INTRODUCTION
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is an injectable biodegradable biostimulator that promotes collagen production.1 PLLA has been shown to induce an inflammatory response whereby the injected microparticles are encapsulated by host immune cells which in turn stimulate neocollagenesis,1 gradually generating new volume and structural support at the site of injection.1,2
PLLA has been approved for facial aesthetic use in Europe since 1999 and in the US since 2009.3 It has also been used therapeutically for decades in suture materials, dissolvable meshes used in orthopedics, and medical implants.2,4 The safety and efficacy of PLLA for facial rejuvenation has been widely demonstrated and there is now a growing interest in the use of PLLA for other body areas outside the face, including the arms, chest, and buttocks.3,5–8
The buttocks are a particular area of interest, with gluteal aesthetics becoming an increasingly common patient concern. Patient goals for buttock enhancement include improved contour and texture, reduction in visible cellulite, and increased volume and lift.7 PLLA has demonstrated significant increases in gluteal skin thickness and improvements in sagging and skin texture.9 Whilst guidelines exist for facial rejuvenation using PLLA,3,10 there is a lack of recommendations on the use of PLLA for the buttocks. Ensuring correct usage of PLLA is essential to achieve optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction when treating the buttocks. Moreover, a need also exists for
PLLA has been approved for facial aesthetic use in Europe since 1999 and in the US since 2009.3 It has also been used therapeutically for decades in suture materials, dissolvable meshes used in orthopedics, and medical implants.2,4 The safety and efficacy of PLLA for facial rejuvenation has been widely demonstrated and there is now a growing interest in the use of PLLA for other body areas outside the face, including the arms, chest, and buttocks.3,5–8
The buttocks are a particular area of interest, with gluteal aesthetics becoming an increasingly common patient concern. Patient goals for buttock enhancement include improved contour and texture, reduction in visible cellulite, and increased volume and lift.7 PLLA has demonstrated significant increases in gluteal skin thickness and improvements in sagging and skin texture.9 Whilst guidelines exist for facial rejuvenation using PLLA,3,10 there is a lack of recommendations on the use of PLLA for the buttocks. Ensuring correct usage of PLLA is essential to achieve optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction when treating the buttocks. Moreover, a need also exists for
