Global Volumetric Assessment and Three-Dimensional Enhancement of the Face With Injectable Poly-L-lactic Acid

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, including toxins and injectable devices, are prevalent in the US.
• Age-related facial changes involve decreased skin elasticity, altered fat distribution, and contour irregularities.
• Both surgical and nonsurgical methods can be employed synergistically for facial rejuvenation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review age-related facial changes.
• To propose a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric augmentation method for soft-tissue facial rejuvenation.
• To highlight the role of injectable medical devices in complementing surgical approaches.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive review of age-related facial anatomy and aging processes.
• Discussion of synergistic use of surgical and nonsurgical modalities.
• Focus on 3D volumetric augmentation strategies using various injectable materials.

Main Results:

• Injectable medical devices effectively replace lost facial volume and restore 3D contours.
• Soft-tissue augmentation supports the skin, corrects asymmetry, and enhances surgical outcomes.
• A combination of aesthetic surgery and injectables (collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid) optimizes facial rejuvenation.

Conclusions:

• A 3D volumetric approach is essential to address age-related facial changes.
• Injectable medical devices are crucial for restoring youthful facial appearance and contours.
• Optimal facial rejuvenation is achieved through a combination of surgical and nonsurgical soft-tissue augmentation techniques.