A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of injectable poly-L-lactic acid versus human-based collagen implant in the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles.

4 Large controlled trial

What this means for you: this demonstrably works.

Type of study: controlled trial
Studied in: people
Participants: 117
Published: 2010 in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Cited: 31 times by other research
Who paid: Not declared. PubMed carries no conflict-of-interest statement for most articles; that is not the same as independent.
Source: PubMed 20159311 · doi 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.040

The plain-language write-up of this study is still being written. Below is the abstract exactly as the researchers published it.

Abstract by the researchers — original text

BACKGROUND: Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a synthetic, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer device. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of injectable PLLA with human-derived collagen in treating nasolabial fold wrinkles. METHODS: In this randomized, evaluator-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter study, subjects received injectable PLLA (n = 116) or collagen (n = 117) injections (1-4 visits, 3-week intervals). Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores were calculated at screening; posttreatment week 3; months 3, 6, 9, and 13 (injectable PLLA or collagen groups); and months 19 and 25 (injectable PLLA group). Safety data were obtained from subject interviews and case report forms. RESULTS: Injectable PLLA significantly improved mean Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores (all time points, P < .001). Improvements (up to 25 months after last treatment) were significantly greater (P < .001) than with collagen for posttreatment months 3 to 13. LIMITATIONS: Mostly white women and subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types II and III were included. CONCLUSION: Injectable PLLA provides well-tolerated, effective, and long-lasting (up to 25 months) nasolabial fold wrinkle correction.