Infraorbital hollowing presents an aesthetic concern due to age-related and genetic changes in skin. Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) offers a potential alternative by stimulating fibroblast activity and improving the infraorbital hollows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of PLLA injections for infraorbital hollowing through a retrospective chart review and patient survey. A retrospective chart review and patient survey were conducted including patients who received PLLA injections to the infraorbital area. Treatment involved double-diluted PLLA injected in a subcutaneous plane above the infraorbital bone and below the orbicularis retaining ligament. Patients rated their satisfaction and pain. Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS) scores were assessed using before-and-after photographs. The study included 28 patients, of which 19 patients completed the survey. The average satisfaction score was 3.37 of 5, and the average pain score was 2.89 of 10. The most common adverse events were bruising (21%) and swelling (16%), with one patient developing a palpable, nonvisible nodule. The mean PGAIS score was 2.62, indicating most patients were "improved" or "much improved." PLLA injections for infraorbital hollowing seem to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment with minimal adverse events.
Firsowicz et al. (Fri,) studied this question.