Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Pronunciation: pol-ee EL LAK-tik AS-id
Also written as: PLLA — Poly-L-Lactic Acid
A biodegradable synthetic polymer injected as a biostimulator to gradually restore facial volume by stimulating collagen synthesis.
Full Definition
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, absorbable material derived from the alpha-hydroxy acid family, used in aesthetic medicine to treat age-related volume loss and skin laxity. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder that must be reconstituted before injection, and its effects develop over several months as new collagen is laid down. Editors must render the full chemical name with hyphens and capitalise the 'L' stereoisomer designator: 'Poly-L-Lactic Acid'. The abbreviation PLLA is standard in clinical literature. It should not be described as a 'filler' in copy, as its regulatory classification as a biostimulator carries specific claims implications.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate as 'poly-L-lactic acid' and capitalise the stereoisomer 'L'. Do not abbreviate to 'polylactic acid' in clinical copy, as this omits the stereospecific designation.
In Context
- "Three vials of poly-L-lactic acid were scheduled at six-week intervals to address global facial volume loss." — Treatment protocol document
- "The article incorrectly referred to PLLA as a 'filler'; it was corrected to 'biostimulator' to reflect its mechanism of action." — Editorial correction note