultation I assess the area standing and in movement. Skin thickness, the degree of laxity and your expectations determine the plan.
Topical anaesthetic cream is standard. Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure.
I place the product with a cannula in the correct layer. The choice of layer is decisive with this product: placing it too superficially increases the likelihood of palpable firmness.
A body treatment takes around 45–60 minutes and a facial treatment 20–30 minutes. You can return to daily life the same day.
Number of sessions: On the body this is planned individually; the size of the area and the tissue response are decisive. On the face I plan 2–3 sessions at intervals of 4–6 weeks.
Duration: On average two years, and potentially longer depending on the individual. At the end of that period the result does not disappear suddenly; the natural ageing process continues from where it left off.
The massage protocol: 14 days
Massage after a Lanluma treatment is not optional. It ensures the particles distribute evenly through the tissue and reduces the likelihood of palpable firmness.
The protocol is:
- For 14 days
- Twice a day
- 10 minutes each time
This protocol is specific to Lanluma; with other PLLA products the duration and frequency differ, and the protocols are not interchangeable. I provide the protocol for the product used in writing at the end of your appointment.
Aftercare
First 24 hours
- No make-up on the treated area
- No hot showers, sauna, hammam or steam
- Avoid heavy exercise
- No alcohol
- Do not sleep face-down (facial treatments)
First 48 hours
- Avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure
- No facial massage, skincare treatments or energy-based device treatments
First week
- Avoid intensive lower-body training after body treatments
Expected findings Mild swelling, tenderness or bruising lasting a few days is expected. Part of the fullness seen in the first days is due to swelling and the product’s carrier and settles quickly; this does not mean the effect has worn off.
Safety and anatomy
The most common findings are temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness.
Small palpable firmness under the skin is uncommon. It is usually not visible from the outside and softens over time. Correct placement of the layer and adherence to the massage protocol are the two main factors that reduce this possibility.
Lanluma cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. For this reason the treatment plan, the choice of layer and the choice of cannula are the most decisive parts of the procedure. Distance from vascular structures and the correct anatomical plane are what determine the safety of the treatment.
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
Product and regulatory status: Lanluma has been assessed under CE and TİTCK frameworks for its relevant indications. Approval belongs to the product and to a specific indication, not to a technique or to a physician. I work with products from this class that offer traceability and a certificate of analysis.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People expecting a marked and immediate change from a single session
- People unable to follow the 14-day massage protocol
- People with advanced tissue laxity who require surgical assessment
- People whose actual need is a marked increase in volume
I am not comfortable with excessive treatment requests. If I believe the expectation does not match what the treatment can deliver, I say so, and I do not recommend a procedure I do not consider necessary. Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For a Lanluma treatment I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
The 14-day massage protocol continues after you return home, so I explain it in detail and provide it in writing before you leave. Consultations are conducted in English, and follow-up is arranged remotely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Lanluma V and Lanluma X?
Lanluma has two forms; the manufacturer distinguishes them by the size of the area they are intended for. Lanluma V is designed for smaller areas and is used on the face or in limited body areas. Lanluma X is designed for larger body areas and is preferred for the buttocks and thighs. Which form is appropriate is decided during consultation, based on the size of the area and what the tissue needs.
Why is the Lanluma massage protocol 14 days?
Lanluma particles need to distribute evenly through the tissue, and massage achieves this. The protocol is based on the product’s instructions for use: 10 minutes twice a day for 14 days. Another product’s protocol does not apply to Lanluma.
What does recovery look like after a Lanluma body treatment?
Mild swelling, tenderness and bruising lasting a few days is expected. Intensive lower-body training is avoided during the first week. The collagen response becomes noticeable within 4–6 weeks, and the tissue response can continue developing up to the sixth month. The result develops gradually.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606
Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- Christen MO. Collagen Stimulators in Body Applications: A Review Focused on Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:997–1019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35761856/