Is what you see right after sculptra what you'll be like, or does the volume keep increasing over time?

Question

I'm quite confused about this filler. It seems like some doctors are saying that your results won't show up for a couple of months, while others are saying you'll see the results right away + that collagen will just keep building over time so the results stay as you see them. Also, how many treatments + how far apart? I don't want to end up unexpectedly having collagen growth a few months down the road & looking puffy! This is for the temple area. Thanks!

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra comes in vials as a powder and needs to be diluted in water for injection. The immediate improvement that is seen immediately after injection is due to the water and swelling. Over the next 1-2 days the water is absorbed and things go back to normal. Then the collagen building process begins. Though results can be see as early as 6 weeks after injection, it usually takes 3-6 months for peak results. Multiple sessions are needed and this will depend on the degree of volume loss. We space these sessions 6 weeks apart. Results can then last 2-5 years. Unfortunately, there are a lot of doctors and injectors on social media who are deceiving patients by showing pictures immediately after the injection in which the volume from the water carrier has created improvement and are passing these off as expected results. Please make sure you see a reputable and experienced physician for an in-person consultation and examination. Hope this helps!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

After a Sculptra treatment, there is some immediate temporary improvement.  The fullness that is seen at the time of treatment will normally go down over the course of a week or two.  After this fullness goes away, there will be some gradual filling as the stimulation occurs.  It can take a couple of months to see the full effects from a treatment.  The number of treatments needed can vary by patient, but I would say most patients need at least two treatments and some may need three or four.  Even more treatments may be needed for patients with more severe volume loss.  I recommend spacing treatments at least a month apart, but there is no harm in waiting longer.

Nicole Hayre, MD · Answer

Because Sculptra stimulates your own body to produce collagen, this process takes time. Immediately after Sculptra is injected you will get a glimpse of the goal of the injections. Within 24-48 hours the water mixed with the product absorbs, and you will go back to the way you looked before the injection. Gradually over the next 2-3 months you will see the volume increase in the areas that were injected. Injections typically last two years and may require multiple treatments for the desired look. Please consult with a board certified dermatologist for the best treatment options.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a fantastic filler that produces your own collagen.  Immediately after Sculptra is injected you will be filled with fluid with volume and you will look like you would if the volume injected wasn't from saline.  The next day the swelling should disappear and then over weeks your own collagen starts to build.  It takes several months of slowly injected Sculptra at one month intervals.  Sculptra is one of the best injections since it is so natural looking and you can have it injected in almost any area of the face. Please consult an expert in Sculptra for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

It takes a weeks to months for the new collagen to form in response to the Sculptra treatment. What you see immediately after treatment is just swelling relating to the fluid injected during Sculptra treatment. I usually tell patients to expect to start seeing results 2 months after their first treatment session. Most patients require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. A good average is 2 vials per session, and 3 sessions spaced 1-2 months apart for someone with panfacial volume loss.

Is what you see right after sculptra what you'll be like, or does the volume keep increasing over time?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sculpta and Building Collagen

Answer: Sculpta and Building Collagen

Answer: Sculptra and timing of results

Answer: Sculptra and timing of results

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is what you see right after sculptra what you'll be like, or does the volume keep increasing over time?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sculpta and Building Collagen

Answer: Sculpta and Building Collagen

Answer: Sculptra and timing of results

Answer: Sculptra and timing of results

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.