Cosmetic use of polylactic acid: report of 568 patients

Summary Background  There are few methods for the correction of the reduction of subcutaneous volumes. Polylactic acid is a new material with which we can achieve interesting results. Objective  To review our case histories in the assessment of this material’s safety and effectiveness, its best indications, and to outline our technique. Materials and Method  Polylactic acid was prepared and diluted with 5–8 mL depending on injection sites, which included patients’ face, neck and hands volume restoration, as well as arm and thigh revitalization. A total of 568 patients were treated from January 1999 to December 2007. Results  The Definitive Graduated Score varied from 6.3 to 8.4 with an average score of 7.8. The principal side effect, collagen late nodules, appeared with a very low frequency (1%) and were the result of incorrect technique. Conclusions  The fibro‐connective restoration of face contours and volumes is the winning strategy for a holistic, three‐dimensional approach to the aged face, neck, and hands. Since the introduction of certified courses, side effects have become less common than in other methods, and can probably be further reduced to a minimum.