To reconstitute Olidia PLLA, the manufacturer's instructions for use specify adding 5 ml of sterile water for injection to a 365 mg vial, letting it stand undisturbed for at least 3 hours, gently agitating it into a uniform translucent suspension, and injecting within 72 hours. Store the powder below 30°C, never refrigerated or frozen.
Key Takeaways
- Each Olidia vial contains 150 mg poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), 90 mg sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 125 mg mannitol as dry powder.
- The IFU calls for 5 ml of water for injection, at least 3 hours of undisturbed hydration, and use within 72 hours of reconstitution.
- Storage is below 30°C, with no refrigeration and no freezing; the stated shelf life is 21 months from manufacture.
- Nodules are linked in the IFU to shallow placement, thin skin, overfilling and incorrect compounding.
- Always follow the IFU supplied with the batch you hold; published practice varies and is not a substitute.
What is in an Olidia vial, and how does PLLA work?
An Olidia vial is a lyophilized powder in which PLLA is the active structural component, supported by carboxymethylcellulose and mannitol. PLLA is a synthetic, biocompatible polymer used as a collagen stimulator rather than a classic space-occupying filler.
According to the IFU, each 365 mg vial contains 150 mg of poly-L-lactic acid, 90 mg of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 125 mg of mannitol. The product is described as a sterile, absorbable PLLA dermal filler, injected into the deep dermis for severe facial wrinkles and folds, volume defects, facial lipoatrophy and contour deformities.
The biology of PLLA is still being clarified. A recent review of injectable PLLA notes that the precise molecular mechanism is not fully understood and proposes interactions among fibroblasts, macrophages and adipocytes. In a 14-subject study cited in that review, type I collagen rose by 65.5% at 3 months and decreased slightly at 6 months. The review also notes that the immediate volume effect comes from the carrier solution, which is absorbed over several days. For a wider comparison of collagen stimulators, see our guide to PLLA vs PCL vs PDLLA.
How do you reconstitute Olidia PLLA step by step?
The IFU describes an aseptic, single-patient procedure: add 5 ml of sterile water for injection to the vial, rest it for at least 3 hours, then agitate gently until uniform. The steps below summarize the manufacturer's document and are not a replacement for it.
- Inspect the packaging, vial, aluminum cap and rubber stopper; do not use the product if anything is damaged or if foreign material is visible.
- Wipe the rubber stopper with an antiseptic and, using an 18 G sterile needle on a 5 ml single-use syringe, slowly add 5 ml of sterile water for injection (WFI).
- Let the vial stand for at least 3 hours for complete hydration. The IFU says not to shake it during this period.
- Immediately before use, gently agitate until a uniform translucent suspension is obtained. The IFU mentions a single-vial swirling agitator may be used.
- Shake the suspension again directly before treatment for a better suspension, and wipe the stopper before each withdrawal.
- Withdraw the required amount with an 18 G needle into a 1 or 3 ml sterile single-use syringe, then change to a 26 G needle or 26 G cannula for injection, depending on the treatment purpose.
- Discard any suspension not used within 72 hours of reconstitution.
Why does hydration time matter?
Incomplete hydration can leave particles unevenly dispersed, and the IFU specifically lists incorrect compounding among the reported causes of papules and nodules. Published practice for PLLA products varies: a 2019 survey of 410 US cosmetic surgeons found that 51.0% reconstituted more than 21 hours before use, and the authors concluded that further well-designed studies are needed to determine the safest methods. Those figures describe survey practice for other PLLA products and should not override the Olidia IFU.
How should Olidia be stored before and after reconstitution?
Olidia powder is stored at room temperature below 30°C, and the IFU states that it must not be refrigerated or frozen. The stated shelf life is 21 months from the date of manufacture, and the product is described as susceptible to high temperature.
This matters operationally because many clinics default to a refrigerator for every injectable. A separate storage line in the clinic's SOP for room-temperature products prevents error. For temperature-sensitive products, compare with our botulinum toxin cold chain checklist. After opening, each vial is single-use, for one patient only, and must not be reused or re-sterilized.
| Parameter | Olidia IFU (Rev. 1, 2020.11.02) |
|---|---|
| Vial content | 150 mg PLLA, 90 mg CMC, 125 mg mannitol (365 mg total) |
| Diluent volume | 5 ml sterile water for injection |
| Hydration | At least 3 hours, no shaking |
| Use window after reconstitution | Within 72 hours, then discard |
| Draw-up / injection needle | 18 G to draw; 26 G needle or cannula to inject |
| Technique | Linear threading, deep dermis / hypodermis |
| Storage | Below 30°C; do not refrigerate or freeze |
| Shelf life | 21 months from manufacture |
How do you reduce the risk of nodules and other complications?
