By Dr Sabika Karim 15 August 2025
At Skin Medical we are always looking for the latest, exciting treatments to deliver safe, effective results for our patients. One of the new treatments we’ve taken on recently is Julaine and due to its composition some people are looking at how it compares vs Sculptra, which has been in our aesthetic physician toolbox for over 20 years!
We’re proud to offer both Sculptra and Julaine as next-generation collagen-stimulating treatments here at Skin Medical and whilst Sculptra has been a trusted name for collagen stimulation for many years, Juliane is a newer innovation making waves in the aesthetics world. When you have two treatments that sound similar in terms of their action, patients often ask us what’s the difference, and which one should I choose? Let’s take a closer look at how these treatments compare so you can feel more informed prior to any consultation, which is always a must.
Let’s start with the most important thing, safety. For years, PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) fillers such as Sculptra have been trusted by doctors and used safely in the aesthetic industry. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) is a biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used in medical applications for decades, including in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue implants. PLLA works by gradually stimulating the body’s own collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and structure.
Sculptra, is FDA approved in the United States and was the first, original filler to utilise PLLA for aesthetic purposes. PLLA-SCA or Sculptra, is known as a collagen stimulating filler, because it encourages your skin’s natural collagen production. Juliane’s new PLLA microspheres are engineered to be more uniform and bio-compatible. Why is this important? Because this consistency means the particles mix more evenly, reducing the inflammation caused by the treatment.
While Julaine introduces a new generation of collagen-stimulating injectables, Sculptra remains one of the most trusted and effective bio-stimulatory treatments available today with a strong track record, natural-looking results, and long-lasting benefits for skin and structure.
Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating your body’s own collagen production, helping to restore volume, contour, and elasticity from within. Think of it as laying the foundation for long-term skin health rather than just smoothing the surface.
Juliane offers a new-generation PLLA formulation, developed by Nordberg Medical, designed to enhance collagen stimulation while reducing common risks like inflammation and nodule formation. Unlike traditional PLLA injectables, Juliane does not rely on inflammation to produce results. Instead, it activates Type I collagen production—the strong, flexible collagen type responsible for youthful skin.
Thanks to its even particle size and biocompatibility, Juliane:
Does not require post-injection massage
Minimises the risk of lumps or granulomas
Is suitable for use in high-movement areas (e.g. around the mouth)
It’s also particularly well-suited for patients looking to improve skin quality and elasticity, not just volume.
Active Ingredient: Both contain Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), a bio-stimulatory substance that gradually promotes collagen synthesis.
Treatment Goals: Both aim to improve volume loss, skin firmness, and elasticity over time.
Treatment Plan: Typically require a course of 2–3 sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Longevity: Results from both can last up to 2 years or more with maintenance.
Suitability: Can be used across multiple areas of the face and lower face.
| Feature | Sculptra | Juliane |
|---|---|---|
Technology | First generation PLLA-SCA | New-generation PLLA with smoother micorspheres |
Mechanism | Triggers collagen via inflammatory response | Stimulates collagen via non-inflammatory cellular repair |
Downtime | Some swilling, bruising. May require post-treatment massage | Some swelling and bruising, doesn't require post treatment massage |
Safety Profile | FDA Approved, 20 years of trusted use | Engineered for reduced risk of lumps and nodules |
Best For | Structural support and deeper volume | Skin quality, elasticity, skin tightening |
Results Onset | Gradual over 2-3 months | Within 2 months due to advanced formula |
Price | From £350 | From £750 |
Sculptra has a long-standing clinical history and is FDA-approved for facial volume restoration. It’s often the preferred option when treating deep volume loss, particularly in:
Cheeks and temples
Jawline and chin
Mid-face structural support
Patients who are looking for more defined contouring or restoration of facial structure often benefit from Sculptra’s robust volumising effects.
Sculptra is particularly valued for its longevity. While results appear gradually over a few months, they can last up to 2 years per course, and with yearly top-ups, many patients maintain results for 5–10 years. It’s ideal for those who want steady improvement with minimal maintenance and don’t want to rely on repeated volumising fillers. It’s also a brilliant preventative option. Many of our patients in their 30s and 40s use Sculptra to future-proof their collagen, keeping skin firmer, smoother and more resilient for years to come.
Watch the Sculptra Mode of Action video below to get a bit more of an insight into how Sculptra works its magic.
My journey at Skin medical has been fantastic! My skin feels revitalised and has never been this clear. The products have improved my skin tremendously and I’m very happy with the results. Special thanks to Malini, Dr Sabika & Lorraine.
Both Sculptra and Juliane offer natural, long-lasting results but they suit different needs.
Choose Julaine if you:
Want to enhance skin tone, elasticity, and hydration
Are treating delicate or dynamic areas
Prefer a treatment with minimal downtime and no post-care massage
Choose Sculptra if you:
Need structural support and deeper volume replacement
Prefer a product with a long clinical track record
Are targeting facial contouring and shaping
At Skin Medical, we personalise every treatment plan. During your consultation, we’ll assess your goals and skin condition to determine which product or combination of products, will deliver the best outcome.
Sculptra builds volume and structure Ideal for hollowing, facial flattening, and restoring youthful facial proportions.
Gradual, natural results: No drastic change — just a healthy, refreshed appearance over time.
The ‘Sculptra Glow’: Improved skin quality and radiance, thanks to deeper hydration and collagen stimulation.
Proven safety: Over 20 years of clinical use globally.
Both stimulate collagen, but Julaine uses a non-inflammatory approach and newer PLLA formulation, while Sculptraworks gradually by stimulating your body’s own collagen production, helping to restore volume, contour, and elasticity from within.
Both products are considered safe. Sculptra is FDA approved and Julaine is designed to reduce the risks commonly associated with earlier PLLA injectables, such as nodules and unevenness, thanks to its particle design and advanced mechanism of action.
Risks such as bruising, swelling remain with both products but are unlikely.
Both can last up to 2 years, depending on skin health, lifestyle, and maintenance.
Sculptra requires a small amount of massage post treatment.
Julaine’s formulation does not require massage.
For more information on the pricing of both Julaine and Sculptra click here.
Both can treat the cheeks, jawline, temples, chin, and lower face. Julaine is often used in areas with higher movement like around the mouth.
Yes, when administered by trained professionals. Julaine’s low-inflammatory nature makes it suitable for a wider range of skin sensitivities.
Yes. Both are designed to work gradually, improving skin from within for subtle and natural-looking results.
We serve patients from the world over, but closer to home we serve; London, Middlesex, Herefordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. We are within easy reach of Heathrow airport, M25, M1 and A40 by road and London by Met line tube. Our local patients come to us from Northwood, Rickmansworth, Pinner, Hatch End, Ruislip, Harrow, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Chorleywood, Marlow, Stoke Poges and Windsor.
Finance available: 0% interest over 12 months. Terms & Conditions apply.
