Sculptra - does it break down or is it permanent?

Sculptra is considered a semipermanent filler, which in this case translates into the fact that the body will metabolize its major components over time. It is not a permanent filler, like silicone or Bellafil., fillers that I do not use at all simply because they are foreign substances that the body cannot dissolve away over time and for which there are no dissolving enzymes (unlike for HA fillers)--making treating adverse reactions, should they arise, very, very difficult to manage .

Regarding Sculptra, (which like Radiesse is a semipermanent filler), I just recently wrote the following email response to someone who posed a similar question.

"I was one of the very early adopters of Sculptra when it first appeared on the market. Although it was more expensive than injectable fillers, did not yield immediate results (typically required three to four monthly treatments), and had no enzyme to dissolve it if there were adverse reactions to it, it did offer one advantage of results that could last about two years--which was more than could be achieved with the other fillers available at the time.
However, I stopped using it several years ago when the newer, more robust, FDA-approved HA fillers came on the scene that were less expensive, yielded immediate results after one treatment session, could offer results that lasted about 1.8 years, and could be easily dissolved should the need ever arise."

Hope this response helps you.

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) is not a permanent filler. It is a biodegradable, biocompatible collagen stimulator that works by inducing a controlled subclinical inflammatory response, which stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen over time.

The PLLA microparticles themselves gradually break down in the body. After injection, the immediate filling effect fades within about a week as the carrier fluid is absorbed, but the PLLA particles remain and are slowly encapsulated by macrophages and lymphocytes. Over the following months, these particles are degraded into lactic acid, which is then metabolized to carbon dioxide and water—these reactions are irreversible, and the PLLA does not remain in the tissue permanently.

The collagen produced in response to Sculptra can last for up to 2 years or longer, but the product itself is not permanent and will eventually be fully metabolized and eliminated from the body.

"PLLA will be degraded into LA and then be metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, or be synthesized with glucose. ... the series of reactions are irreversible."
"With the foreign body inflammation decreasing gradually, the type I collagen will proliferate gradually, which can maintain for 2 years or longer.:

In summary, Sculptra is not permanent; it is gradually broken down and eliminated, while the collagen it stimulates can provide long-lasting, but not permanent, results. Claims that Sculptra or similar fillers are permanent are incorrect based on current scientific evidence

Yes, it breaks down over time. It takes 2 to 3 years. If you have nodules formed then it might not degrade. It is not permanent like silicone etc.
Regards
Dr. Janjua

Hello T,
Sculptra (PLLA) is a bioregenerative injectable that adds volume. It is the same material that absorbable sutures are made of. Once injected, the body metabolizes Sculptra converting it into the bodys own connective tissue, stimulating collagen production. So the answer to your question is yes and yes, Sculptra does break down, and it is relatively permanent in that it becomes part of your body. Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Sculpture is called a bias stimulator filler. It is made basically from the same material that some of the absorbable sutures are made of. However, when injected into the body, it is delivered as a suspension with tiny little beads of the product suspended in saltwater. The body tries to reject Sculptra granules and in the process of such reaction, scar tissue is formed around larger granules. The scar tissue is comprised of collagen. Smaller granules are broken down by the body while some of the larger ones are developed in scar tissue and stay preserved in such a matter for longer periods of time. Depending on the persons individual immunity the results can last from a few months to many, many years. It is not the product that dissipates, but the scar tissue that eventually softens allowing the body to get rid of the product itself. Over the last nearly 30 years I have had patients who have retained the effect of such treatment for many years in some patients who have lost it quite quickly. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery NYC