Poly-L-lactic acid for neck and chest rejuvenation.
BACKGROUND
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has been widely used in the enhancement of facial contours, but its use in nonfacial areas is rarely cited.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of PLLA for neck and chest rejuvenation.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with different degrees of cutaneous flaccidity, atrophy, and wrinkles in the neck and chest were treated with PLLA. The technical details and the methods of evaluation (photographic analysis by three independent evaluators in the 21 patients who had alterations visible in the photographs taken before treatment and satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the treatment in all 36 patients) are described in this article.


RESULTS
In the photographic analysis, improvement was found in 81% to 100% of the 21 cases (p<.001). In the questionnaire regarding the degree of satisfaction, 91.6% said they were pleased with the result of the procedure and stated they would do it again. After 18 months of follow-up, the results were maintained. Only one of the 36 patients (3%) had early-onset subcutaneous nodules as a complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Injection of PLLA seems to be a safe and efficacious treatment for the correction of some aspects of aging in the neck and chest.
Mazzuco
Rosemarie
R
Brazilian Center for Studies in Dermatology, Porto Alegre, Brazil. rosemazzuco@hotmail.com
Hexsel
Doris
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging; D013909:Thorax
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)