Sculptra: Stories

Write a Review

Just Had It Done, So No Comments on End Result, Just Comments on What to Expect - Solana Beach, CA

  • posted 6 months ago
  • updated 3 months ago
  • before sculptra , thinning of my face,,,
  • Directly after, so skin is red due to shots and massaging that is required..
  • 3 months

I was numbed up by cream and then waited on hour....

  • 4 Dec 2012

I was numbed up by cream and then waited on hour. I hate pain and usually use a dental block for restalyne in that area.-but only need numbing cream for this. Pain was tolerable a 4 , much less so than I thought it would be. HOwever, the aftermath is what hurt most, Massaging my sore swollen face five times a day was miserable and I broke down and took pain pills...The massaging would leave my face bright red for hours also-not a good look at work. I hope it goes well and that I keep up my end of bargain, Will update as I go along..FYI I am 51 and holding,,or trying to!!

It has been roughly two months since the initial...

  • 16 Feb 2013
It has been roughly two months since the initial procedure and 1 month since the secondary follow up. I have to say that I am not noticing much difference. I think maybe it needs more time, but as of today there is not much to cheer about. The second procedure was similar to the first except I did not have the soreness afterward and was able to massage face much more easily. I will wait one month and post pictures. I was hoping for something more dramatic I guess. Not disappointed, but not impressed either.

Today is march 10. So about 3 months out and I am...

  • 10 Mar 2013
Today is march 10. So about 3 months out and I am noticing a difference. Subtle, but I can see a fullness that was not present in November. This is not a huge difference, but it is one I notice and even my husband noticed. Friends have said to me ( who do not know backstory), " have you changed your makeup?you look good.". This may or may not be all the change I get, and if it is, I think money would be better spent on Restalyne Volume' or just go all out and get a fat transfer. I will keep updating as time goes on. If I get a little more volume I will be pleased, but at $1000 a vial ( I had 2) I think bang for the buck may lie elsewhere . will add photo later today..IPAD giving mr difficulties....To be continued....

Great review?

My Doctor: Dr. Melanie Palm

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Referred to me by a plastic surgeon and she is the best. Knows facial structure, trains others in injections, understands facial symmetry. Love the Dr. SHe is a nationally trainer for Sculptra, so my fears were allayed by her experience.

Comments (48)

Sort by

I see a very noticeable change in your chin area. Definitely looks fuller and very natural. Very nice result.
  • Reply
thank you- I will post new photo soon...
  • Reply

Looking forward to seeing your new photos, embeau! :)

  • Reply
Over the last few years I've had several Sculptra treatments with 2 different doctors. Both were highly skilled, the last one I used was just cheaper .... the first few treatments with the first dr. produced rather bloated effects on my cheeks (think I did a total of two vials with her) I asked the next dr. to focus on uplifiting my jowls by adding volume to my temples instead of my cheeks. This worked much better as I no longer resemble a chipmunk but still benefit (around the mouth and jowls) from the Sculptra. I'll continue doing this treatment until I'm brave enough to do a facelift! If only it could be used on my neck, I'd never have to consider surgery :) BTW, I'm almost 60.
  • Reply
You look fantastik!!! I have had over a gradual period,,,4 vials of sculptra. What I have noticed,/// is a diminishment in hollows, the darker areas that were casting an unflattering look to my face. My skin feels firmer and more youthful. Friends and family have not noticed any specific difference in my face, however overall have said I look more vibrant and pretty. I honestly want to just be the best I can be. I see a difference from your photos and I think you will continue to see very small differences over time that add up!
  • Reply
I see huge difference. U have almost post treatment fullness. Congrats.
  • Reply
You look fantastic! Keep us posted!
  • Reply
You mentioned that you haven't seen results yet. I just want you to know that it will take a little longer, maybe a month or 2 more. I'm in my early 20s and only needed 2 treatments, but I've read that younger people need less treatments because their bodies grow collagen/fat at a faster and more robust pace, the sculptra definitely stimulated enough fat for me but it did take 4 months since the 1st treatment to notice results. However a year later, it's still going strong. I would suggest you get a third treatment since you are a little older. (Even though you look like a teenager ;) Sculptra truly is amazing because its natural and long lasting! Good luck and be patient, a voluminous, radiant face awaits you!
  • Reply
thanks, still waiting for real change!
  • Reply
I was wondering if you could provide us with an update on your Sculptra treatment(s). How many treatments have you had and what is your opinion of them. Would you do it again? How long did it take for you to fully realize the results?
  • Reply
You look great!
  • Reply

So glad you are satisfied. I had 2 treatments and it is now 3 months later and do not see any signifiacant change. (Dr's name excluded) What to do?

