How Much Does Sculptra Cost?

The average cost of Sculptra injections is $1,775, according to over 150 recent reviews on RealSelf, but some reviewers say they have paid up to $6,500 for a more extensive treatment.

One vial of Sculptra costs between $600 and $1,000, but some providers offer a lower cost per vial if multiple vials are used during a single treatment session.

Sculptra Aesthetic dermal filler is made of biocompatible poly-l-lactic acid that stimulates your body’s own collagen production, so you see immediate results that improve over time.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Sculptra

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Why is Sculptra so expensive?

Sculptra lasts two to three times as long as hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane. 

Also, unlike those dermal fillers, Sculptra helps stimulate your own collagen production, meaning you’ll need less over time. So, yes, while Sculptra is more expensive than other dermal fillers, this injectable treatment is unique. 

The price of Sculptra also pales in comparison to the costs of plastic surgery, like a surgical facelift or fat transfer.

Related: Why Sculptra Is Not Your Average Filler

What affects the cost of a Sculptra treatment?

A multitude of factors influence how much Sculptra costs. These are the biggest:

1) Your injector’s qualifications and reputation

Who performs your Sculptra treatment makes a major difference in how much you’ll pay per vial.

In the U.S., the only providers who can legally administer Sculptra injections are nurses, physician’s assistants, and physicians. A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has been practicing for decades and has a full roster of patients is likely to charge more than what you’d be charged by a nurse injector, though that’s not always the case: some RNs who specialize in fillers charge a premium for that expertise.

As you're choosing your provider, remember that while Sculptra is considered safe in experienced hands, it can't be quickly dissolved if you have a complication or unwanted side effects.

Because of this, it’s very important that this dermal filler treatment is done right the first time, by someone who intimately understands facial anatomy.

2) Their practice location

At practices in upscale neighborhoods of major metropolitan areas like New York or LA, you can expect one Sculptra vial to cost more than it would in an outlying area, where practices have less overhead.

The dynamic of how many providers in the area offer Sculptra compared to the level of demand also comes into play. You could find more affordable prices in areas where the injectors have to compete to attract patients.

3) The number of vials you get

Sculptra injections are FDA-approved to smooth marionette lines and nasolabial folds, and to reverse facial volume loss (a facial rejuvenation procedure sometimes marketed as a Sculptra liquid facelift). 

This unique filler is often used off-label for butt augmentation, a procedure known as a Sculptra butt lift. It's also used to fill in hip dips and cellulite dimples, and to add volume and definition to the thighs, arms, and pecs.

As you might expect, a facial treatment may only require one or two vials of Sculptra, which is much more affordable than Sculptra for hip dips costs. The larger the treatment area, the more filler you'll need to see a real difference.

West Hollywood, California, dermatological surgeon Dr. Jason Emer cautions that “the buttocks need numerous vials of Sculptra over time to build volume—and in some instances, the results are subtle and will need to be combined with fat or implants to achieve the desired results.” In fact, you can expect to need two to four vials of Sculptra for a butt lift, over multiple treatment sessions.

In fact, patient reviewers on RealSelf say that a Sculptra butt lift costs over $5,300 on average. That’s almost as expensive as Brazilian butt lift surgery, which offers permanent results.

4) How many Sculptra treatment sessions you need

Addressing facial volume loss with Sculptra takes one treatment session in most cases, though some people have two or more. 

Treating larger areas, like the hip dips or butt, may require a series of treatments, each with steep bills.

5) Whether you combine it with other injectables

Sculptra works particularly well to restore volume to the temples and cheeks, but it’s not recommended for more delicate areas like the under-eyes or lips, where HA fillers are a better choice.

If you want to smooth the “dynamic wrinkles” caused by facial movement, your injector will probably recommend a neuromodulator like Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin.

These add-ons could balloon your bill by hundreds or even thousands, depending on how much you have done. It’s worth asking your provider if they offer any kind of discount on additional treatments that are performed in the same session.

6) Deals and specials

If you’re looking to save a little extra cash, sign up for your provider’s email marketing list and follow them on social media, where they may share seasonal specials or deals.

You can also look for Sculptra deals on coupon sites. Just remember that the skill of your provider and the safety of your treatment is much more important than getting a price break. Patients of experienced providers tend to face less risk, develop fewer side effects, and experience an outcome closer to their desired results. And if an issue does arise, those providers are more likely to be able to capably handle it. Do your research carefully before booking!

7) Whether or not your Sculptra treatment is covered by insurance

Like most cosmetic procedures, most Sculptra treatments are not covered by health insurance.

However, if you suffer from medically documented lipoatrophy or lipodystrophy (fat loss or abnormal fat distribution, respectively), you may be a good candidate to have your Sculptra treatment covered by insurance. In fact, Sculptra was first FDA approved in 2004 to help address facial lipoatrophy in people living with HIV.

Is Sculptra worth the money?

Sculptra has a 80% 77% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members.

Those who were happy with their results cite natural-looking results, with more volume in areas where they’d lost it over time.

Some unhappy patients report that lumps called granulomas formed over a year after their treatment and persisted for up to five years afterward, though some lumps did respond to a course of injectable and oral steroids. Others report puffiness or heaviness in the lower face, and some have had asymmetrical results.

An experienced provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of all your treatment options.

Sculptra costs in U.S. states

Browse the average cost of Sculptra in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. As of July 2023, Florida had the cheapest average cost (as reported by patients), while Texas was the most expensive. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Sculptra costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data, as of July 2023. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.