Can collagen banking reverse signs of ageing?

As we age, maintaining youthful, glowing skin becomes more challenging. Fine lines creep in, facial volume diminishes and skin sadly begins to sag. One emerging trend in the anti-ageing space is “collagen banking”. But what is collagen banking and can it really make you look younger? DR BERNARD TAN, Medical Director of Bay Aesthetics Clinic, shares his take – plus how injectables like Ellanse work to keep signs of ageing at bay.

What is collagen and why does it matter?

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30 percent of total protein content,” explains Dr Tan. “Collagen acts as a building block for the skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, providing structure, elasticity and strength. In the skin, collagen is vital for maintaining firmness and hydration.”

Dr Tan says that as we age, collagen production decreases significantly – by about one percent per year after the age of 25. This decline leads to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin and loss of elasticity. Environmental factors like UV exposure, pollution, smoking and poor diet can accelerate collagen breakdown, making it even harder to maintain youthful skin.

Signs of ageing and collagen loss

In plump, smooth and youthful skin, collagen fibres are “densely packed and well organised”. With age, not only does the quantity of collagen decrease, but the quality produced also sadly declines. According to Dr Tan, this can lead to a loss of facial volume and contour, deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines), sagging of the jawline (jowls), thinning skin, hollowing under the eyes (tear troughs) and reduced skin hydration and elasticity.

“The cumulative effect of these changes is the aged appearance many people try to reverse or slow. Most of these signs of ageing are directly linked to the reduction of collagen and facial volume. This is where collagen-stimulating injections like Ellanse come into play.”

What is collagen banking?

“Collagen banking is an emerging approach in medical aesthetics and regenerative medicine. It refers to stimulating and preserving your body’s own collagen before it declines significantly. Rather than waiting until signs of ageing are advanced, younger individuals are now proactively seeking preventive treatments to stimulate collagen early.”

There are a few benefits to this pre-emptive approach. “It not only corrects volume loss but also helps future-proof your skin against ageing. Collagen banking with injectables like Ellanse can offer long-lasting rejuvenation with more natural-looking results compared to traditional dermal fillers,” says Dr Tan.

Collagen banking with PCL collagen-stimulating injections like Ellanse

Ellanse (produced by Sinclair Pharmaceuticals) is a collagen-stimulating injectable made from polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel. Dr Tan explains that unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which restore volume by filling space, Ellanse works by activating fibroblasts in the skin to produce new collagen over time.

“Ellanse is often called a hybrid filler because it combines immediate volumising effects with long-term collagen stimulation. Results are natural-looking, gradual and can last up to two years,” says Dr Tan.

According to Dr Tan, PCL microspheres act as a scaffold under the skin. Once injected, they stimulate fibroblasts to produce type 1 collagen – the type associated with firm, youthful skin. Over the weeks and months following treatment, patients can expect:

• Immediate Volume – the CMC gel gives instant plumpness
• Collagen Stimulation – the PCL microspheres encourage long-term collagen production
• Long-Term Improvement – newly formed collagen improves skin firmness, elasticity and volume
• Eventually, the PCL particles break down naturally into carbon dioxide and water, which the body eliminates.

Is polycaprolactone (PCL) safe?

“Yes, PCL is safe. It has been used in medical devices like sutures and orthopaedic implants for over 70 years. PCL is biodegradable and naturally broken down by the body. The PCL microspheres in Ellanse are designed for optimal biocompatibility, with a smooth surface, spherical shape and small size (25 to 50 microns).”

Dr Tan tells us that since its launch in 2009, Ellanse has received approval from regulatory agencies such as Europe’s CE, Korea’s K-FDA and China’s Health Ministry. As of 2021, more than 1.8 million syringes have been injected globally.

However, he cautions that as with any aesthetic procedure, the injector’s expertise is key to safety and success. Complications like nodules, vascular occlusion or uneven results can occur if the product is not administered properly.

What to expect from an Ellanse treatment

Dr Tan breaks down what a patient can expect. “Ellanse treatments are performed in a clinical setting and take around 30 to 60 minutes. After a full assessment of your facial anatomy and ageing patterns, your injector will create a customised treatment plan. The product is then injected into targeted areas such as the temples, cheeks, chin and jawline. Mild swelling or bruising may occur but usually resolves within a few days. You may see some improvement in your signs of ageing immediately, but the real transformation takes place over the next two to three months as collagen production increases.”

How to choose a clinic for Ellanse injections

Choosing a skilled and experienced injector is crucial. Here are some of Dr Tan’s tips:

• Look for licensed professionals. In Singapore, Ellanse must be administered by a doctor with relevant postgraduate filler training, in a licensed medical clinic.
• Check credentials. Ask how many Ellanse procedures the injector has done and their experience.
• Review real results. In Singapore, doctors cannot publicly share before-and-after photos, but you can view case examples during your consultation.
• Seek recommendations. Ask friends and family or check online reviews.
• Ask about complication management. Ensure the clinic has proper protocols and equipment in place.
• Trust your instincts. A good doctor will never pressure you and will take time to explain all risks, benefits and options.

Ellanse at Bay Aesthetics Clinic

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, Dr Tan offers a full range of collagen-stimulating injectables, including Ellanse, Sculptra and Radiesse. Ellanse, in particular, holds a special place in Dr Tan’s heart. “Having trained with global Ellanse experts and performed a high volume of treatments, I’m grateful to have built a loyal following of local and international clients who appreciate my eye for natural beauty and gentle hands. My approach to Ellanse is careful and stepwise. I usually inject four to six syringes over two sessions to minimise swelling and bruising while aiming for natural-looking results.”

Bay Aesthetics Clinic
#B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard
8428 2811 | bayclinic.sg

Read about Verne’s experience with Ellanse injections at Bay Aesthetics Clinic here!

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