Which is more effective at building new collagen Sculptra or Microneedling?

Sculptra is
composed of poly-L-lactic microspheres that are injected deeply into
the dermis or subdermal region. Microneedling takes place on the
surface of the skin and can only stimulate collagen to the level that
the needles reach. There is no heat or energy so it is not nearly as
powerful a stimulus for collagen like the Sculptra microspheres.


The
presence of Sculptra's microspheres initiates a wound-healing
response in the skin, so that it produces new collagen and elastin.
These gradually replace the microspheres, which dissolve over time.
The neocollagenesis continues even after all of the microspheres have
disappeared. The results can last over 2 years. Please find a
board-certified dermatologist to help you plan your anti-aging
regimen; you are starting right on time. Many of the patients I
started working with 10 years ago now look younger than they did when
they began! By starting in your 30s, you will definitely look
great now and slow down the aging process for the next decade.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Sculptra is better than microneedling at developing new collagen, as well as volume.  Depending on your area of interest it will take a series of treatments but is very well tolerated by patients.  Hope this helps.

     Sculptra adds collagen in the deep layers and micrneedling causes superficial collagen production.  I like doing both to get great results!

Microneedling and Sculptra are both effective, but very different procedures to boost collagen production.  Microneedling induces a more subtle collagen production over time, and is great for more superficial “texture” type of changes, like fine lines, pore size, and even acne scars.  Sculptra, or Poly-L-lactic acid is an injectable biostimulator to induce deep collagen production when there is more significant volume loss in the face over time.  In general, microneedling is considered a less aggressive procedure.  Sculptra replaces lost structure and decreased fat pad volume that happens as we age.  If you are looking for more preventative or more textural rejuvenation, microneedling is less expensive and effective.  If you are noticing loss of volume, or gravitational changes on your face like drooping, Sculptra can be natural and extremely effective with minimal downtime.  I recommend you seek an expert dermatologist in your area to discuss your specific concerns and what would better help achieve your goals.   

Microneedling is a good way to stimulate superficial collagen and/or break up scars. But if you are looking for a big boost in collagen production, then Sculptra is the way to go. This dermal filler is injected deeply into the dermis, where its microspheres of Poly-L-lactic acid stimulate a process whereby collagen is produced to take their place. The new collagen continues to be produced for months, which is why Sculptra only has to be re-administered every 18-24 months. A board-certified dermatologist will be able to help you decide if Sculptra is the way to go, or if you would benefit most from a combination treatment of both Sculptra and microneedling.

amysmith5053,
Thanks for the question.  I think that sculptra is generally better at inducing collagen production compared to micro needling, though you must know that the depth of collagen production is also different.  Microneedling is limited to the depth of penetration of the needles, and sculptra depends on the depth of the injection.  I think that sculptra still wins, though it really depends on where you want/need it the most.  Good luck!

Thank you for your question. Sculptura is fantastic for building deep collagen.  Micro needling is more effective for superficial collagen build-up specifically in the dermis. In our practice we use both sculptra and micro needling simultaneously for maximal results. Good luck! 

Thank you for your question. I would highly recommend Sculptra over microneedling. Sculptra is best for larger areas when you desire a significant amount of added volume. Unlike other injectable fillers, Sculptra is a volumizing filler that causes the body to produce new collagen. This means it takes longer to show results, but also that the results may last longer than other filler. I recommend getting an in-person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Thank you for your question.  Both Sculptra and microneedling are used to induce collagen in the skin, but at very different levels with different treatment goals.  Microneedling is a superficial treatment - even the deepest treatments penetrate less than 1/10 of an inch into the skin.  It is effective for stimulating superficial collagen to subtly improve the texture of the skin (fine lines, scarring, stretch marks, etc).  Sculptra is injected much deeper into the skin, and consequently stimulates collagen on a much deeper plane.  It's a great treatment for adding volume and for lifting and contouring the face.
Both treatments provide subtle results that improve with time, and require a series of treatments for best results (at least 5-6 for microneedling or 2-3 with Sculptra).  If you are interested in addressing sagging skin or jowls, Sculptra will likely provide better results.  If you are interested in treating fines or wrinkles, microneedling (or a skin resurfacing laser) will likely be the better option.  I would recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and to come up with the best treatment plan for you.  Best of luck!  

I think that for a global volumization, Sculptra is unrivaled. It can give significant volume increases with a series of 3-4 treatments. I consider microneedling a treatment only for the skin. Volume is not affected with microneedling. It is effective for scars, but multiple treatments are needed and it doesn't compare to the effectiveness which Infini will offer for scars.