PLLA Injection: A Non-Surgical Solution for Sagging Skin
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way people approach skin rejuvenation. More and more individuals are seeking non-surgical methods to achieve youthful, radiant skin without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
Among these innovative treatments, PLLA injection has emerged as a popular choice for those looking to lift, firm, and rejuvenate their skin. Unlike traditional surgical procedures, PLLA injection is a non-invasive and non-surgical solution that offers impressive results.
In this blog, we’ll explore just how PLLA injection stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, gradually restoring volume and smoothing out creases and sagging skin, and whether or not this treatment is right for you.
What is PLLA Injection?
PLLA injection is the first—and original—injectable collagen stimulator designed to rejuvenate and restore the skin's youthful appearance. It contains microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA), a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used in medical applications for decades.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): The main component of PLLA injection, is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance that has been widely used in medical applications for many years.
PLLA has been utilized in various medical products, including dissolvable sutures and implants, due to its effectiveness. Its long history in medical use underscores its reliability and the trust doctors place in this material.
When injected into the skin, PLLA injection works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production - a critical protein that maintains skin structure and elasticity, but its production decreases as we age, leading to wrinkles, creases, and sagging skin. PLLA injection's unique formula helps to replenish collagen levels, thereby restoring facial volume and improving skin texture.
Unlike traditional fillings that provide immediate but temporary results, PLLA injection offers a gradual and long-lasting improvement. Over a series of treatments, it effectively addresses signs of aging by rebuilding the skin’s foundation from within.
The result?
- Natural and subtle enhancement, providing a more authentic look.
- Long-lasting results, with effects that can last up to two years.
- Improved skin texture, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.
- Volume restoration, giving the face a fuller and more youthful contour.
- Non-surgical and non-invasive treatment, offering rejuvenation without surgery or extensive downtime.
Where is PLLA Injection Typically Injected?
PLLA injection works best when injected along the framework of the face. This strategic placement helps to enhance the natural contours of the face, providing a balanced and youthful appearance by restoring volume where it has been lost.
Here’s a few areas where you could consider getting PLLA injection:
1. Outer Border of Your Face
PLLA injection is often injected along the outer border of the face, from the temples to the chin. Injections should be inserted along the natural bony contours to achieve the best results, enhancing the face's structure and providing a subtle lift.
2. Cheeks
Injecting PLLA injection into the cheeks can correct the natural atrophy of fatty tissue that leads to flattening and hollowing. This treatment restores volume and fullness, creating a more youthful and plump appearance.
3. Nasolabial Folds
PLLA injection can be used to treat nasolabial folds, the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, as well as the folds between the mouth and chin. This helps to smooth out deep creases and improve facial symmetry.
4. Chin
The chin can be effectively treated with PLLA injection to enhance its definition and contour. However, injections should be carefully administered to avoid areas around the lips or near muscle structures, ensuring natural-looking results without interfering with muscle function.
Where Not to Get PLLA Injection
Lumpiness is one of the only frustrating side effects that can occur with PLLA injection treatment. This issue often arises because the movement and contraction of muscles in certain facial areas prevent the injectable from integrating smoothly with the surrounding tissue.
To minimize the risk of lumps, it is important to avoid injecting PLLA injection in the following areas:
1. Frontalis Muscle
The frontalis muscle, located on the forehead and responsible for raising the eyebrows. This muscle is thin and highly active, making it difficult for the product to distribute evenly, increasing the risk of lumpiness.
2. Nose
Injecting PLLA injection into the nose, particularly around the “bunny lines” on the bridge of the nose, can lead to uneven results. The skin in this area is thin and the underlying structures are complex, making it prone to lumps.
3. Frown Lines
Frown lines between the eyebrows are another area to avoid for PLLA injection treatments. These lines are formed by the frequent contraction of muscles in this region, which can cause the product to clump together rather than distribute smoothly.
4. Around the Eyes and Lips
The areas around the eyes and lips should also be avoided due to the strong muscle contractions that occur with facial expressions. These muscles are highly active, and injections in these regions can lead to uneven distribution of PLLA injection, resulting in lumps and an unnatural appearance.
In summary, PLLA injection is not recommended for areas of the face where there are highly active muscles or areas where the muscles are thin as this can lead to an uneven distribution of PLLA injection.
Who Might Choose to Get PLLA Injection?
PLLA injection is an ideal choice for individuals looking for a non-surgical way to rejuvenate their facial appearance. You might consider PLLA injection if you want to:
- Reduce deep wrinkles: PLLA injection stimulates collagen production, which helps smooth out deep wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance.
- Elevate recessed areas of skin: By restoring volume, PLLA injection can elevate sunken or hollow areas, providing a fuller and more balanced facial contour.
- Redefine or soften facial contours: PLLA injection enhances the natural contours of your face, creating a softer, more refined look.
- Treat fat loss (lipoatrophy) caused by HIV: PLLA injection effectively addresses facial fat loss, helping to restore a more natural and healthy appearance for those affected by lipoatrophy.
What to Expect from Your PLLA Injection Treatment
PLLA injection treatments involve a series of carefully planned steps to ensure optimal results. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your PLLA injection procedure.
Before PLLA Injection
- Consultation: You’ll meet with a healthcare provider specializing in fillings to discuss your overall health, any allergies, and goals for the procedure.
- Medical Review: Your provider will review your current medications, vitamins, or supplements, and your history of similar cosmetic procedures, if applicable.
- Health Evaluation: The provider will determine if you’re healthy enough for the procedure.
- Discussion of Fillings: Types of fillings, including PLLA injection, will be discussed to decide the best option for you.
- Photography: Photos may be taken to compare your skin’s appearance before and after treatment.
After this, your treatment provider will also explain potential risks, side effects, or complications of the treatment, and then a date for the procedure will be scheduled.
This is a good time to ask your treatment provider to answer any questions you might have about the procedure. At Skinserity, our doctors will be happy to assist you in answering any questions or concerns you may have in your free consultation.
During PLLA Injection
- Preparation: The provider will clean the area of skin where the injection will be administered.
- Anesthetic: A topical anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and minimize discomfort.
- Injection: PLLA injection is injected under the skin using a small needle. You may feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t experience pain.
- Massage: The treated areas will be massaged to ensure even distribution of the product.
After PLLA Injection
After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising, which typically resolves within a few days. It’s important to follow post-treatment instructions, including massaging the treated areas as recommended by your provider.
Results will gradually improve over a few months as collagen production is stimulated, providing a natural and long-lasting enhancement.
Choose a Treatment Right for You
Deciding between PLLA injection and other fillings depends on your specific needs and goals. Each injectable offers unique benefits, and determining which is “better” for you should be discussed with your provider during a consultation. Some people are better candidates for different injectables, depending on their anatomy, aesthetic goals, budget, and timeframe.
A personalized consultation with us at Skinserity will help assess your individual needs and develop a customized treatment plan. Together, we will consider various factors such as:
- Your overall health and medical history
- Desired outcomes and specific concerns
- The areas you want to treat
- Budget and cost considerations
- The longevity of results you're looking for
Investing in a personalized treatment plan ensures that you achieve the most natural and satisfying results, enhancing your appearance and confidence. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discover the best options for your facial rejuvenation.
