Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA-SCA) as a Safe and Effective Method to Soften Transition Between Lower Eyelid and Midface.

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic medicine and dermatology
• Regenerative aesthetics
• Dermal fillers and collagen stimulators

Background:

• Aging causes lower eyelid and midface depression due to skin thinning, fat atrophy, and pigment changes.
• Current treatments like hyaluronic acid injections have limitations, including patient selection and potential side effects.
• Poly-L-lactic acid collagen activator (PLLA-SCA) stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case series on PLLA-SCA for enhancing maxilla/malar projection, pigmentation, texture, and volume in the lower eyelid-midface area.
• To discuss the technique for PLLA-SCA injections in patients with age-related or congenital midface deficiency.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PLLA-SCA for midface rejuvenation.

Main Methods:

• A case series involving healthy adults with lower eyelid-midface deficiency.
• Injections of PLLA-SCA (Sculptra) diluted to 8-9 mL with sterile water and lidocaine.
• Typically 3 treatment sessions administered every 6 weeks.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in maxilla/malar projection, pigmentation, skin texture, and volume.
• Positive clinical outcomes noted as early as 6 weeks post-treatment.
• Sustained results with minimal touch-ups required for 4-5 years post-treatment; no adverse events reported.

Conclusions:

• PLLA-SCA is a safe and potentially long-term effective treatment for softening the lower eyelid-midface transition.
• It offers an alternative to traditional fillers by regenerating the patient's own collagen.
• The treatment addresses multiple signs of aging in the midface, including volume loss and textural changes.