Sculptra: Stories

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Sculptra for Melting Face - Fairfield, CA

  • updated 18 days ago

I'm 47 and have always been thin. Within the last...

  • 17 Mar 2013
  • 2 days post

I'm 47 and have always been thin. Within the last 3 years have noticed that my face seems to be melting away! Everything is starting to slide south. I notice some wrinkles on my cheeks which got progressively worse. After a consultation with a plastic surgeon for a mini facelift, he recommended Sculptra. I then did a lot of research over the last 3 years and finally decided to move forward because it has become so severe. I chose my MD based on the Sculptra website. She is a Diamond provider and is a trainer for other physicians. This is super important. You have to know that the person who is doing your procedure knows what they are doing and does it often.

I am 2 days post treatment. The swelling is starting to go down. I have bruised pretty good. It is my own fault. I took Ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling, which it did, however I now have purple bruising. FYI, don't plan on any social functions within days. That is why I took the Ibuprofen.

I will keep everyone posted.

So the swelling and bruising went down after a...

  • 1 Apr 2013
  • 17 days post
So the swelling and bruising went down after a full week. I had to wear a lot of makeup to cover the bruising. I noticed my wrinkles all come back as predicted after the swelling went down. However, on Friday March 29 at two weeks since I had my treatment, I swear that I see a difference. The lines on the sides of my cheeks are beginning to become less noticable. I attached a picture from today 04/01. You decide!

The latest picture is 6 weeks after my first...

  • 5 May 2013
  • 2 months post
The latest picture is 6 weeks after my first treatment. I am starting to see results, but it is slow. I went in for a follow-up with my MD and she suggested 2 additional vials. I again reiterated that I did not want to have that puffed up overdone looking face that many older women - Real Housewives of wherever - have. She assured me that would not happen. So I hope to continue to see improvement over the coming months. I will continue to post updated pics. Second treatment on 05/03/13.

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My Doctor: Solano Dermatology

My rating:

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Dr. Serena Mraz - Awesome Doc!

Comments (17)

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Elle6475 15 May 2013
The two week pic looks great...the five week seems less full..it would be great if we could just find something we could do ourselves to irritate our face and keep it plumped up without paying these outrageous prices to rich puffed up doctors etc, helping them to live their overindulgent luxurious lives and for us to be light in our wallets ...it sickens me all this stuff is so cheap but they charge such astronomical fees ..especially with all the competition
Kim R 15 May 2013
Hey Elle, I'm sorry you feel that way. I don't disagree that it is expensive, but, what I feel I am paying for is my MD's expertise is applying the product or the service. I know I could find Sculptra elsewhere for cheaper. However I would be very apprehensive about the experience of the person applying it. When it comes to cosmetic procedures I find you absolutely get what you pay for.
laurellay001 8 May 2013
Hi KimR. Do you have any additional before pictures (without the numbing cream)? It would be great to see the progression. thanks!
Kim R 15 May 2013
Hi Laurel, I don't have any good close ups. I am going to ask my MD for a copy of her before pics that she took.
ninayasmineziadneveen 11 Apr 2013

just had first sculptra injections today- no bruising at all, minimal swelling- in fact the swelling makes my skin look great! I didnt need any topical numbing cream or pain killers or anything. My dermatologist did the procedure & it was comparable to Botox /Restalyne etc. I go back in 3 weeks for check up and more if needed- My derm & I are the same age (50) and she swears by it- she looks great & i trust her 100%. SO far everything she has done on/with my skin/face has been incredible- people tell me i look 40 tops- i do take scrupulous care of my skin though! I have to massage 5x a day for 5min for 5 days she told me with the Sculptra & that hurts today as face is sore from injections- but tolerable. i think this is going to be wonderful-

Kim R 5 May 2013
Nina, how is it going for you?
ninayasmineziadneveen 8 May 2013
hi Kim- just returned from second go round with sculptra this morning- doc says all look great (it does) and she injected 2 vials in same location as before- it hurt less and even now the pain seems less intense when i massage than the first treatment- (but maybe i am just used to it ) I will still need occasional botox for small wrinkles in forehead around bottom of eyes but this i only do 2 x a year as i have been getting botox since age 35 and really dont have deep furrows of any kind because of that. My face looks lifted, plump & glowy and even though is the initial reaction to the sculptra i know that long term this is the result i can expect so am thrilled. If you plan on doing this procedure or any like this please find a really good doctor that you trust and have a relationship with- i would not let just anyone poke needles into my face! (still have to do the 5/5/5 massage )
Kim R 15 May 2013
Thanks for the update Nina!
Ditsyliz 16 May 2013
Did you get 2 vials at same time in one place? I have an appt for this later this month since I've lost fat in my cheeks and look gaunt! Hoping for good results! Keep us posted
Deenie Beenie 8 Apr 2013
I love Sculptra . You are seeing a difference. The same result with me after the swelling went away the growth process began and continued. Its been 2 years since my injection and still looks great. It is a product way worth the upfront cost.
Kim R 14 Apr 2013
Hi Deenie! How many vials did you have done? I am trying to decide if I want to have any more done. I had 2 done. I am a thin person and don't want to have that puffed up looking face, that is why I'm not sure I want to have more done.
marianna daniel 25 Mar 2013
Hi, thanks for posting. With Sculptra, you have to wait about five weeks for the treatment to kick in. The picture immediately after the treatment just shows your face filled with the carrier fluid which is why it looks plumped up. This is supposed to disappear and then the collagen regeneration starts. It's a slow process and usually at least two treatments are necessary. I had it done a few years ago and was delighted. But you need patience and you must make sure to massage your face five times a day for five days to prevent lumps. I did this and didn't have any problems.
Kim R 25 Mar 2013
Thank you Marianna for your comments. Yes I know that the puffiness is caused from the Sculptra and lidocaine that was injected and it won't last. Just trying to show folks how they can expect to look!
Elle6475 15 May 2013
Marianna Daniel?? Dr daube?
Megan P (Community Manager) 21 Mar 2013

It is wonderful that you took such a long time to carefully consider and research out the treatment before you opted to do it. Are you planning to do a series of Sculptra injections, or is the plan to have the one set, then see how things look and go from there?

Kim R 25 Mar 2013
Hi Megan, I am planning on setting the 5-6 week appointment with my doctor and will decide closer to the time of my appointment if I will have more Sculptra. I do not want that puffy overdone face!
Megan P (Community Manager) 26 Mar 2013

Yeah, smart of you to be aware and not over-do it. Please update us with how things are looking as time goes on - we'll definitely want to hear!

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