Injectable poly-L-lactic acid increases midfacial volume for at least 1 year
Poly-L-lactic acid demonstrated efficacy as a long-acting volumizing agent, increasing midfacial volume from baseline to at least 1 year after treatment, according to researchers.
A total of 14 women between the ages of 40 and 60 years received three treatments of Sculptra/Sculptra Aesthetic (poly-L-lactic acid, Valeant). Each patient received an 8-mL injection of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to the midface complex bilaterally for a total of two sessions separated by 6 weeks. The third injection took place 12 weeks after the second injection. Administration was performed using a fan technique to allow for adequate and consistent distribution.
Facial volume was measured using a 3-D imaging system at 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. Additionally, the researchers used a paired t-test to analyze the difference between pre- and post-treatment values at each follow-up.
The researchers observed a statistically significant increase in mean midfacial volume at all study points, with an increase of 7.2 mL at 12 and 24 weeks, 4.6 mL at 36 weeks and 4.1 mL at 48 weeks compared with pretreatment baseline volume. No significant changes were observed between each of the follow-up time points, according to the researchers.
The researchers determined that the patients retained a significant portion of their initial volume gain in the midface at the 48-week follow-up. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosures: The researchers reported no financial disclosures.