GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Volume / Contour · Midface volume loss

PLLA filler (Sculptra) evidence for Midface volume loss

B 55.1 / 100 Supported 5 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 1 case · 25 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2021 Last 5 years 60% Positive results 56% Korea/Asia 2

Known in Korea as

스컬트라

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 A Split Face Study Comparing the Effect of a PDLLA Based Product and PLLA on the Nasolabial Fold (NLF). Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2026 · PMID 41532837

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Injectable Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is effective in restoring mid-face volume and is widely used treating the nasolabial fold (NLF). This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of a novel PDLLA based product (PDLLA + non-cross-linked HA; Poly-D, L-lactic acid + hyaluronic acid) with that of a commonly used PLLA for NLF correction. METHODS: In this multi-center, randomized, split-face,...

Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid for Correction of Midfacial Volume Loss and Contour Defects: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Controlled, Evaluator-Blinded, Superiority Trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40679154

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is widely used in esthetic medicine due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PLLA facial filler in correcting midfacial volume loss and/or contour defects. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, assessor-blinded, superiority clinical trial, 331 subjects were randomly assigned to...

Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Equivalence Trial

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tier1 Midface Projection Using Biostimulatory Poly- l -Lactic Acid Injectable Implant: A Subgroup Analysis of the Cheek Wrinkle Trial. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2024 · PMID 39453400

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Correction of cheek wrinkles using poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) was demonstrated in a 12-month study. OBJECTIVE: This analysis assessed change from baseline in lifting effect of PLLA-SCA using a 3D camera to provide additional quantified data. METHODS: Subjects received PLLA-SCA (reconstituted in 8 mL of sterile water + 1 mL of 2% lidocaine) in both cheeks or no treatment (control).

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Safety and Efficacy of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler (Gana V vs. Sculptra) Injection for Correction of the Nasolabial Fold: A Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority, Randomized, Split-Face Controlled Trial. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2023 · PMID 37626137

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers have shown excellent results as soft tissue fillers for progressive midface volume enhancement, with long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of a new PLLA filler (Gana V) in comparison with those of the widely used Sculptra. METHODS: This double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, split-face...

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article, Equivalence Trial

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tier1 Non-Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Midface Augmentation: A Systematic Review. Facial plastic surgery : FPS · 2021 · PMID 33648015

Abstract summary (English) There has been an increasing role in the use of injectable fillers for rejuvenation of the aging face. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the existing literature related to soft tissue fillers of the midface. Specifically, we focus on the non-hyaluronic acid fillers including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), and autologous fat.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier2 Stimulation of collagenesis by poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and -glycolide polymer (PLGA)-containing absorbable suspension suture and parallel sustained clinical benefit. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2020 · PMID 32167231

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Though the collagen-stimulating capacity of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is well established, no data are available on collagen stimulation by the PLLA/PLGA within absorbable suspension sutures used for tissue repositioning. AIMS: To characterize collagen stimulation by absorbable suspension sutures through examination of patient biopsies and assess severity of nasolabial folds (NLF) over time....

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Quantitative assessment of the longevity of poly-L-lactic acid as a volumizing filler using 3-dimensional photography. JAMA facial plastic surgery · 2015 · PMID 25340593

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy and longevity of injectable poly-L-lactic acid as a volumizing injectable in the midface region quantitatively using 3-dimensional (3-D) imaging. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective study assessing changes in midfacial volume in 15 women aged between 40 and 60 years using a 3-D imaging system at 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks after 3 treatments with poly-L-lactic acid....

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier2 Three-dimensional digital surface imaging measurement of the volumizing effect of injectable poly-L-lactic acid for nasolabial folds. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2011 · PMID 21401382

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Injectable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer device indicated in Europe for correction of facial contour deficiencies, with a gradual onset of effect that is maintained for up to 25 months. METHODS: In this single-centre, open-label study, 20 adult subjects seeking treatment for facial contour deficiencies were treated with injectable PLLA every 4-6 weeks for ≤6...

Clinical Trial, Journal Article

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tier0_review Vision-Threatening Complications of Soft Tissue Fillers: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology · 2025 · PMID 40167411

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: To review evidence on ocular complications of injectable soft tissue fillers, identify features associated with risk for vision loss, and assess the efficacy and safety of reported treatments. METHODS: Literature search of the PubMed database was last conducted in May 2024. Articles were limited to English-language original research describing ocular complications of soft tissue fillers.

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Midface volumization with injectable fillers. Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America · 2015 · PMID 25921573

Abstract summary (English) The aging midface has long been overlooked in cosmetic surgery. Our understanding of facial aging in terms of 3 dimensions has placed increased importance on volume restoration. Although an "off-label" indication for most fillers in this facial region, volumization of the midface with injectable fillers is usually a safe and straightforward procedure technically.

Journal Article, Review

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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