Clinical Investigation into the Application of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Microsphere Mesotherapy for Facial Rejuvenation: Observations on Improvements in Skin Tone, Texture, and Pores
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine Research DOI: 10.32629/jcmr.v7i1.5075
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres administered via mesotherapy for facial rejuvenation, focusing on skin tone brightening, texture improvement, and pore size reduction, as well as its mechanisms and safety profile. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 patients who underwent facial PLLA microsphere mesotherapy at a tertiary class-A hospital between January 2025 and December 2025. All patients received multi-point, micro-droplet injections into the deep dermis. Quantitative assessments were performed using the VISIA skin analysis system (texture, pore count, brown spots) and Cutometer (skin elasticity, R2 parameter) at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Adverse events were recorded. Results: At 3 months post-treatment, VISIA analysis showed significant reductions in pore scores (42.5 ± 5.6 to 28.3 ± 4.1, P<0.001) and texture scores (38.6 ± 4.8 to 25.1 ± 3.5, P<0.001). Cutometer results revealed increased skin elasticity R2 value (0.61 ± 0.08 to 0.72 ± 0.06, P<0.001). The overall patient satisfaction rate was 95%, with no nodules or granulomas observed. Conclusion: PLLA microsphere mesotherapy effectively induces dermal collagen regeneration, demonstrating significant clinical value in refining pores, brightening skin tone, and optimizing texture with a favorable safety profile. Combined with personalized injection protocols, it is an effective modality for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Keywords
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA); microspheres; mesotherapy; facial rejuvenation; skin quality; collagen regeneration
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[2] Li J, Zhang Y, Chen W. Application progress of poly-L-lactic acid in facial rejuvenation and skin quality improvement [J]. Chin J Med Aesthet Cosmet, 2023, 29(8): 695-698.
[3] Zhang Yixin, Luo Qian, Liang Hanwen, et al. Poly-L-lactic acid microspheres promote in vivo collagen regeneration. Chin J Tissue Eng Res. 2022;26:5448–5453.
[4] Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review. Polymers (Basel). 2024.
[5] Rezvani Ghomi E, Nourbakhsh N, et al. Collagen-based biomaterials for biomedical applications. J Biomed Mater Res B. 2021;109:1986–1999.
[6] Cao Q, Chen J, et al. Faster efficacy and reduced nodule occurrence with PLLA porous microspheres. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2025;13:1571820.
[7] Ouyang R, Su X, et al. Advances in Poly-l-lactic Acid Injections for Facial and Neck Rejuvenation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025;13:e7029.
[8] Innocenti, A.; Battistella, T., et al. Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA-SCA™): Expert Recommendations. Cosmetics. 2025;12:264.
[9] Ao YJ, Yi Y, Wu GH. Application of PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic acid) for rejuvenation and reproduction of facial cutaneous tissue in aesthetics: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Mar 15;103(11):e37506.
[10] Fisher SM, Borab Z, et al. Biostimulators as adjuncts in facial rejuvenation: A systematic review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024;92:118–129.
[11] Athanasiou KA, Niederauer GG, et al. Sterilization and applications of polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymers. Biomaterials. 1996;17:93–102.
[12] Lam SM, Azizzadeh B, et al. Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra): Technical considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;118:55S–63S.
[13] U.S. FDA. Premarket approval (PMA) P030050/S039: Sculptra aesthetic. 2023.
[14] Wu CW, Wu HJ. Retinal artery occlusion following PLLA injection. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2021;11:317–320.
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