Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Intra-lymph Node Injection of Biodegradable Polymer Particles
Published on: January 2, 2014
Alopecia Induced by Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injection
Gabriel Lazzeri Cortez1, Karime Marques Hassun1, Luciana Ribeiro Patrício Linhares1
1Drs. Cortez, Hassun, Linhares, Pinheiro, Florenço, Michalany, Bagatin, and Nascimento are from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Drs. Cortez, Hassun, Linhares, Pinheiro, Florenço, Bagatin, and Nascimento are from the Department of Dermatology, and Dr. Michalany is from the Department of Dermatopathology. Drs. Cortez de Almeida and Melo are from Department of Dermatology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cosmetic procedures carry inherent risks of adverse events. Though rarely reported, transient and permanent alopecia are potential complications of these procedures. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed pain and patches of nonscarring alopecia with erythema and edema following aesthetic application of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) on the face and along the frontal hairline. Trichoscopy and histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Dermatologists should be aware of the potential for embolization and retinal ischemia following the use of PLLA. Moreover, trichoscopy combined with histopathologic analysis should be encouraged to improve early recognition and proper management of this rare adverse event.
