How Does Sculptra Work?

Sculptra is used much more for cosmetic reasons than for HIV and will likely soon gain FDA approval for cosmetic use. Sculptra has been used with such great success that it is often called the "Liquid Face Lift". This non-invasive treatment corrects the deepest of creases and wrinkles with long-term results using a biodegradable material called "poly-L-lactic acid". Studies have shown that Sculptra's potency can even correct lipoatrophy, a condition that causes facial fat... more

Sculptra® is approved by the FDA for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus. It is used "off label" in non-HIV patients. It is my preferred filler for patients like, as you describe, have lost fat in their face and either don't have any fat for transfer or would rather not undergo that procedure. Fat wasting is mere loss of fat in the face or anywhere else for that matter this can occurs with aging... more

It is important to understand the difference between "stimulatory" fillers and "wrinkle" fillers. When treating problems due to volume loss (fat wasting) such as cheek hollows and sagging skin beside the mouth, I will almost always use stimulatory fillers such as Sculptra and/or Radiesse. They are injected more deeply, beneath the skin, and will generate more volume to create a much better lifting effect for sagging skin. They work by stimulating your skin to produce... more

Sculptra is an injectable filler able to restore volume and correct the signs of facial fat loss. Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that is biocompatible and biodegradable. Sculptra is injected beneath the skin's surface, resulting in a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, and may be used to treat sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, indentations, folds and other sunken areas. Good candidates for Sculptra injections include individuals who are... more

Sculptra is a form of L-Poly Lactic Acid, a synthetic bio-polymer that induces collagen formation and subsequent volume production over a 4-6 week period.  It does not do the same thing as a Facelift, nor should it be considered a Facelift alternative in the setting of jowls and obliquity in the neck.  Although Sculptra has been associated with problems in the past, the technique of deeper injections is associated with fewer nodules and other associated issues.

Sculptra was originally FDA approved for treating facial fat loss in patients with HIV drug associated facial wasting. It has now been FDA approved for treating volume loss associated with normal aging. One of main reasons we look "older" with time is the loss of overall facial volume. The lines we see in the face are like seeing cracks in the walls of a house. The cracks can be filled or the foundation can be repaired. Sculptra works to rebuild facial volume and make the... more

Sculptra was initially approved by the FDA for use in individuals with HIV who had lost volume in the cheeks and face (lipoatrophy).  It then received approval for cosmetic use.  Everyone loses bone, fat, and soft tissue as they age, and fat pads under your skin shift.  Sculptra works by stimulating collage production in your skin, thus replacing the volume lost through aging.  It is often referred to as a "liquid face lift" because of the incredible results... more

Sculptra was originally used for treatment of Facial Lipoatrophy (fat loss) seen as a side effect of some common treatments for HIV. It really made us, as aesthetic surgeons, look at fillers differently. The concept of restoring lost facial volume, throughout the face, has really enhanced our ability to improve and restore our patients more youthful appearance. Now, Sculptra is approved for cosmetic facial use to restore lost volume. I tell my patients that Sculptra is like planting... more

Sculptra consists of poly-L-lactic acid, approved by the FDA for cosmetic use for facial rejuvenation. It is known as a bio-stimulatory filler, and will be replaced by your own collagen starting 2 weeks after injection, requiring typically 3 sessions, 2 vials each 4-6 weeks apart. Sculptra injection must be performed by advanced board-certified aesthetic physician who is trained and certified by the manufacturer, Sanofi-Aventis. Sculptra is perfect for re-inflating possibly deflated balloon,... more

Just recently, Sculptra has been approved for the treatment of deep wrinkles and folds for cosmetic use. Prior to this it was only approved for the correction of HIV-related lipoatrophy. Regardless, Sculptra had been used for years for off-label cosmetic use in "sculpting" the face and restoring volume to correct deep folds and wrinkles. The results can be quite dramatic. It is particularly helpful in "hollowed" out areas in the mid face that occur as one ages due... more

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... more

Until last week, Sculptra was only approved for HIV lipoatrophy (facial fat wasting). Now it's available for regular aging but its chief application is in the cheeks. I've learned a lot of nuances about dilution, dosing, patient selection and zones to avoid, during the last 4 years. I avoid the lips and eyes, as the sphincteric action of these areas often produce nodules or bumps. It is one of the most comfortable injectables as it's mixed with sterile water and local, prior to dosing. ... more