Poly l lactic acid is a synthetic Dermal Filler that is injected into your face, causing your body's own production of collagen. This type of dermal filler is known as a stimulator. This non-toxic, biodegradable substance has been used for more than 40 years as suture material.
As we age, the fat, muscles, bone, and skin in our face begins to thin. This loss of volume leads to either a sunken or sagging appearance of the face. Injectable Poly-l-lactic Acid is used to create structure, framework, and volume to the face. PLLA is known as a bio-stimulatory dermal filler, this means it stimulates your own skin to produce new collagen. Over time your skin breaks down PLLA into water and carbon dioxide. The effects of PLLA appear gradually over a few months, producing natural results.
What should first be done before considering injectable poly-l-lactic acid?
First, an dermatologist will review the patient`s medical history and examine the condition to be treated. Areas to be treated should be kept clean. If there is a skin infection, then treatment needs to be postponed until it resolves. Patients who take blood thinners (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain herbal medications) should stop them two weeks prior to injection with the approval of their prescribing doctor.
Your doctor will evaluate the areas of your face needing improvement in structure and/or volume. Topical or injection numbing medication may be used for added comfort prior to your procedure. For additional patient comfort lidocaine, an anesthetic, is mixed with PLLA prior to the treatment. Using a syringe, poly-l-lactic acid is injected into the hollow areas of your face and/or areas requiring improved structure. Multiple treatment sessions with PLLA are needed which are often spaced at one month intervals. The effects of PLLA typically last up to 24 months. After that, additional injections are required to maintain the effect.
Is injectable poly-l-lactic acid painful?
Topical numbing agents or anesthetic injections are sometimes applied to ease discomfort. Also, lidocaine is commonly added to PLLA for improved patient comfort. Before and following treatment, ice may be given to ease discomfort and swelling. Patients are encourage to massage the treatment areas for the first 5 days, 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each. We call this the 5-5-5 rule.
What can I expect after having had PLLA?
PLLA fillers are temporary, lasting up to two years, depending on the patient. Most patients require maintenance treatments to achieve the best results.
