Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a synthetic, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer. For soft-tissue augmentation, the size and chemical attributes of the PLLA microparticles are central to this agent's ability to promote a subclinical inflammatory response that stimulates deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix. The resultant restoration of facial volume occurs in a controlled, predictable manner and is long lasting. The unique physiochemical and biostimulatory properties of PLLA differentiate it from other available treatments and are the foundation of the unique treatment methodology required for optimal results.
Though the incidence of complications and adverse events with dermatological fillers is inherently low, practitioners should be well versed in both prevention of filler complications and the treatment algorithms for addressing "granulomas," nodules, infection, and vascular compromise. Appropriate preventative measures, coupled with timely and effective treatment, are critically important for patient safety and satisfaction. In addition to the preventive measures and treatment algorithms outlined here, the authors emphasize that the broad classification and treatment of nodules as "granulomas" is likely to lead to ineffective treatment, or worse, unnecessary exposure to incorrect treatment. In practice, nodules are classified and treated based on clinical manifestation (eg, late vs early or noninflammatory vs inflammatory) rather than on histology. Indeed, classification of a nodule as a granuloma requires a histological examination, rarely available (or necessary) in clinical practice to guide treatment. Thus, the apparent inflammatory nature of the nodule and the time of onset should drive treatment approach. The treatment algorithms presented here are based on these clinically meaningful parameters.
The clinical performance of fillers in soft tissue augmentation depends upon their physiochemical properties, anatomical areas injected, interaction with the recipient, and the skill and experience of the physician. Scientific measures of filler properties facilitate appropriate selection of treatments for optimal treatment outcomes, and inform adjustments to treatments that improve patient safety and aesthetic outcomes. The rheological properties of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), elastic modulus (G') and viscosity, coupled with its capacity to offer both immediate results and continued stimulation of collagen type I deposition, support its distinction as an ideal treatment for the volume loss characteristic of aging. Furthermore, the comparatively higher G' of CaHA offers a physiochemical basis for the clinical performance observed by the authors, especially in regions such as the temple and chin, where the force exerted by CaHA against bone permits expansion of overlaying tissue, permitting it to behave as a liquid implant.
Loss of facial volume and soft-tissue support are common to types of facial aging. Restoration of a youthful appearance relies upon correction of this loss, and can be achieved in various capacities through use of biostimulatory or hyaluronic acids (HA) injectable fillers. Here, the authors discuss the versatility of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in volume replacement and the applications and facial regions for which CaHA, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and HA fillers are best suited.
Paradigms in the treatment of aging have evolved to address volume loss as a central and primary hallmark of the aging face. The concept of "composite volumization" was recently proposed by Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc to describe the effect of Radiesse (Merz Aesthetics, Inc., Raleigh, NC), when placed on bone in the supraperiosteal plane, on all overlying tissues (skin, superficial and deep fat compartments, and muscle). The physiochemical properties of Radiesse make it especially well suited for efficient and effective volumization of areas especially prone to volume loss; the temple, zygomatic arch, anterior cheek, pyriform aperture, and prejowl sulcus. Placement of Radiesse on bone in these areas creates a scaffold upon which additional restoration of fine lines and wrinkles may be accomplished, restoring a youthful appearance.
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