PLLA showed real results in clinical trials—it thickened skin and improved facial volume loss, with effects lasting at least 25 months. It performed better than collagen and hydrogel comparisons. But here's the catch: the overall evidence quality is low, and side effects like bruising, nodules, and swelling happened in most studies.

Researchers analyzed 11 rigorous clinical trials (out of 1,467 papers reviewed) that tested PLLA injections on adults with facial aging or volume loss, checking for effectiveness and safety over time.

Funding not disclosed in abstract