The IFU ties nodule risk to shallow placement, thin skin, overfilling and incorrect compounding, so prevention centers on correct preparation, appropriate depth and conservative correction. It also advises massaging the area to distribute the product evenly.
- Depth: inject only into the lower dermis or hypodermis; the IFU warns against shallow placement, which risks early papules or nodules. If blanching occurs, withdraw the needle and massage, and do not re-inject the blanched area.
- Volume: only moderate correction; the IFU prohibits excessive correction and notes the effect appears gradually over several weeks, so do not overcorrect.
- Areas: the IFU strongly recommends against use in periorbital areas including between the eyes, and prohibits injection into the vermilion of the lips.
- Vessels: intravascular injection can cause occlusion and necrosis; the IFU notes serious adverse effects including loss of eyesight may occur. Review our vascular occlusion prevention guide for emergency preparedness principles.
- Aftercare: the IFU describes post-injection massage for five minutes, five times a day, and ice wrapped in fabric for swelling or bruising.
The IFU also states that subcutaneous nodules may appear later, within 1 to 14 months after injection, may last up to two years, and may require removal or treatment with intralesional corticosteroids. Results vary between patients, and the number of sessions depends on individual circumstances.
Who should not receive PLLA injections?
The IFU lists contraindications including acute or chronic skin disease at or near the site, hypersensitivity to the components, liver or blood coagulation dysfunction, and a history of herpetic eruption, which may recur. Safety in keloid-prone patients, pregnancy, breastfeeding and under-18s is not established.
Anticoagulant use may increase haematoma or bleeding risk. Only a qualified physician who has completed the required training should judge suitability after a full medical history.
What should buyers check when sourcing Olidia?
Buyers should confirm batch-specific IFU, expiry date, sealed packaging and supplier documentation before purchase, because preparation volumes and storage rules differ between PLLA products. Our supplier documents checklist lists what to request.
Product details are available on the Olidia PLLA Skin Booster (365mg) page. For a liquid alternative that needs no powder reconstitution, see our Gouri liquid PCL guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must Olidia hydrate before injection?
The manufacturer's instructions for use (Rev. 1, 2020.11.02) specify letting the vial stand for at least 3 hours after adding 5 ml of water for injection, without shaking, so the powder hydrates completely. The suspension is then gently agitated until uniform and translucent, and must be injected within 72 hours of reconstitution or discarded.
Can reconstituted Olidia be stored for later use?
The IFU allows injection within 72 hours of reconstitution and discard after that. Each vial is single-use and intended for one patient. Practitioners should follow the label of the batch they hold rather than informal practice habits, and should not reuse or re-sterilize opened vials.
Should Olidia be refrigerated?
No. The IFU states to store the product at room temperature below 30°C, not to refrigerate it, and not to freeze it. This differs from many botulinum toxins, so clinic storage procedures should list these products separately to avoid cold-chain mix-ups.
Why do PLLA nodules appear and can they be prevented?
The IFU links papules and nodules to shallow injection, thin skin, overfilling and incorrect compounding, and says massage helps distribute product evenly. It notes nodules may appear 1 to 14 months after injection and can last up to two years. Prevention relies on correct hydration, depth and conservative volumes.
Is the dilution volume the same for every PLLA product?
No. Products differ in vial content and labeled volumes. A 2019 survey of 410 US cosmetic surgeons found 9-10 mL was the most common facial dilution for the PLLA they used, and practice varied widely. For Olidia, the IFU specifies 5 ml of water for injection per 365 mg vial.
Conclusion
Correct reconstitution is the foundation of predictable PLLA handling: 5 ml of water for injection, at least 3 hours of undisturbed hydration, use within 72 hours, and storage below 30°C. Clinics and distributors who want batch documentation or wholesale details can reach us through the HolyPath inquiry page.
References
- Olidia Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid Powder, Instructions for Use, PRP-IFU-001 Rev. 1, 2020.11.02: dermatic.pl/…/olidia_ifu.pdf
- Unveiling the Mechanism: Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid's Evolving Role, PMC11743305: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743305
- Practices in the Usage and Reconstitution of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: jddonline.com
This article is for informational purposes for licensed medical professionals and distributors. It is not medical advice. Treatments should be performed only by qualified practitioners in accordance with local regulations.