  • Reply
I almost live in your back yard and am considering Sculptra. Can you please let me know how you feel about it now and your results? Thanks
  • Reply
For those of you commenting on how great she looks after, I thought she looked just as good before, for one thing. Maybe I am seeing my thinning face in the wrong way? But the big thing I am noticing is that I don't think the people commenting are aware that immediately after and for at least a week after, this is ALL inflammation, NOT the sculptra results themselves!!!! Please do not be tricked as I was by thinking the immediate look was what you get in the end, as it is not. I am so mad at myself for being tricked, and I want to stop others from being misled. To get the look you have immediately after the injections, whether it be sculptra, or artefill, or ulthera (I have done all three of these and many can attest to this) you would have to do probably three times as much as you just did and actually even MORE. I can vouch for this and have a review I am writing if you would like to know more.
  • Reply
@nadiahoney. I agree, that is why my post ( and 2nd post) indicate that I have not seen results yet. The theory is that the post injection swelling is indicative of what the sculptra will do for you in future. I have not seen that yet, but will keep all updated.
  • Reply
ha! I wish. I wonder if anyone got the level of beautiful swelling that dies down in a few days. Maybe they just injected ourt faceds with water Sorry, typing in bed is hard!!! When I looked in the mirror on day two, I almost cried. I have not felt beautiful in a very long time, really haven't felt at all attradtive bc my face looks so drawn, long, sad, depressing, etc, and now, after day one or two of Sculptra, i looked so stunning i couldn't stop staring at myself. It's amazing how botox does barely anything, but putting fat all over your face makes you look like you have slept ten hours each night of your life, lived like an Olympian, and have the genes of Natalie Portman. I was so in love with that look....and it was gone in less than 48 hours and I got around four injections starting back in September I think it was. NO CHANGE. But I will always remember that face, that lovely lovely face, never to return. Oh well.... at least I had it for a tiny bit. Honestly, i wonder if there is a way I can learn to just inject water or whatever was the carrier for the sculptra, because I WANT THAT LOOK BACK!!!!
  • Reply
Your situation is not the case in some people. I am one year out from one session, two vials and am overfilled. My ps did not inject well so maybe this is why I look so damn bloated but in my early 50's, he told me I grow a lot of collagen.
  • Reply
Sorry to hear that searching 4. For the record, my dr wanted to do more, saying she prefers to use a vial a decade, so in my case she recommended 5 vials, but I only went with 2. As a side note, I am noticing slight filling .
  • Reply
My dr said Restalyne Volume can do this. It is expected to be available later this year.
  • Reply
You will see considerable more filling out between 6-8 months. That is when the product is at it's peak.
  • Reply
I am going from my own experience from this product. I would not get anything done until 6-8 months, as this stuff really peaks at that time.
  • Reply
Ok thanks for the advice. I am waiting and no plans to add anymore sculptra anytime soon.
  • Reply
I really hope you get the results that made you so happy nadiahoney....really enjoyed reading your comment. I can relate as I had scupltra in the past. ..
  • Reply
so jenna2345 you had similar reactions to sculptra -- I mean with it looking great for a teeny bit and then suddenly going down, to your dismay? I really do wish there were a way to inject faces with water like that! I think eventually they will invent an invisible mesh that goes over the face and pulls it all up and back....does anyone know of anything close to this? And I don 't mean those crazy tapes we see with strings attached!
  • Reply
Nadiahoney, I had Sculptra about 2 yrs ago and still have big cheeks! It was amazing when it was first done as I had volume all over and evenly but as you say it's just water. . If only they made a similar product which would do the same thing forever! I would save a fortune on Juverderm! Your mesh idea seems ace!! :-)
  • Reply

More Sculptra Reviews

1 Week Since Sculptra - Orange County, CA 20 days ago
I had Sculptra done last week in Orange County Calif and it's not cheap doing anything here...

Skeletor No More - Coralville, IA 25 days ago
I had two viles done in March and then another two injected a few weeks ago. Mostly to my...

First Experience with Sculptra - New York, NY 2 months ago
My dermatologist whom I adore & trust (she is same age as me 50 & looks fantastic...

View more Sculptra reviews

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok