Poly-L-lactic Acid: A Temporary Filler for Soft Tissue Augmentation

A number of soft tissue filling agents are available in the U.S. and Europe. In Europe, poly-L-lactic acid was approved for soft tissue augmentation and correction of wrinkles in 1999. The clinical results from this synthetic implant may last up to two years. In this article, we report our experience using poly-L-lactic acid for correction of facial lipoatrophy and wrinkles in 300 patients since 1999. poly-L-lactic acid is an ideal, resorbable filler material for soft tissue augmentation, especially in the lower one-half of the face. The aesthetic results are excellent and long-lasting. Clinical results and side effects are generally technique-dependent. The clinical results using poly-L-lactic acid for soft tissue augmentation are comparable to autologous fat grafting. However, surgical fat harvesting is not necessary, and treatment can be extended to elderly individuals and patients with infectious diseases who have little body fat.