Juvelook and Lenisna

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What Are Juvelook and Lenisna?

Juvelook and Lenisna are injectable treatments primarily composed of poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA).

PDLLA gradually absorbs and breaks down within the skin, activating fibroblasts to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Product	Juvelook	Lenisna
Composition	PDLLA + Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid	PDLLA + Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid
PDLLA	Low concentration, small particles	High concentration, larger particles
Injection Depth	Dermis to superficial subcutaneous layer	Superficial subcutaneous layer
適応	Skin texture, fine lines, under-eye area, acne scars	Volume loss in the face or hands, deep wrinkles, overall fat loss, acne scars

Note: These products are not covered by insurance and are unapproved in Japan, so they are not eligible for relief under certain adverse reaction insurance systems.

What is Poly-Lactic Acid?

Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a natural substance made by fermenting starches from plants like corn, potatoes, and sugarcane. In addition to being used to enhance skin firmness, reduce wrinkles, and improve acne scars, it is also commonly used in medical sutures and thread lifts due to its biocompatibility and safety.

One of PLA’s standout qualities is its high level of safety. Once injected, it naturally breaks down in the body over 1-2 years, turning into water and carbon dioxide.

There are two main types of PLA: PLLA and PDLLA. Products like Juvelook and Lenisna contain PDLLA, which has soft, round particles, making it less likely to cause lumps. In contrast, PLLA products like Sculptra have denser, sharper particles, providing long-lasting results but with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as lump formation.

Unique Benefits and Effects of Juvelook and Lenisna

For Shallow Layers: Juvelook

Juvelook contains a lower concentration of PLA and has smaller particles, making it suitable for the superficial layers of the skin. Results usually appear around two weeks after treatment and can last 12–16 months. Juvelook is effective in improving skin firmness, texture, and the appearance of fine lines (such as around the forehead, under the eyes, on the neck, and around the mouth) and acne scars.

For Deeper Layers: Lenisna

Lenisna has a higher concentration of PLA and larger particles, making it ideal for deeper layers of the skin. Visible effects appear after about two weeks and last approximately 1.5–2 years. Lenisna is particularly effective for areas with volume loss (such as the temples, the area in front of the ears, and cheeks), reducing visible veins on the hands, and improving deep wrinkles (forehead, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jawline).

Although Lenisna may not offer immediate results for deep wrinkles like hyaluronic acid injections, it is recommended for those who prefer a gradual, natural improvement through multiple treatments.

Acne Scar Improvement

Acne scars often become more noticeable as skin firmness decreases. Using Juvelook or Lenisna with treatments like subcision, CO2 fractional laser, or microneedling (Dermapen) can stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scar depressions.

Treatment Frequency and Dosage

Frequency

A typical course of Juvelook and Lenisna treatment consists of three monthly injections. For maintenance, Juvelook can be repeated every 6–12 months, and Lenisna once a year, depending on individual needs.

Dosage

The amount of Juvelook or Lenisna injected is determined based on each person’s bone structure and skin condition. Please consult with your physician about the best treatment areas and dosage. Both products can be used on shallow and deep layers in the same session, if necessary.

Juvelook

Lenisna

Combining with Other Treatments

When combining Juvelook or Lenisna with treatments like CO2 laser or microneedling, it’s recommended to leave a two-week gap between treatments. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment schedule.

Example 1: eCO2 Laser → Juvelook and Lenisna (each with a one-month interval)
Example 2: Dermapen + Exosome therapy → Juvelook (each with a two-week interval)

Pros and Cons of Juvelook and Lenisna

Juvelook and Lenisna are based on biocompatible PLA, which breaks down naturally in the body, providing a high level of safety and a natural-looking outcome. By combining Juvelook for superficial layers and Lenisna for deeper layers, both fine lines (under-eye area) and deeper wrinkles (nasolabial folds) can be effectively treated. Additionally, injecting under the eyes does not cause the Tyndall effect, where the skin appears bluish.

However, a downside is that since these treatments work by stimulating your body’s own collagen and elastin production, multiple sessions are typically needed, and results appear gradually. Additionally, while very rare, any lumps that may form cannot be dissolved, unlike with hyaluronic acid treatments.

