title: Poly-L-lactic acid for the treatment of trauma-induced facial lipoatrophy and asymmetry.
abstract: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated lipoatrophy. Over the past several years, PLLA has been increasingly used as a treatment for lipoatrophy secondary to the natural process of aging. There have been no reports on the use of PLLA for trauma-induced facial lipoatrophy and asymmetry. In this article, we review the safety, effectiveness, treatment guidelines, mechanism of action, and quality-of-life (QOL) impact of PLLA. We present a patient with facial lipoatrophy and asymmetry secondary to injury from a motor vehicle accident that was effectively treated using PLLA. The future role of PLLA in the treatment of trauma-induced facial lipoatrophy and asymmetry, as well as other disorders, also is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Miami, Florida, USA. skincareresearch@bellsouth.net
authors.forename: Marta I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Rendon
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keeling
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008060:Lipodystrophy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)