Sculptra was initially approved years ago for use in patients with severe lipoatrophy (depletion of the fat) in the face for patients with HIV. Through "off-label" use and studies done by Sanofi-Aventis, the drug was approved by the FDA this summer for it's "cosmetic" indication as a treatment indicated for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles.
I use Sculptra for patients who want a more gradual, longer lasting restoration of lost volume in the cheeks, areas around the mouth or temples than can be accomplished with hyaluronic acids (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.) or who do not want to use fat transfer to accomplish their goals. I find that Sculptra Aesthetic works best for patients who facial appearance can be described as a "deflated balloon." Since the FDA approval, I have found more patients in their 30s and 40s are interested in the long lasting results that Sculptra can give them.