Individuals Who May Not Be Eligible for Treatment

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Those with a keloid-prone skin type
Individuals with skin issues in the injection area
People allergic to anesthetics (lidocaine), PDLLA, or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid
Individuals with heart conduction disorders or arrhythmia (risk due to anesthesia)

Side Effects of Juvelook and Lenisna

Common Side Effects

1. Needle Marks, Redness, Bruising: Needle marks may last 1-3 days, redness for 1 day to 2 weeks, and bruising for about 2-3 weeks.
2. Pain and Itching: Mild pain or itching can occur at the injection site for a few days post-treatment.
3. Numbness or Discomfort: Anesthetic agents may cause temporary numbness or discomfort.
4. Swelling and Uneven Texture: Temporary swelling or bumps may appear after injection, typically resolving within two weeks. Applying gentle pressure to raised areas from the day after the procedure may help. If there is no improvement after three weeks, please consult with the doctor.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

1. Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis: Allergic reactions to anesthesia components, topical or tape anesthesia, PDLLA, or non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid are possible. Seek immediate emergency assistance if severe allergy symptoms (e.g., rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, palpitations, lowered blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or convulsions) occur.
2. Foreign Body Granulomas and Nodules: Excessive fibroblast response or immune reactions can cause hard nodules. Rarely, “foreign body granulomas” may form, potentially leading to permanent scarring.
3. Infection: Individuals with weakened immunity or immunodeficiency may be at risk of infection at the injection site.
4. Vascular Occlusion: Unintentional injection into blood vessels may lead to serious complications, including arterial embolism, skin necrosis, skin discoloration, blindness, visual impairment, or stroke.
5. Nerve Damage: Sensory or motor nerve damage can occur, usually resolving within three months but in rare cases may persist.

Post-Treatment Care Guidelines

Please avoid makeup, bathing, saunas, alcohol, and exercise on the day of treatment. Gentle face washing and showering are allowed the same day.
Wait at least 1 month before undergoing HIFU or RF treatments (e.g., Thermagen) after Juvelook or Lenisna.

Juvelook / Lenisna Treatment Costs

Juvelook and Lenisna are provided in vials, with concentration levels that may differ across clinics. At our clinic, we prepare them at a standard concentration based on protocol and list the specific vial amounts.

Product	Price (Tax Included)
Consultation	Initial: ¥3,850 Revisit: ¥1,650
Juvelook	3 ml（1/4 vial） ¥44,000 6 ml （1/2 vial）¥79,200 9 ml（3/4 vial）¥112,200 12 ml（1 vial） ¥140,800 Additional 3 ml: ¥35,200
Lenisna	2.5 ml（1/5 vial） ¥44,000 5 ml （2/5 vial） ¥79,200 7.5 ml（3/5 vial） ¥99,000 10 ml（4/5 vial） ¥132,000 12.5 ml（1 vial） ¥165,000 Additional 2.5 ml: ¥33,000
Anesthesia	Tape Anesthesia: ¥330 per piece Cream Anesthesia (for face): ¥3,300 Partial Cream Anesthesia: ¥1,650

A consultation is required before each injection. Micro-needle and cannula fees are included.
Juvelook and Lenisna are stored in vials, and the concentration may vary by clinic. Our clinic uses a standard protocol and indicates the corresponding vial amount.
Both Juvelook and Lenisna treatments can be administered on the same day.

Juvelook / Lenisna FAQs

Can Juvelook and Lenisna be injected under the eyes?

Juvelook can be injected under the eyes, but Lenisna is not suitable for this area. When using Juvelook under the eyes, a cannula is used to prevent bumps or unevenness from forming due to the needle.

Is there any pain? Is anesthesia necessary?

Juvelook is injected in small amounts into shallow layers, which can be more painful, so cream anesthesia is generally recommended. For Juvelook injections under the eyes, a cannula is used, causing minor pricking sensations at first but little discomfort afterward, making anesthesia unnecessary. Lenisna is also injected using a cannula, so anesthesia is not needed.

Can Juvelook or Lenisna reduce nasolabial folds?

For deep nasolabial folds, Lenisna is recommended. This treatment is typically done once a month for three sessions. Although the immediate effect may be less than that of hyaluronic acid fillers, it is ideal for those looking for gradual, natural improvements.

For shallow lines on the surface of the nasolabial folds, a combination of Juvelook and Lenisna is suggested.

Can Juvelook and Lenisna be done on the same day?

Yes, they can be administered on the same day. When treating a combination of deep and shallow wrinkles, or deep and shallow acne scars, both Juvelook and Lenisna are recommended together. For acne scars, an additional subcision procedure may sometimes be necessary.

Can Juvelook or Lenisna be combined with subcision?

Yes, they can be combined with subcision for enhanced results. Please consult with the doctor to determine the appropriate areas for treatment.

Can Juvelook or Lenisna be combined with hyaluronic acid or Botox injections?

