Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of PCL and PLLA Injections for Nasolabial Fold Correction

Abstract

Background: Nasolabial folds (NLF) deepen with age, necessitating aesthetic treatments. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) are commonly used fillers. This study compares their safety and efficacy for NLF correction. Methods: Participants aged 30–60 years were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing NLF correction with PCL (n = 65) or PLLA (n = 71) from January 2023 to December 2023. Primary outcomes included changes in the Nasolabial Fold Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes assessed patient satisfaction via the FACE-Q scale, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and safety profiles including side effects and adverse events. Results: At 3 months, PCL exhibited significantly greater wrinkle reduction (WSRS score: 3.08 ± 0.37) compared to PLLA (3.27 ± 0.41; p = 0.007). This trend persisted at 6 months (PCL: 2.23 ± 0.61 vs. PLLA: 2.49 ± 0.75; p = 0.03) and 12 months (PCL: 1.92 ± 0.55 vs. PLLA: 2.17 ± 0.61; p = 0.016). PCL also showed higher significant improvement rates on GAIS at 3 and 6 months. Patient satisfaction (FACE-Q) was higher in the PCL group at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05). Safety profiles were comparable, with no significant differences in injection site reactions or adverse events. Conclusion: PCL injections demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing NLF wrinkle severity and achieving higher patient satisfaction compared to PLLA injections over a 12-month period. Both materials exhibited comparable safety profiles, suggesting the suitability of PCL as a preferable option for NLF correction in cosmetic dermatology.