Sculptra - It is not a filler, but a biostimulator
Sculptra® is an innovative product that is used to reduce deep skin depressions. Unlike collagen or hyaluronic acid (i.e. Restylane® or Juvederm®) that fills in superficial and moderate skin wrinkles or acne scars, Sculptra ® is used to treat 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.
What is Sculptra FDA approved for?
It was originally FDA approved for the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy (or loss of the fatty tissue in patients with HIV, which was common), but has since been approved for non-HIV use as well. Now it is commonly used for those who want a long-lasting treatment result.
What does it look like after Sculptra treatment and how does Sculptra work?
After treatment, there is swelling of the area due to the water contained in the injections that looks like the area has been corrected. It really has not. This benefit resolves within 1-2 weeks and almost looks like it did before any treatment was performed as the body resorbs the water. 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 at least 6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. The results can be long lasting as many patients experience results lasting 1-2 years and occasionally longer.
Is Sculptra better than Restylane or Juvederm?
The simple answer is that it they are totally different. The Restylane and Juvederm lines have many products within them and have products that can treat superficial lines and some that can add volume. Sculptra is a deep filler only and is only used to add volume. The most commonly treated areas are the temples, cheeks, and even the hands.
When will I see the results?
Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft can both add volume with instant results. The results from Sculptra are not instant and more than one treatment session is often needed. For those who want an instant fix, Restylane Lyft or Juvederm Voluma is a better option. For those who want a more lasting result and do not mind coming in for a few sessions, Sculptra may be better. The cost of Sculptra is usually more than Restylane Lyft, but may be similar to Juvederm Voluma or slightly more.