Yes, if the treatment areas differ, they can be performed on the same day. Please consult with the doctor for further guidance.

Can Juvelook or Lenisna be combined with fractional laser or microneedling?

When targeting the same area, these treatments cannot be performed on the same day. However, they can be done with a two-week interval between them.

Post-Treatment FAQs for Juvelook and Lenisna

Is there any downtime?

For Juvelook, needle marks may be noticeable for a few days after treatment, and any bruising may take about two weeks to fully fade.

For Lenisna, bruising at the cannula insertion point can occasionally occur, which may take 1–2 weeks to heal.

Can I wear makeup immediately after the treatment?

Please avoid makeup on the day of the treatment. It can be applied as usual from the following day.

Can I drink alcohol after the treatment?

Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the day of the treatment. After that, drinking is generally fine from the next day.

Can I exercise after the treatment?

Avoid intense exercise on the day of the treatment. Regular exercise can be resumed from the following day.

References and Websites

Redaelli A, Forte R. Cosmetic use of polylactic acid: report of 568 patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Dec;8(4):239-48. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00459.x. PMID: 19958426.Dermatology Open Access Journal. Published Date: June 14, 2018.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00459.x
Kim H, Kim M, Quan Y, Moon T, Mun J, Cho H, Park N, Moon W, Lee K, Kim H, Lee J, Ryoo H, Jung H. Novel anti-wrinkle effect of cosmeceutical product with new retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer. Skin Res Technol. 2012 Feb;18(1):70-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00533.x. Epub 2011 Mar 29. PMID: 21443756.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00533.x
Russo P, Venezia V, Tescione F, Avossa J, Luciani G, Silvestri B, Costantini A. Improving Interaction at Polymer-Filler Interface: The Efficacy of Wrinkle Texture. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2020 Jan 25;10(2):208. doi: 10.3390/nano10020208. PMID: 31991718; PMCID: PMC7074972.
Narins RS, Baumann L, Brandt FS, Fagien S, Glazer S, Lowe NJ, Monheit GD, Rendon MI, Rohrich RJ, Werschler WP. 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. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Mar;62(3):448-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.040. PMID: 20159311.
Vleggaar D. Facial volumetric correction with injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Nov;31(11 Pt 2):1511-7; discussion 1517-8. doi: 10.2310/6350.2005.31236. PMID: 16416633.
Hyun MY, Lee Y, No YA, Yoo KH, Kim MN, Hong CK, Chang SE, Won CH, Kim BJ. Efficacy and safety of injection with poly-L-lactic acid compared with hyaluronic acid for correction of nasolabial fold: a randomized, evaluator-blinded, comparative study. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2015 Mar;40(2):129-35. doi: 10.1111/ced.12499. Epub 2014 Oct 15. PMID: 25319932.
Brown SA, Rohrich RJ, Baumann L, Brandt FS, Fagien S, Glazer S, Kenkel JM, Lowe NJ, Monheit GD, Narins RS, Rendon MI, Werschler WP. Subject global evaluation and subject satisfaction using injectable poly-L-lactic acid versus human collagen for the correction of nasolabial fold wrinkles. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011 Apr;127(4):1684-1692. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e318208d371. PMID: 21460676.
Palm MD, Woodhall KE, Butterwick KJ, Goldman MP. Cosmetic use of poly-l-lactic acid: a retrospective study of 130 patients. Dermatol Surg. 2010 Feb;36(2):161-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01419.x. Epub 2009 Dec 21. PMID: 20039924.
Seo SB, Park H, Jo JY, Ryu HJ. Skin rejuvenation effect of the combined PDLLA and non cross-linked hyaluronic acid: A preliminary study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Mar;23(3):794-802. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16085. Epub 2023 Nov 15. PMID: 37969055.
Ao YJ, Yi Y, Wu GH. Application of PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic acid) for rejuvenation and reproduction of facial cutaneous tissue in aesthetics: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Mar 15;103(11):e37506. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037506. PMID: 38489708; PMCID: PMC10939544.
Apikian M, Roberts S, Goodman GJ. Adverse reactions to polylactic acid injections in the periorbital area. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Jun;6(2):95-101. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00303.x. PMID: 17524125.
Bartus C, William Hanke C, Daro-Kaftan E. A decade of experience with injectable poly-L-lactic acid: a focus on safety. Dermatol Surg. 2013 May;39(5):698-705. doi: 10.1111/dsu.12128. Epub 2013 Feb 4. PMID: 23379657.
Juvelook and Lenisna https://juvelook.com/