Off Face Usage of Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Body Rejuvenation

Injectable soft-tissue augmentation agents have become popular alternatives to surgical procedures for the aging face and body. In contrast to temporary, space-occupying replacement fillers such as collagen-based and hyaluronic acid products, poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) has been demonstrated to gradually promotes deposition of collagen via a biostimulatory response, with therapeutic effects lasting approximately two years. In 2004, the FDA approved its use for rejuvenation of facial contours secondary to lipoatrophy associated with antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. By 2009 PLLA was FDA-approved for the correction of nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other lines and wrinkles. There have since been limited but promising results with off-label use of PLLA for nonfacial volumization as well, including the hands, neck/décolleté, abdomen, and gluteal area. The objective of this article is to review clinical evidence, current trends, and technical considerations for the use of PLLA for nonfacial, body rejuvenation.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(5):489-494.