Poly-L-lactic acid for global facial volumization

Authors

  • Malika Ladha, MD, FRCPC

Abstract

Biostimulatory fillers, such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), have been increasingly used to address facial volume deficiency in recent years. PLLA is an absorbable, semi-permanent soft tissue filler that restores volume by stimulating collagen formation. It is comparable to facial fat grafting. 

PLLA is approved by Health Canada for facial fat restoration due to antiretroviral therapy-induced lipoatrophy. It is also approved for increasing the volume of depressed areas due to skin creases, wrinkles, folds, and for skin aging. In real-world use, PLLA has also been used in off-label areas, including the neck, dorsal hands, abdomen, thighs, and the gluteus. Multiple studies have confirmed the high patient satisfaction rate, excellent safety profile, and efficacy of PLLA for treating the aging face.

Author Biography

Malika Ladha, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Malika Ladha is a board-certified dermatologist in both the U.S. and Canada, and practices medical and cosmetic dermatology in Toronto. She completed residency at the University of Calgary and a clinical fellowship in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology at the University of Toronto. She was the previous co-chairperson of the Canadian Dermatology Association Resident and Fellow Society co-chairperson and initiated many national virtual learning initiatives. She was awarded the 2021 Resident Doctors of Canada Medical Education Award and the 2021 Royal College of Physicians Resident Leadership Award.

References

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Published

2022-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Ladha M. Poly-L-lactic acid for global facial volumization. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 May 16];3(3):36–38. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/3-3-ladha

Issue

Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2022

Section

Articles