In my practice we charge $1000 per vial of Sculptra which doesn't tell you much unless you know how much you need.  It does, however, give you a benchmark to work from.

In real practice we use it to add volume to the face in many areas and it is a very helpful alternative.  It is a valid procedure that works well for loss of facial volume.

If I am planning an operative procedure, like a facelift or fractional CO2 laser I often use micro-structural fat grafting for this same application since I can obtain more volume and some of the fat (50%) should be permanent.

In general I use an 8 ml dilution for Sculptra.  With fat grafting I may graft 20 to 30 ml in the face during a facial rejuvenation for the same price.  Often fat grating may be combined with a mini-lift or facelift and fractional laser.  When these are combined, truly excellent, dramatic yet natural looking results can be obtained.

If a patient is not interested in a surgical procedure, but still wants to add volume to the face sculptra is my first choice.  Most patients will require at least 2 injections.  If you are being asked to spend several thousand dollars on sculptra alone and have discussed possible surgical alternatives, I would advise this as it may give you a better result for about the same or only slightly more cost.

Remember, some doctors injecting sculptra are not trained to do the more complex facial procedures so their bias is to offer up sculptra and dermal fillers as the panacea for all facial aging.  Don't fall into this trap as it can be a very costly mistake since Sculptra is not permanent.