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Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA): what the term means
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 4 min read
Published 10 October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr Sin Yong
Poly-D,L-lactic acid, or PDLLA, is a biodegradable polymer made from both the D and L forms of lactic acid. In aesthetic medicine it is used as microspheres in collagen-stimulating injectables, most widely known in Juvelook, where it is combined with hyaluronic acid. It differs from the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in Sculptra in particle shape and structure.
Key facts
Made of
D- and L-lactic acid polymer
Particles
Spherical and partly porous, about 30 µm, against sheet-like PLLA particles of about 50 µm (Su, Polymers 2025)
Hyaluronidase dissolves the hyaluronic acid carrier, not the PDLLA
PDLLA and PLLA
Both are polylactic acids that prompt the skin to lay down collagen over months as the particles break down. A 2024 review set out how their chemistry and particle shape differ, and a 2025 laboratory comparison measured the rounder, partly porous PDLLA spheres against PLLA's irregular sheets (Lee, Polymers 2024; Su, Polymers 2025). Neither study compared clinical results head to head.
Under the eye, PDLLA has been reported for the tear trough, and a 2025 case report described non-inflammatory nodules there that were managed with energy-based treatment rather than hyaluronidase (Wan, J Cosmet Dermatol 2025; Seo, J Cosmet Dermatol 2025). Full guide: Juvelook in Singapore; lumps after non-HA fillers: lumps after Sculptra, Radiesse, Ellansé or Juvelook.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PDLLA uses both D and L forms and has rounder, partly porous particles.
Not with hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase breaks down the hyaluronic acid in products like Juvelook, but the PDLLA particles are degraded by the body over time.
References
Su CY, et al. Physicochemical comparison of poly-D,L-lactic acid and poly-L-lactic acid injectable fillers. Polymers. 2025;18(1):84. doi:10.3390/polym18010084. source
Lee KWA, et al. Poly-D,L-lactic acid and poly-L-lactic acid fillers: a review. Polymers. 2024;16(18):2583. doi:10.3390/polym16182583. source
Wan J, et al. Poly-D,L-lactic acid injection for the tear trough in Korean women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(3):e70058. doi:10.1111/jocd.70058. source
Seo SB, Wan J, Yi KH. Non-inflammatory nodules after poly-D,L-lactic acid in the tear trough treated with monopolar radiofrequency: a case report. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(1):e16575. doi:10.1111/jocd.16575. source
VAIM Co., Ltd. Juvelook and Juvelook Volume (Lenisna) product information: composition and intended use. source
