Introduction
Injectable
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) has established itself as a prominent biostimulatory
agent in aesthetic medicine, offering gradual and long-lasting correction of
facial volume loss and skin quality improvements through collagen neogenesis.
This article summarizes a prospective clinical investigation evaluating the
safety, tolerability, and patient satisfaction associated with PLLA treatments
in facial aesthetics. Findings confirm high satisfaction rates, durable
outcomes, and an excellent safety profile when following standardized
protocols.
Poly-L-Lactic
Acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible synthetic polymer that has been
used in medicine for decades. In aesthetic dermatology, its use as an
injectable biostimulator encourages the body’s natural collagen production,
offering gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation with results lasting up to two
years.
Unlike traditional fillers, PLLA achieves its effect by inducing controlled inflammation and fibroblast stimulation around microparticles, leading to the deposition of new collagen (primarily type I) within the dermis. This prospective investigation sought to assess the safety, effectiveness, and patient-reported outcomes associated with PLLA treatments in clinical practice.
Methods
A
prospective, single-arm clinical study was conducted, enrolling 60 adult
patients seeking facial rejuvenation with injectable PLLA.
Key parameters:
- Treatment areas: Midface, jawline, temples, and
lower face.
- Product: Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid
(Sculptra® equivalent)
- Sessions: 2–3 sessions per patient,
spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
- Follow-up
duration: 12 months.
Endpoints:
- Patient satisfaction (via
standard questionnaires)
- Global Aesthetic Improvement
Scale (GAIS) scores
- Investigator-assessed
outcomes
- Adverse
event monitoring
Results
Patient Satisfaction:
- At 6 months post-treatment, 91.7%
of patients reported being ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their
aesthetic outcomes.
- Satisfaction remained high at
12 months (86.5%), confirming the long-term, progressive benefit of PLLA
biostimulation.
Global Aesthetic Improvement:
- 88% of patients demonstrated
‘marked’ or ‘moderate’ improvement at 6 months, as assessed by both
physicians and patients using GAIS.
- Objective skin quality
parameters (firmness, elasticity, fine lines) showed sustained enhancement
through 12 months.
Safety and Tolerability:
- The treatment was
well-tolerated with no severe or unexpected adverse events.
- Most
common side effects:
- Mild
swelling (18%)
- Tenderness
at injection sites (12%)
- Bruising
(10%)
- All side effects resolved
spontaneously within a few days.
- No nodule formation or delayed
inflammatory reactions were observed when using recommended dilution and
injection techniques.
Discussion
The study
highlights the predictable and progressive nature of PLLA biostimulators in
facial aesthetics. The gradual collagen regeneration process not only restores
lost volume but also improves dermal architecture and skin texture over time.
Key clinical advantages:
- Natural, subtle enhancement
without abrupt changes.
- Extended longevity of results
(up to 24 months).
- Minimal downtime and low risk
of complications with appropriate technique.
Findings
reaffirm the importance of adequate dilution, layer-specific
injection protocols, and patient selection in minimizing adverse
events and achieving optimal, uniform results.
Conclusion
Injectable
Poly-L-Lactic Acid remains a safe, effective, and patient-preferred option for
facial rejuvenation through collagen biostimulation. High patient satisfaction
rates, combined with its durable, natural-looking results, position PLLA as a
cornerstone product in regenerative aesthetic treatments. Adhering to best
practice protocols ensures maximal efficacy with minimal risks, supporting its
expanded use in modern aesthetic practice.
Reference
de Aquino MS, et
al. Exploring the
Safety and Satisfaction of Patients Injected With Collagen Biostimulators: A
Prospective Investigation Into Injectable Poly‐L‐Lactic Acid (PLLA). J Cosmet
Dermatol. 2023;22(8):2611-2619. Available here