Any Information on Poly L Lactic Acid?

Question

Any additional information on the degradation of poly l lactic acid? I have over 20 or 30 nodules ad well as granulomas. Any help, legally, or medically is appreciated. Also the poly l lactic acid travels within my body. I see in my knees, legs, feet, arms, wrists, and of course all over my face. I take pictures and you can literally see it travel day to day. It moves or travels to what appears to be joints or end of bones i.e., elbows, wrists, fingers, etc.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. PLLA is not known for migration so if this is indeed the case, perhaps you are better being seen at a university level setting. This is not a typical response, and I would want to be certain this is indeed Sculptra, and I must say I am very skeptical this is migrating Sculptra, but am open minded enough to ask if you have had the traveling nodules biopsied, and if so, what was the pathology report. I hope this helps!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Although it is possible to get nodules after treatment with Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), it is not possible for them to travel throughout your body. If nodules develop, they would do so only where the product was injected and not elsewhere. There are potential treatments that can be done to help with nodules, so I would recommend a consultation with a physician experienced with Sculptra to see if there might be options to help with your condition.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Poly-L lactic acid (Sculptra) is frequently used and safe when injected properly. It can cause nodules in certain areas of the face. It would be very unusual for it to migrate though. I think you would be best served by an in-person consultation with a Dermatologist or Facial Plastic Surgeon with Sculptra experience. They can evaluate you and determine the nature of the nodules that you're seeing on your face and elsewhere. I would recommend doing that now as you're experiencing issues that are very uncommon with Sculptra treatment. I hope this information is helpful.
	Stephen Weber, M.D., F.A.C.S.
	Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid product which is diluted and injected in higher volume amounts.  It has FDA approval for medication induced facial lipoatrophy but is used to for facial augmentation.  Sculptra is also used to augment the cheek areas but this product is different in its chemical composition.

Nathan Mayl, MD (retired) · Answer

You did not state who injected you or if it was in the US??

	I have had years of experience with Sculptra and have never seen it travel.

	I would recommend that you check that Sculptra was the material actually used.

	In addition, you should have a biopsy done of one of the areas that has travelled material in it, This will give you some insite into what can be done,.

	Dr. Mayl

	Fort Lauderdale

Any Information on Poly L Lactic Acid?

Answers (5)