Is Sculptra a Permanent Option for Acne Scars?

I was told that Scultpra is a permanent option for acne scars because it helps the skin create alot of collagen. Does this effect last longer than 2 years? Also is there a less expensive filler that works just as well?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by cape cod in cape cod, ma

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Sculptra

Sculptra treatment may be a good way to improve acne scars, but it is not a permanent treatment. Typically, the results last 2-3 years.

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Sculptra Is Not Permanent

A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, an average of three injection sessions over a few months, can last up to two years. Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles, and folds, that appear with aging by replacing lost collagen. Therefore, Sculptra should work for acne scars, but not permanently. Best of luck.

Sculptra and acne scars

Sculptra stimulates the production of new collagen, but that does not necessarily make it a good treatment for acne scars. 3-5 years is the maximum amount of time it would last when injected in the face. Treatment for acne scars is not straight forward. The size, location, depth of the scars, and your skin color are all factors in your treatment. For a superficial acne scar, it would be reasonable to try Sculptra. There are less expensive fillers that would work such... more

Sculptra for acne scars

Dont you just love it when people have opinions, but no personal expereince.... Fillers are not for ice pick scars. I general they should be excised with a biopsy punch. Broad flat acne scars are will treated with subcision and filler. Absorbable fillers like hyluronic acids will work. They just dont last very long. The FDA says the manufacturer can not say the product lasts more than 2 years. If a physician such as myself have a different experience we are allowed to say so. I have... more

Sculptra and acne scars

Sculptra is a product that is best used for restoration of facial volume lost because of aging or some other process. It is not a good product for reducing the appearance of scars. A hyaluronic acid filler would be a much better choice. When used for the right indication, Sculptra gives very nice results and lasts about 2 years.

Sculptra for acne scars

Sculptra is neither permanent nor a good treatment for acne scars. Acne scars are best treated with a hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane which is injected more superficially in the skin at the actual level of the scar tissue. Sculptra is typically injected beneath the skin to generate volume to create a lifting effect for sagging skin.

On Average Sculptra is Effective Around Two Years

On average, Sculptra is effective about two years. However, after that particles of polylactic acid are broken down by the bodies natural enzymes (glycolisis), and as collagen fibers break down naturally, the effect of Sculptra eventually wears off. For shallow rolled acne scars the effects are quite good, but for deeper "ice pick" scars, Sculptra is less effective, and repeat treatments are probably required. Radiesse is an alternative to Sculptra, and is less... more

Sculptra and other treatments for atrophic acne scars

Sculptra is a biostimulator which can be used to treat acne scarring. It does work by generating new collagen deposition, however, Sculptra is not a permanent filler. The results of Sculptra last approximately two years. Acne scarring is usually treated with a variety of methods. Which method to use depends on the patient and the type and number of scars present. Each treatment method has its own benefits and potential side effects. Some treatments for acne scarring... more