The History Behind the Use of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Facial and Nonfacial Volumization: The Positive Impact of Evolving Methodology

April 2014 | Volume 13 | Issue 4 | Supplement Individual Articles | 32 | Copyright © April 2014


Danny Vleggaar MD,a Rebecca Fitzgerald MD,b and Z. Paul Lorenc MD FACSc

aHead of Cosmetic Dermatology in Private Practice, Geneva, Switzerland
bDepartment of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
cLorenc Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center, New York, NY, USA

SUMMARY

With the initial use of injectable PLLA in soft tissue augmentation, inadequate usage guidelines coupled with a lack of clinical experience resulted in a high incidence of nodules and papules, compromising its image as a viable clinical option. Over time, as experience grew, alterations in methodology revealed several factors critical to effective PLLA utilization. Increased reconstitution volume, hydration time, and duration of the interval between treatments, along with a better appreciation of the appropriate sites and depth for PLLA injection, have greatly improved clinical outcomes. Our understanding and techniques continue to evolve, allowing predictably favorable results across a broad range of patient types.

DISCLOSURES

Danny Vleggaar MD has been a medical consultant for Sinclair IS Pharma, France; PharmaSwiss SA, Switzerland; Valeant Eastern Europe; and Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. He has also been a trainer for Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc./ Medicis Corporation.
Rebecca Fitzgerald MD has been a consultant and speaker for Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC/Medicis Corporation; Merz Aesthetic, Inc; and Allergan USA, Inc.
Z. Paul Lorenc MD has been a consultant for Johnson & Johnson; La Lumiere LLC; Medicis Corporation; Merz Corporation; and Mentor Corporation. In addition, he holds the following patents: US Patent 5/611,814–Resorbable Surgical Appliance for Use in Supporting Soft Tissue in a Superior Position; US Patent 60/950,423–Composition and Method of Use for Soft Tissue Augmentation/Drug Delivery; US Patent 12/797,710–Method for Measuring Change in Lip Size After Augmentation; and US Patent 13/604,012–Light Therapy Platform System.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Rebecca Fitzgerald MDfitzmd@earthlink.net
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