How Many Vials of Sculptra to Obtain Results Like Initial Swelling?

asked 2 years ago by kellyr in california
Latest answer by John S. Lee, MD
Question viewed 910 times
Tags: swelling

I really liked the results I had attained from the swelling of my first session of Sculptra. But now, after three vials, I am still left waiting to see those same results. I read that it takes approximately five vials of Sculptra to achieve the same effect as obtained from the initial swelling form the Sculptra and Lidocaine. Yet, a physician told me that each particular session of Sculptra should produce the results obtained from the swelling of that particular session. Which is the case? Will I need more sessions or should I wait it out?

6 answers to How Many Vials of Sculptra to Obtain Results Like Initial Swelling?

No magic number

I don't think there is a magic number such as 5 vials. This is because everyone reacts and metabolizes the material differently and swells differently. I would recommend waiting and observing for now.

John S. Lee, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Depends on the amount of volume correction needed

The number of vials of Sculptra needed to obtain the ultimate result depends on the amount of volume correction needed and the surface area of the treatment in each patient. If you are treating the full face, you would typically need two vials. The upper face or the lower face would require only 1 vile each. The amount of treatments needed also depends on the volume correction of each individual. For example, on a very thin runner, you may need three treatments to reach the ultimate result.... more

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.ChelseaEye.com

Sculptra results take time

Sculptra is unique in the world of fillers-- instead of filling the tissue up with a product, such as hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane), as you would fill a tire with air, with Sculptra we are trying to "grow" your own, natural collagen. This seeding and growth takes time, with the ultimate goal replicating what you see immediately after injection. Results will often vary, mostly depending upon the amount of volume we are trying to restore. Typically, I find most... more

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon

Predicting Sculptra Results

It is very hard to predict the eventual result. It depends on the dilution used by your physician. If it is a 10ml dilution, then you could expect around 6 sessions with one vial each to give you that final result. Please remember that is an estimate and individuals can vary to get that result between 3 to 10 sessions. Regards see video

Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Numbers of vials of Sculptra

I have not found that postoperative swelling correlates with the amount of collagen that is produced by Sculptra. The swelling that is immediate is partly caused by the water and anesthetic that is mixed with the Sculptra and different physicians add different amounts of fluid in the Sculptra so the intial swelling can be different with the same number of vials of the product. Many patients who do not see significant improvement do see volume increasing after the third treatment and it can... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Results can vary

Sculptra works by initiating an immune response that results in collagen production. The effect takes anywhere from 2-6 vials in most healthy individuals. The results typically are appreciated 6 months from the start of injections. If it has been more than 6 months, and photos verify that you have had NO effect, I'd add a different filler. If the photos show improvement, you need more Sculptra. Remember, the payoff is that the results are usually appreciable and noticeable for 24 months.... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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