Everything you want to know

Ultracol is an injectable collagen biostimulator made of polydioxanone (PDO) microspheres, the same material used for surgical sutures. It doesn't fill the skin with a foreign substance. It prompts the body to build its own collagen, and then the microspheres break down completely.

Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable but tolerable. The product is prepared with a local anaesthetic, and your doctor may also apply a numbing cream. The treatment itself takes about 10–15 minutes.

You can return to normal activities straight away. Mild swelling usually settles within 3–4 days, and any bruising within about a week. For a few days afterwards, avoid saunas, intense exercise and massaging the treated area.

It depends on the product and the goal. A typical Ultracol 100 course is 3 sessions about a month apart. Ultracol 200 is usually 2 sessions about 2 months apart. Your doctor will build a plan for your skin.

Pricing is set by each clinic and depends on the product, the area and the number of sessions. Contact one of the clinics in our list for a consultation and a quote.

PDO has been used in surgery for decades and breaks down naturally into water and carbon dioxide. Ultracol contains no BDDE (the crosslinker in hyaluronic acid fillers), is CE-marked and is registered in 30 countries, including Bulgaria. As with any injection, temporary reactions such as redness, swelling or bruising can occur. Your doctor will go through the risks with you before treatment.

It is generally not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active skin infection or inflammation in the area, or with certain autoimmune or bleeding disorders. Your doctor will assess you individually at the consultation.

In the first 1–2 weeks the skin is better hydrated. New collagen starts building around week 3–4 and continues gradually, with the most visible effect around 3 months after the course. The change looks natural because it is your own collagen.

The microspheres break down within 6–8 months, and the effect usually lasts 6–12 months. To maintain it, your doctor may recommend a session every 6–12 months.

Ultracol 100 has finer microspheres (10–50 µm) and works in the dermis to improve skin quality, meaning texture, pores, glow and fine lines. Ultracol 200 has larger microspheres (30–110 µm), is placed deeper with a cannula and builds support, for a natural lift and volume. The two are often combined.

A hyaluronic acid filler adds volume immediately by filling. Ultracol works gradually, prompting the skin to build its own collagen while the material itself breaks down. The change builds gradually and looks natural. The two approaches can be combined.