Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of PCL and PLLA Injections for Nasolabial Fold Correction

Nasolabial folds (NLF) deepen with age, necessitating aesthetic treatments. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) are commonly used fillers. This study compares their safety and efficacy for NLF correction.

Participants aged 30-60 years were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing NLF correction with PCL (n = 65) or PLLA (n = 71) from January 2023 to December 2023. Primary outcomes included changes in the Nasolabial Fold Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes assessed patient satisfaction via the FACE-Q scale, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and safety profiles including side effects and adverse events.

At 3 months, PCL exhibited significantly greater wrinkle reduction (WSRS score: 3.08 ± 0.37) compared to PLLA (3.27 ± 0.41; p = 0.007). This trend persisted at 6 months (PCL: 2.23 ± 0.61 vs. PLLA: 2.49 ± 0.75; p = 0.03) and 12 months (PCL: 1.92 ± 0.55 vs. PLLA: 2.17 ± 0.61; p = 0.016). PCL also showed higher significant improvement rates on GAIS at 3 and 6 months. Patient satisfaction (FACE-Q) was higher in the PCL group at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05). Safety profiles were comparable, with no significant differences in injection site reactions or adverse events.

PCL injections demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing NLF wrinkle severity and achieving higher patient satisfaction compared to PLLA injections over a 12-month period. Both materials exhibited comparable safety profiles, suggesting the suitability of PCL as a preferable option for NLF correction in cosmetic dermatology.