High-Frequency Ultrasound for Long-term Safety Assessment of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Facial Filler. Issue 10 (14th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Anqi; Long, Anyin; Fang, Rouyu; Mao, Xuming; Sun, Qiuning
• Is Part Of: Dermatologic surgery. Volume 48:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 1071
• Page End: 1075
• Publication Date: 2022-10-14
• Subjects: Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-0512

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.