Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance. PLLA products are classified as collagen stimulators. They are used to smooth lines and build volume by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen. The injected product dissolves a few days after treatment but then stimulates the body to gradually produce its own collagen.
The effects of PLLA appear gradually over a few months, producing natural results.
As we grow older, the fat, muscles, bone, and skin in our face begins to thin. The loss of volume leads to a sunken or sagging appearance of the face. Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid is used to create structure, framework, and volume to the face.
Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat very deep facial wrinkles as well as to correct volume loss, and results can last 2 years.
FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
The FDA approved Sculptra Aesthetic in 2009 for improving the appearance of smile and laugh lines as well as other facial wrinkles.
- PLLA was initially FDA-approved in 2004 for treating HIV-associated lipoatrophy[7][8].
- Multiple treatment sessions are often required, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart[8].
- Results are not immediate and can take several weeks to become noticeable[8].
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/
[2] https://yardleyderm.com/facial-filler-study-conducted-at-yda-accepted-for-publication/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10939544/
[4] https://www.polysciences.com/default/catalog-products/polymers/biodegradable-polymers/poly-dl-lactic-acid
[5] https://www.polysciences.com/default/polyl-lactic-acid-mw-1600-2400
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
[7] https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/injectables/injectable-poly-l-lactic-acid
[8] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1125066-overview