Sculptura Alternatives

For those with signicant fat loss in the face, fat transfer is a good option. Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Injections or Fat Grafting, is the technique of moving fat from one area of the body to another to improve contour, correct defects, or enhance features. Unlike Sculptra, which lasts up to 2 years, the results of fat transfer may be permanent, especially when placing fat under the eyes and in the cheeks or temples. It does not tend to last week in the naso-labial folds (lines from... more

Radiesse is a filler that both acts as a filler and a collagen stimulator.  It has the advantages of immediate correction like a filler but also offers collagen stimulation like Sculptra.  I use it extensively along the jawline and along the marionette lines, as well as the cheeks and under the lateral brow.  It can be diluted to get the consistency you need in any area so that you can inject it deep for support or superficial to fill in lines.  I find it last much longer... more

Sculptra and Radiesse restore volume to the cheeks and mid face. This helps to pull hanging skin folds at the nose and mouth back up in a very satisfying way. The other fillers are much better at treating the symptoms by filling in lines and wrinkles, but are not actually addressing the cause of the problem in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I like most of the fillers out there and they all have their purpose, but when I get a patient who is willing to listen to my best advice, I fill... more

As Dr. Hoenig mentioned, fat transfer is a permanent option for filling the face. For patients who are looking for a temporary solution, injectible fillers such as hyaluronic acid and others can be used. Though these last anywhere from 3 months to a year, it can allow a patient to see if they like the look before undergoing a more permanent alternative such as fat transfer.

Marionette lines can be treated in several ways. I favor Sculptra or the hyaluronic acid products. Sculptra: lasts 2 or 3 years and takes several treatments for initial result Juvederm:  lasts a year, one treatment Restylane: lasts 18 months when a touch up is done at 6 months. Perlane:  same as Restylane I find that I can provide my patients with choice and great results.  The product used is tailored to my patients needs and desires.... more

Juverderm, Restylane, fat fillers also work great as alternatives. Sculptra is definitely not the end all  be all of treatment for these. There are even some surgical procedures that can help such as cheek implants, midface lift. 

Sculptra is good for volumizing the face.  It is good for putting a little volume in multiple places, more significant volume in others. HA fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane can be used in certain areas instead of Sculptra.  They will give immediate results.  The issue is how long they last (usuall 6-9 months) and cost.  Fat grafting can be used in some areas.  It is a more extensive procedure (and you have to have the fat to donate to graft)... more

Fat injections are the best option as an alternative to Sculptra injections. I even consider fat injections first before Sculptra. Nothing is better than using your own tissues for plastic surgery purposes. You have essentially no risk for reactions, no risk for cancer, no toxicity from your own tissues. Sculptra is made up of suture material. It is a foreign substance that is essentially broken down into carbon dioxide and glucose and ultimately carbon dioxide and water. Other ways of... more

Other good alternatives to restore volume and fullness to the face include the following: Juvederm Perlane Restylane Prevelle Silk Radiesse Elevess All dermal fillers have unique properties that define how they are best used in the face. None are fully interchangeable, meaning you may get a similar, but not an identical outcome.

Fat transfer, as mentioned, is a reasonable alternative to Sculptra as a long term solution for larger volume corrections. Many other long term (so called permanent) fillers are currently under evaluation of the FDA and will be available in the near future. But their long term efficacy and safety are to be determined.