When can I get a deep plane facelift after Sculptra? (Photo)

Question

im currently 49, I received sculptra first time Sept 2024. I developed a small eye bag about a month after. my injector told me it was aging. I waited till our next appointment in Jan 2025, and she recommended co2 laser for the eye bag which I didnt do, and she didnt attribute it to anyting she had done.,we did the second round of scupltra, within a month I was assymetrical, very puffy on one side, brow ptosis which im unsure how this happened. and the skin under the bag has hollowed out more. she tells me that there is no way scupltra has done this. I what I want to know is when I can get a deep plane lift. im concerned about I consider it now to be recontructive surgery. im afraid the scupltra will react or the surgery cant be done due to adhesions. can I still get a good result now and how long do I need to wait?

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Based on your photos and the information you've shared, there appears to be noticeable soft tissue laxity and asymmetry in your face, which can sometimes occur after Sculptra due to uneven collagen stimulation or suboptimal injection technique. To correct this in a natural and long-lasting way, I recommend a deep plane facelift—a surgical approach that not only lifts the skin but also repositions the deeper facial muscles and connective tissues to restore youthful contours. In addition, instead of using filler to address volume loss, a more natural and durable option would be facial fat grafting, which can restore volume with your own tissue, offering softer and more harmonious results. Since your last Sculptra treatment was in January 2025, the safest window for surgery would begin around January 2026. However, if your tissues are soft and without significant nodules or inflammation upon examination, it may be possible to consider surgery as early as November–December 2025. A thorough in-person assessment and possibly imaging would help determine the optimal timing.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Yes, you can still have a deep plane facelift after Sculptra, but timing is key. The Sculptra needs time (3–12+ months) to settle and mature into collagen. As long as your facial tissues are soft, non-inflamed, and without any thickened areas, a facelift is possible. The surgery will be safe and effective in the hands of a skilled surgeon who knows how to navigate previous fillers. A physical exam is essential to determine when your tissues are ready.

Let’s keep this conversation going—consider seeking an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with biostimulatory fillers and advanced facelift techniques. Your next steps can absolutely lead you to the refreshed and balanced look you desire.

Warmly,
Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, MBA
ESJ Aesthetics – “Where Confidence Takes Shape!”

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would highly recommend against letting anyone (especially an injector) inject Sculptra into the face. It creates a very large scar burden and can be highly unpredictable (especially in sensitive areas like around the eyes). You can proceed with seeking a surgical intervention. I would just be very transparent with the surgeon you select by sharing what has been injected/where.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing a photo. 
I have not seen as many issues with sculptra in terms of facelift surgery as with some other injectables (particularly threads). It also depends where you received your injections as directly under the eye should not affect facelift surgery since the dissection for this is more lateral than that area typically. For the under eye, I would strongly consider whether fat transfer to the under eye/upper cheek and/or a lower blepharoplasty with fat repositioning would be more beneficial than a facelift, but they can certainly be performed in conjunction with eachout. 
Your best bet is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation to further discuss and determine which options fit best with your goals.
Hope this helps,Kyle Kimura, MD

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I have been in practice over 30 years.  I had tried Sculptra many years ago and never found it to be helpful.  When I pole my patients, there are very few people who actually feel that Sculptra was beneficial.  The question is how long after having a Sculptra injection can you perform facelifting?  There should not be any issues after 3 or 4 months.  Sculptra is mostly water and some suture material which dissolves by 3 to 4 months.  You should be fine to go ahead with a deep plane facelift at your leisure.  Best wishes to you.

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When can I get a deep plane facelift after Sculptra? (Photo)

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Answer: Deep plane facelifting after Sculptra

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