Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles
Facial aging involves volume depletion, laxity, and
the development of wrinkles — particularly in the midface area. Biostimulatory
injectables like Sculptra® (injectable poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA-SCA) address
these concerns by stimulating collagen neogenesis, improving dermal structure,
and delivering natural, gradual aesthetic outcomes. A pivotal multicenter,
randomized controlled study by Fabi et al. (2024) evaluated the long-term
effectiveness and safety of Sculptra® in the correction of moderate to severe
cheek wrinkles.
Introduction
The correction of midface wrinkles has traditionally
involved volumizing dermal fillers. However, patient demand for longer-lasting,
natural-looking, regenerative treatments has driven interest in biostimulatory
injectables. Sculptra® (PLLA-SCA) induces collagen production over time,
improving dermal thickness, skin texture, and facial contours gradually. This
article reviews a recent clinical trial assessing the performance of Sculptra®
in midface rejuvenation.
Study Design
This was a multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blinded,
no-treatment–controlled study involving healthy adults over 21 years old with
moderate to severe cheek wrinkles, as measured by the validated Galderma Cheek
Wrinkle Scale (GCWS) at rest.
Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive
up to four PLLA-SCA treatments (8 mL reconstitution with lidocaine) at monthly
intervals or to a no-treatment control. Follow-ups occurred at 7, 9, and 12
months post-baseline.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of
patients achieving a ≥1-grade improvement on the GCWS at rest for both cheeks
at month 12.
Results
On the month 12, 71.6% of patients in the Sculptra®
group achieved at least a 1-grade improvement in cheek wrinkle severity,
compared to 26.1% in the control group (p < 0.0001).
Notably:
- Significant improvements were also evident at months 7 and 9.
- Treating investigators reported improved skin radiance (96.4%),
firmness (88.1%), and jawline definition (85.7%).
- Over 90% of patients expressed satisfaction with improvements in
skin radiance, sagging reduction, and overall natural appearance.
Adverse events were mostly mild, consisting mainly of
injection-site swelling, tenderness, and bruising. No serious treatment-related
adverse events were reported throughout the study.
Discussion
The results affirm Sculptra®’s biostimulatory efficacy
in midface rejuvenation. By stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen
neogenesis, PLLA-SCA provides progressive, long-lasting improvements that align
with patient preferences for natural outcomes.
Compared to traditional volumizers, Sculptra® offers a
regenerative mechanism that improves not only wrinkle depth but also skin
texture, firmness, and radiance — attributes highly valued in modern aesthetic
practice.
Conclusion
Injectable
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option
for the correction of moderate to severe cheek wrinkles, offering sustained
aesthetic benefits and high patient satisfaction. Its gradual, biostimulatory
effect makes it an essential tool for practitioners seeking natural,
collagen-inducing facial rejuvenation solutions.
Reference
Fabi SG, Hamilton T, LaTowsky B, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1297-1305