Poly-L-lactic acid fillers for nasal alar retraction: safety and effectiveness in 13 cases

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers in treating nasal alar retraction. We conducted a series of case reports on 13 patients treated for nasal alar retraction at the Chengdu Ningyue FRESKIN Medicine Cosmology Clinic from September 2022 to July 2023. Patients ranged from 23 to 49 years, comprising 12 females and 1 male. Of these, 5 had no prior medical history, 7 had previously undergone rhinoplasty, and 1 had a history of nasal trauma. Treatment outcomes and adverse reactions were monitored following PLLA filler injections. The mean pre-treatment severity score was 1.62±0.65, improving to 0.54±0.66 post-treatment (t=4.19, df=23, P<0.001). All participants reported satisfaction with their results without adverse effects. PLLA facial fillers are a safe and effective treatment for nasal alar retraction, presenting no embolism risk. This treatment merits consideration for broader clinical application.