title: Poly-L-lactic acid: a perspective from my practice.
abstract: Lipoatrophic sagging in the periorbital and cheek areas is a characteristic feature of the aging face. Soft tissue regeneration in these areas using a volumizer such as poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) can help reduce the impact of these features. PLLA generates semipermanent correction, lasting for 2 years, and is a resorbable biocompatible device with a history of successful use in many clinical applications. This practice has administered many treatments of PLLA over the past 2 years with excellent results and with minimal complications. Minimization of adverse events and optimal cosmetic results are achieved when PLLA is diluted appropriately, injected in the proper plane and with posttreatment massage. The physician can fine-tune tissue volume correction with PLLA by spacing treatment sessions at least 4 to 6 weeks apart. Although approved for the correction of facial lipoatrophy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, approval for the use of PLLA for cosmetic indications is currently pending.
authors.affiliation: Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
authors.forename: Neil S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Sadick
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000375:Aging; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005145:Face; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012060:Rejuvenation
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)