Table 5. Comparison of Principal Components, Biodegradation Period, and Collagen Synthesis Mechanism by Product

Principal component	Representative products	Formulation	Particle morphology	Biodegradation period	Collagen synthesis mechanism	Notes
PCL*	GOURI, Ellanse	Fully liquid / Particle suspension	No particles / Microspheres	Approx.24–36 months	Fibroblast activation, type I/III collagen synthesis	Longest biodegradation period
PLLA*	Sculptra	Powder → Suspension	Irregular microspheres (40–63 ㎛)	Approx.18–24 months	Fibroblast stimulation via macrophage phagocytosis	Longest clinical data, FDA* approval;MFDS* approved lidocaine co-use (2023)
PDLLA*	Juvelook, AestheFill	Powder → Suspension (HA* or CMC* carrier)	Spherical porous microspheres (30–70 ㎛)	Approx.9-12 months (faster than PLLA)	Same mechanism as PLLA; faster degradation due to amorphous structure	Simultaneous HA effect expected
PDO*	ULTRACOL	Powder → Suspension (SCMC carrier)	Fine particles (lyophilized powder)	Approx.4–9 months	Fibroblast stimulation and collagen synthesis during biodegradation	Shortest biodegradation period; mainly used as solid thread; liquid-type rare
CaHA*	RADIESSE, VOLassom	Suspension (gel carrier)	Spherical microspheres (25–45 ㎛)	Approx.12–18 months	Immediate volumizing effect of CaHA microspheres;fibroblast stimulation via Ca²⁺/PO4³⁻ ion release upon degradation (dual mechanism)	RADIESSE+ Lidocaine (0.3% pre-mixed) import-approved domestically (2017)

PCL, polycaprolactone; PLLA, poly-L-lactic acid; PDLLA, poly-D,L-lactic acid; PDO, polydioxanone; CaHA, calcium hydroxyapatite; HA, hyaluronic acid; CMC, carboxymethylcellulose; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; MFDS, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.