Skin laxity is a common complaint among patients seeking aesthetic dermatological interventions, affecting the facial contour, especially in the mandibular angle, due to bone aging and the loss of tissue support in the lower third of the face. Facelift surgery is an effective method to address this issue, but it is invasive and may impact the definition of the jawline. As an alternative, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stimulates collagen production, improving facial contour in a minimally invasive manner. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new, low-cost, and quick application technique using poly-L-lactic acid in the mandibular angle and anterior to the mandibular ligament. The proposed technique seeks to enhance facial contour, provide an additional lifting effect, and contribute to overall facial rejuvenation. This is a clinical, prospective, and interventional study, allowing the analysis of clinical outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety. Twenty volunteers aged between 18 and 65, of both genders, with no restrictions on the use of collagen bio-stimulators, will be recruited. After confirming inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants will sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF) and be eligible for the study. The first intervention will occur at visit 2 (day 1), the second intervention at visit 3 (day 30 ± 15), and the third intervention will be performed as indicated at visit 4 (day 60 ± 15). Final follow-up will take place at visit 5 (day 90 ± 15). Questionnaires will be applied and photographs taken at all visits. Injections will be administered with poly-L-lactic acid in the mandibular angle region and anterior to the mandibular ligament. The study will be funded by the Research Department of the Hexsel Dermatology Clinic, and the data collected will be used to prepare an article for publication.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
The investigator will mark the application area by palpating the inferior and posterior boundaries of the face and the mandibular ramus, approximately 1 cm from these anatomical landmarks. The second PLLA injection point will be marked 1 cm from the inferior bony border of the mandible, anterior to the mandibular ligament. The demarcated area will be anesthetized with a local infiltration of 0.3-0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine, using a 30G needle. PLLA will then be reconstituted in 10 mL of sterile water for injection. Administration will be performed with a 30G needle inserted perpendicularly into the marked area until the supraperiosteal plane of the mandibular angle is reached, delivering a 0.7 mL bolus of the reconstituted product. At the second site-1 cm from the inferior bony border of the mandible, anterior to the mandibular ligament-a 0.2 mL dose of the reconstituted product will be injected.
To evaluate the efficacy of a new poly-L-lactic acid application technique through supraperiosteal injections along the contour of the mandibular angle and in the region anterior to the mandibular ligament.
To evaluate, through standardized comparative photographs before and after treatment sessions, using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).
Time frame: 90 days
Assess patient satisfaction. Evaluate the safety of a new poly-L-lactic acid technique with supraperiosteal injections in the mandibular angle. Assess short-term outcomes after two or three intervention sessions based on clinical indications.
Assess the percentage of patients satisfied according to the study satisfaction questionnaire. Assess the overall frequency of adverse events related to the treatment and to the poly-L-lactic acid study product throughout the study period. Assess the percentage of patients demonstrating clinical improvement of at least 1 point in the final skin quality rating, based on an ordinal scale scored from 0 to 5. Assess the percentage of patients showing improvement in facial laxity using the Facial Laxity Grading Scale as assessed by the investigator.
Time frame: 90 days
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.