Abstract

Injectable poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) is a new type of biodegradable dermal filler that has been utilized for soft tissue filling. However, there is no convenient and reliable method to assess the long-term safety of PLLA filler. To assess the long-term safety of PLLA injection into nasolabial folds by high-frequency ultrasound and to select the ultrasonic probes with the most appropriate frequency. After a 30-month PLLA injection into the deep dermis of the nasolabial fold, subjects were examined by high-frequency ultrasound with the 20 MHz and 50 MHz probes. Twenty subjects with nasolabial fold contour deficiency were enrolled in this study. After a 30-month PLLA injection in nasolabial folds, PLLA degraded entirely in 16 subjects (16/20, 80%), and abnormal echo in the skin was observed in 4 subjects (4/20, 20%) caused by undegraded PLLA microparticles, PLLA microparticles deposition, fibrous nodules, and granuloma. The 20-MHz probe is more appropriate than the 50-MHz probe for evaluating the adverse effects of PLLA injection. High-frequency ultrasound is a rapid, reliable, and noninvasive method to monitor the degradation condition of PLLA and the formation of papules and nodules associated with PLLA injection.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call