Training and Qualifications to Give Sculptra Injections

Sculptra is a unique product in that it is a "stimulatory" filler. This means it requires an active response from the tissue it is injected into. Patient selection as well as skill is needed to get good results. Typically we find that patients who are loosing weight or are smokers seem not to respond as well. In addition it takes a higher level of skill to properly analyze the face to get artistic results. We DO NOT USE IT IN THE LIPS OR EYELIDS. While infrequent, problems there... more

The maker of the Sculptra decided to limit the use of Scupltra to certain core specialties such as facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, and dermatologist. The reasons are probably several fold. Unlike fillers, Sculptra is a biostimulator, lasting up to two years. As such, any over correction also means longer period of waiting to resolve excessive treatments. Furthermore, unlike fillers, the injection techniques are very different, since one is attempting to restore collagen by... more

What has changed is that Sanofi Adventis has restricted the physicians who may purchase and inject Sculptra to qualified, properly trained "core aesthetic physicians", which include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons. In short, your previous physician is likely not qualified. Good for you for realizing this (and good for the company for taking this patient safety stand). In order to find a qualified physician, I would recommend finding one by zip code... more

Sculptra injection requires advanced injection techniques that is best administered by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, having had one-and-on training provided by Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer of Sculptra. In the hands of a skilled physician injector, one can achieve the desirable effect of "Liquid Facelift" with replenish of volume along upper cheeks, temples, eyebrows and mandibles to better support lifting of the skin and counter force of gravity.... more

Sculptra is picky about who can inject. They only sell to doctors who have been trained during their medical training to do fillers. I am thrilled to see some integrity in the filler market. These are medical procedures. You want to look good, and you need to be safe. Sculptra is unlike other common fillers like juvederm and restalyne. Why? Sculptra lasts for 2 years. It is for volumizing, and is injected all over the face, including near the eye and temple area. Many of these injections... more

As a facial plastic surgeon and a clinical trainer for Sculptra, I think it is wise that Sanofi Aventis has limited who can inject Sculptra. Because the effects of Sculptra persist for up to 2 years, and longer in most of my patients, Sanofi Aventis has decided to only train "core specialists" in the injection of Sculptra Aesthetic. Core specialists are board certified facial plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons and dermatologists. In addition, these core specialists can't open an... more