Polylactic Acid

Polylactic acid is a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into your face, causing your body’s own production of collagen. This type of dermal filler is known as a stimulator. This non-toxic, biodegradable substance has been used for more than 40 years as suture material. It’s known to work particularly well in the lower half of your face, to fill the lines caused by laughing, to augment thin lips and fill out deep nasolabial folds. This substance is unlike other dermal fillers because it doesn’t produce immediate results. Instead, it stimulates your own body’s collagen production, so results appear gradually over a period of a few months.

Prior to injection, your plastic surgeon will add sterile water to reconstitute the polylactic acid. Then it’s injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous space with a special technique called tunneling or threading. It is important to distribute polylactic acid evenly to minimize the possibility of inflammatory formations called granulomas.

You will likely need about three monthly treatments to achieve your desired results. With each treatment, there is re-stimulation of your own collagen. Then it can take four to six weeks to see the full effect. While this type of dermal filler is considered semi-permanent, you may still need occasional touch-ups.

The only FDA-approved brand is Sculptra Aesthetic.

How much will polylactic acid cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective procedure or treatment. The cost polylactic acid may vary based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment, the type of procedure used, time and effort the procedure or treatment requires, as well as geographic office location. In 2009, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimated national surgeons’ average fees were $1060 for polylactic acid. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee

When choosing a plastic surgeon for polylactic acid injections, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the procedure.

Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.

Questions to ask my plastic surgeon

Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery? Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
Am I a good candidate for polylactic acid?
What will be expected of me to get the best results?
Who will perform the polylactic acid injections?
Have they been specifically trained in this procedure?
Where and how will you perform my procedure or treatment?
How long of a recovery period can I expect?
What are the risks and possible complications associated with my procedure?
How can I expect to look over time?
Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure?
What results are reasonable for me?

Choose a qualified plastic surgeon

Polylactic Acid injections are sometimes performed with no medical oversight, often in conjunction with facial spa treatments. You can avoid any risks or complications and achieve optimal results by visiting a qualified plastic surgeon. Although the surgeon may not perform the procedure, you can rest assured that the surgeon’s employees are properly trained and supervised.

Visit the online referral service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS physician members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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