Cosmetic use of poly-l-lactic acid: a retrospective study of 130 patients.
BACKGROUND
Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is an effective treatment for patients seeking to correct volume loss due to aging. Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved PLLA for use in people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is well-suited for patients seeking cosmetic treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and incidence of adverse events of HIV-negative patients treated with PLLA for volume restoration.


METHODS
This is a retrospective, single-center study of 130 HIV-negative patients treated with PLLA from 2003 to 2008. Patient satisfaction and incidence of adverse reactions were evaluated.


RESULTS
The most common reaction to PLLA treatment was the formation of nodules (8.5%). Almost all of the nodules were palpable; only one was visible. Treatment areas with the highest incidence of post-treatment nodules were the hands (12.5%) and cheeks (7.2%). Overall, patients were satisfied, with 55% having good to excellent correction; 75% of patients with five or more treatments rated their correction as good to excellent. Sixty-eight percent of all patients would repeat the procedure again.


CONCLUSIONS
PLLA is a safe, biodegradable volumizer used to reverse the signs of aging by gradually correcting volume loss. Patients should be aware of possible adverse reactions during the course of treatment. Nodule formation is low, with most patients having good to excellent correction.
Palm
Melanie D
MD
Dermatology Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla Inc., La Jolla, California, USA.
Woodhall
Katrina E
KE
Butterwick
Kimberly J
KJ
Goldman
Mitchel P
MP
D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)