A Canadian study of the use of poly-L-lactic acid dermal implant for the treatment of hill and valley acne scarring.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hill and valley scarring is 1 of 3 atrophic scar types that occur as a result of acne, becoming more apparent with facial skin aging. Treatment includes resurfacing techniques and the use of injectable fillers. Poly-L-lactic acid is an injectable collagen builder that has been used for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy and cosmetic enhancement.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the degree of correction attainable with poly-L-lactic acid and safety findings for the treatment of hill and valley acne scarring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Poly-L-lactic acid was injected over 3 to 4 serial treatments at 4-week intervals in 22 subjects in this single-arm, unblinded, open-label Phase II study. Efficacy was determined by physician, blinded evaluator, and subject assessment of scar improvement using Likert scales, comparing photographs taken by 3 camera systems at treatment visits 2 to 4 and follow-up to baseline. Subjects also assessed treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS:

Percentage of patients with much to excellent improvement using the most sensitive camera system (VISIA-CR) ranged from 45.5% to 68.2%. Subject treatment satisfaction scores increased by 44%. One patient experienced a palpable nonvisible nodule. No subjects discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid facilitated improvement in hill and valley acne scarring and was well tolerated.

• Authors: Sheetal Sapra, John A Stewart, Kelli Mraud, Robert Schupp
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 41 Issue 5 Pg. 587-94 (May 2015) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25915626 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biocompatible Materials
• Polyesters
• Polymers
• Lactic Acid
• poly(lactide)

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (complications)
• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adult
• Biocompatible Materials (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Canada
• Cicatrix (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Cosmetic Techniques
• Face (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lactic Acid (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Polyesters
• Polymers (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Skin Aging (pathology)
• Treatment Outcome