Improperly injected polylactic acid may form nodules

Victoria, Australia - Improperly administered polylactic acid injections to treat periorbital wrinkles may result in the formation of persistent nodules around the eyes, HealthDay News reports.

Australian researchers reviewed four cases in which women in their 40s and 50s developed similar-sized nodules and inflammation after being treated with injections of polylactic acid to correct periorbital wrinkles and contour deformities. Results were reported in the June issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

In all four cases, researchers noted that the polylactic acid had not been injected deeply enough. In one of the patients, a histopathologic exam identified a foreign-body granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Except for one patient who had the nodules surgically removed, all still had nodules up to two years after the initial treatment, even though two of them were treated with corticosteroids.

“In light of the above-mentioned side effects and complications possible with the use of polylactic acid, perhaps this substance warrants further histological studies in humans before it can be considered a safe, reliable product,” the authors conclude. “Greater dilution, lower injection dose per site, and a deeper placement of the product polylactic acid may yield fewer complications, at least in the short term. The duration of the complications … is disturbing and may require some degree of caution in warning patients on their speed of resolution.”