Is Sculptra recommended for hollow eyes?

Avoid sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) toward correction of infraorbital hollowing or volume correction. The product was originally intended for significant fat loss in the nasolabial fold region in patients who were immunocompromised. Extended applications have included malar or cheek augmentation. However, it's unpredictability, possibility of granuloma formation, and multiple injection requirements should preclude it's use in areas of excessively thin tissues, such as beneath the eye. The product can last as long as one to several years.

Orthoneutrogena, the aesthetic divison of Johnson and Johnson, is about to release a collagen based product called 'Evolence.' It recently (June 2008) received it's FDA approval for moderate wrinkles in the nasolabial folds. However, my experience thus far dictates that it will certainly give the other alternative hyaluronic acid products (Juvederm, Restylane) some good competition. Evolence doesn't require collagen skin testing, it's touted as lasting six to twelve months, it's results are soft and natural, and is associated with less bruising and swelling. Off-label FDA use demonstrates because of it's soft characteristics, that it might be a very good solution from volume depleted lower eyes or tear trough deformities. It is one of the few products that I've used that is easily malleable or can be molded into it's final desired form. The general public release date is for late August. Discuss with your physician the FDA guidelines, their level of comfort, and recommended treatments.

As we age, we lose volume in certain parts of our face while we gain volume in other parts. Generally speaking, the region around our eyes and cheeks begins to lose fat, while the jowls and neck begins to gain fat.

When we lose the fat layer along the lower eyelid region and upper cheek, the eyes begin to look hollow. This gives the impression that we're fatigued and older. In my practice, this is an important and highly emphasized sign of aging that we treat on a regular basis. My first choice for treating the hollows is Restylane for mild changes in a younger patient. In patients with more advanced volume loss that extends into the upper cheek region, fat transfer is an excellent long term solution.

I really like Sculptra in general and use it frequently to treat volume loss throughout the face. The one area that needs the most experience and technical precision is under the eyes. Treating this region can result in difficult-to-treat nodules and contour problems. However, if the individual treating you has had experience and success with this area and is aware of the different dilutions and technical issues involved, then Sculptra may be used.