This innovative product is used to fill in deep skin depressions. Unlike collagen or hyaluronic acid (Restylane®) that fills in superficial and moderate skin wrinkles or acne scars, Sculptra ® is used to fill in areas where there is loss of the deeper fatty tissue or to “plump them up”. Treatment consists of injections into the deeper layers of the skin. This product was originally FDA approved for HIV lipodystrophy (or loss of the fatty tissue in patients with HIV), but has since been approved for non-HIV use as well. Initially there is swelling of the area due to the injections, which resolves within 1-2 weeks. Over the next several weeks improvement is gradually appreciated as the body reacts against the Sculptra ® and fills in the treated areas. Most patients undergo 2-3 treatment sessions 6 weeks apart. Results can be long lasting as many patients experience results lasting 1-2 years and occasionally longer.