I have been doing Sculptra for about 4 years. The cost per vial has gone up during that time, and evidently with my age also increasing (I am 56), so does the frequency of my need. I am always satisfied with the results and think my doctor is skilled at the procedure, but they do not last as long as they use to. When I started using Sculptra, I was told that the cost would be high initially, but that the upkeep would be about $500/year. This figure has been left far, far behind. I may even have to spread out return 2 visits per year at $1200 each visit. But that's how much I like the way it looks, (and how naturally thin I am in the face). They've got me. I think stress and illness, and obviously age decreases it's effectiveness, but I would like to find more in depth research about what supplements or activities may actually be disadvantageous in that they may be decreasing the length of the results, because I keep wondering if there's something I'm doing that is making my Sculptra not last as long. I'm not a runner or a high activity person, but I do like to work outside, often in the heat (wearing a hat, of course). It's even possible that when I get overheated and come inside, I look worse. The research I'm finding is vague and seems to be from and about the doctors' work and not much about the patient's lifestyle, eating habits, etc. I would post pictures, but like everyone's they are awful before treatment and great after treatment, and now I am starting to notice a decline in between treatments, over just a few months, that are disheartening.

I just had my treatment today. I have been thinking of this for at least a year and I decided to go ahead because I saw good results in the nurse who works for Dr. D. After reading some of the horror stories, I am praying that I made the correct decision. I have been massaging my face thoroughly and I plan to massage the treated areas 5 times a day for 5 minutes for the next 5 days. Updated on 27 Dec 2016: After trying to convince myself that Sculptra was the answer to a more youthful look, I finally gave up and ended up changing doctors. In retrospect, I must say that I wasted thousands of dollars. The hard lump that developed took about a year to go away. Two years after giving up on sculptra I had a consult with a plastic surgeon and I had laser surgery and a mini lift done. The laser was intense and the down time was about 2 weeks. The procedure took 10 years away and was definitely worth it. I am on a daily regime of using exfoliating wash and cream. I also have a Silk Peel every 5 weeks and Botox 3 times a year. I am now looking into having Volbella but I have not decided.