title: Three-dimensional digital surface imaging measurement of the volumizing effect of injectable poly-L-lactic acid for nasolabial folds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Injectable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer device indicated in Europe for correction of facial contour deficiencies, with a gradual onset of effect that is maintained for up to 25 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this single-centre, open-label study, 20 adult subjects seeking treatment for facial contour deficiencies were treated with injectable PLLA every 4-6 weeks for ≤6 months or until optimal correction (0 or 1 on nasolabial photonumeric wrinkle assessment scale [0 = no wrinkles; 5 = very deep wrinkles, redundant fold]). 3-D digital surface imaging and standardized 2-D photography were used to assess mid-face and nasolabial volumetric correction and clinical improvement, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on 3-D digital surface imaging, statistically significant increases in average mid-facial volume occurred with injectable PLLA after the first injection session and persisted through to the end of treatment. Investigator and subject ratings of 'much improved' or 'excellent' improvement were reported using 2-D photographs as a visual aid. Subjects reported high levels of satisfaction. No serious adverse events were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, injectable PLLA was found to be safe and effective for mid-face and nasolabial fold volumetric correction.
authors.affiliation: Cranley Clinic, London, UK. cranley@cranleyclinic.com
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Rickie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patnaik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)