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The ‘less is more’ approach: highlighting the benefits of poly-L-lactic acid filler as a treatment option

02 October 2024
Volume 13 · Issue 5

Abstract

Advanced nurse practitioner Michelle McLean delves into the benefits of poly-L-lactic acid filler (PLLA) for skin rejuvenation and restoration as patients demand a ‘less is more’ approach to facial aesthetics. A recent surge in patients wanting to restore or preserve a youthful appearance has seen a surge in popularity for collagen stimulators due to their association with high levels of patient satisfaction, long-lasting efficiency, minor adverse events and sound safety profile (Christen, 2022). Patients are increasingly opting for a ‘less is more’ visual aesthetic, hoping to achieve subtle, natural-looking, undetectable results. To meet patient goals, clinicians are utilising combination approaches in facial aesthetics, utilising products with PLLA because of its desirable results. PLLA is a powerful, well-tolerated tool for clinicians to employ for the non-surgical augmentation of the ageing face.

Poly-L-lactic acid filler is a sterile, injectable, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is made of small particles of a synthetic polymer named ‘poly-L-lactic acid’ (PLLA), carboxymethylcellulose (USP), non-pyrogenic mannitol (USP) and sterile water for injection (USP) (Galderma Laboratories, L.P.). PLLA works gradually to help restore the skin's inner structure for a more youthful-looking appearance. When injected into the face, PLLA stimulates the skin's natural collagen production response, providing long-lasting soft tissue correction of soft tissue defects (Munia et al, 2023), smoothing facial wrinkles and improving skin firmness and elasticity.

PLLA is the only FDA-approved facial injectable treatment that helps stimulate the skin's natural collagen production. It has been used worldwide since 1999 (Christen, 2022).

Skin ageing is marked by structural and functional changes in the epidermis and dermis, which result clinically in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and rough-textured appearance (Cabral, 2020). Collagen is a fibrous protein that acts as the skin's support structure and helps maintain the skin's shape. Collagen production declines naturally throughout the ageing process (Quan, 2013). By age 40, the average person faces up to 25% loss of their natural collagen (Bergeret-Galley, 2004). 70% of our skin is composed of collagen (Ackerman, 2005), and collagen loss causes the skin to lose its elasticity and moisture (Fitzgerald et al, 2018), resulting in signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging (Choi et al, 2019).

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