Injectable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is known commercially as Sculptra and Sculptra Aesthetic. The FDA has approved Sculptra since 2004 to treat lipoatrophy (thinning of the fat pads on the face) . PLLA received its FDA approval in 2009 for improving the appearance of nasolabial folds contour changes and other facial wrinkles.Poly-L-lactic acid is an absorbable, semi-permanent, injectable implant that can be used to gradually restore volume and stimulate collagen formation. It is FDA-approved for the correction of facial fat loss associated with antiretroviral therapy-induced lipoatrophy in HIV patients. It is FDA-approved for use in immunocompetent people to correct nasolabial fold deficiencies and other facial wrinkles. It has been used off-label to enhance the cheeks, hands, neck, and thighs.
It has also been used off-label for gluteal enhancement and chest wall deformities, such as pectus excavatum or thoracic deformities secondary to surgical procedures. Poly-L-lactic acid has been reported to improve “step off” chest wall deformities after mastectomy and implant reconstruction, suggesting that this product can also help improve breast abnormalities. For maximal correction, a series of injections is recommended at 3 to 6-week intervals. The degree of lipoatrophy correction is based on the number of sessions, not the volume injected at each session. Welcome to CONTACT US if you are interested in our products.
As we age, the fat, muscles, bone, and skin in our face begins to thin. This loss of volume leads to either a sunken or sagging appearance of the face. Injectable poly-l-lactic acid is used to create structure, framework, and volume to the face. PLLA is known as a bio-stimulatory dermal filler, this means it stimulates your own skin to produce new collagen. Over time your skin breaks down PLLA into water and carbon dioxide. The effects of PLLA appear gradually over a few months, producing natural results.Injection of poly-L-lactic acid into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue may cause an immediate augmentation of the treated tissue. This is a temporary but immediate response due to tissue edema and fluid from the reconstitution of the product. It will resolve within 2 to 3 days after injection. Once the carrier substance is absorbed, the poly-L-lactic acid particles induce an inflammatory response through phagocytosis by tissue macrophages. This is a similar process to suture reabsorption in the skin. The inflammatory response breaks down the poly-L-lactic acid into lactic acid monomers. It is then metabolized to carbon dioxide and water while stimulating the production of new collagen type-I fibers in the skin. Approximately half of the product is digested within six months. The duration of action is 12 to 24 months.
Facial volume loss can substantially impact both self-perception of the affected individual and their social/professional interactions and opportunities. Persons who are perceived as more youthful and attractive are rated as nicer, more energetic, healthier, and more likely to be productive than those perceived to be older and unattractive.
The observed facial changes that result from underlying volume loss associated with age and photodamage often produce an older and less attractive appearance. Loss of facial volume often produces a sad, sunken, deflated, dull, tired, and lackluster appearance. These changes can be interpreted as evidence of aging and loss. In addition, some may consciously or subconsciously see these changes as harbingers of their own progressive deterioration and decline. Injection of approved fillers into the upper face, mid face, and lower face can create a more youthful, better rested, and kinder appearance.Get a quotation!
First, areas to be treated should be kept clean. If there is a skin infection, then treatment needs to be postponed until it resolves. Patients who take blood thinners (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain herbal medications) should stop them two weeks prior to injection with the approval of their prescribing doctor.
Using a syringe, poly-l-lactic acid is injected into the hollow areas of your face and/or areas requiring improved structure. Multiple treatment sessions with PLLA are needed which are often spaced at one month intervals. The effects of PLLA typically last up to 24 months.
Injection of PLLA is a safe and effective method for facial volume and contour restoration. A potential “draw-back” or “negative” of PLLA injection is the delay in clinically evident volume repletion. The improvements are gradual as enhanced endogenous collagen production and fibroplasia replenishes volume depleted areas. Many customers did indeed perceive favorable emotional and functional improvements at 6 months after their first PLLA injection. More gradual change may evoke fewer comments, questions, and stares while delivering the desired cosmetic, emotional, and functional results. Buttressing and clarifying the data on the emotional and functional benefits of facial volume restoration can further “legitimize” treatment with poly L-Lactic Acid as an effective and meaningful medical procedure.
Perhaps the “slow and steady wins the race” adage remains valid!