Randomized, Controlled, Multicentered, Double-Blind Investigation of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Improving Skin Quality

BACKGROUND Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is an injectable filler used for restoring facial fat volume loss. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of repeated PLLA injections on skin quality. METHODS Forty healthy women were enrolled in this randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter study. Eligible subjects received 3 treatments every 4 weeks with either PLLA (treatment group) or saline (control group) injections, into both sides of the face. Follow-up visits were at 6, 9, and 12 after the last treatment. Assessments included biophysical measuring instruments, live ratings, patient questionnaires, and rating of standardized pictures by a blinded evaluator. RESULTS At the 12-month follow-up, there was a statistically significant increase of skin elasticity and hydration in PLLA-treated subjects and a decrease in transepidermal water loss in both groups. Pigmentation, erythema, and pore size were significantly decreased, whereas radiance and smoothness were significantly increased at 12 months per blinded investigator rating in this group. No treatment-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Repeated PLLA treatments may improve skin quality in a time-dependent manner. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Neil S. Sadick, MD, Sadick Dermatology, 911 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10075, or e-mail: nssderm@sadickdermatology.com Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (http://bit.ly/2bw6lgr). The authors received funding for this research from Galderma who also provided the PLL. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2019 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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