Fat Transfer Vs Sculptra

Question

I am a 43-year-old triathlete looking to replenish volume to my face.  After consulting with several plastic surgeons, most recommended fat transfer and one recommended Sculptra.  I am hesitant to have fat transfer because of its unpredictability, high cost, and the fact I don’t seem to retain fat very well on my face or body.I am considering Sculptra (realizing it is temporary and would require touch-ups), as I have noticed several reputable plastic surgeons advertising it.  My concern with Sculptra is the lumps it has been known to cause.  Any comments or opinions on Sculptra would be very helpful.

William Ting, MD · Answer

Truly rejuvenation of the face comes with re-inflating the balloon, i.e. our face. Replenishing volume that we used to have should be performed with fillers that will give you the most even result, with minimal bumps or lumps. Sculptra is made of PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) requires typically 3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart and works by stimulating your own collagen as PLLA gets reabsorbed almost completely in 2 weeks and gets replaced by your own collagen over time. In the early days of Sculptra where the dilution protocol was not uniform, lumps or bumps are more common. With the current dilution protocol with the FDA approval for cosmetic usage, lumps or bumps are exceedingly rare among experienced Sculptra physician injectors. There may be more versatility with Sculptra as there is always opportunity to make the subtlest augmentation adjustment in case there is any asymmetry. Fat transfer is a fine option; however, even in the best hands, there could be issues with lumpiness or uneven results as the fat transplant may not be evenly reabsorbed underneath the skin.

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question, since it is consistently one of the most frequent questions asked in our clinics.  Unlike fillers and Sculptra, fat is a living cell-adipocytes.  When we remove fat from one part of the body, we are cutting off the circulation to these cells and they will die unless they receive new blood supply.  When we place these fat to a new place, we are expecting new source of blood supply to grow.  Once they do, the fat cells will survive and they will last for a very long time.  So it is crucial that the techniques used to harvest fat, purification, and placement of fat in the new location all increase the possibility of fat survival.  When these techniques are used, fat grafting is very consistent a wonderful method to volumize with a natural and long lasting result. I hope this helps!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

For non-surgical volumizing of the face, I would certainly recommend Sculptra.  After having used Sculptra in many patients, I have been impressed with it's volumizing abilities through the formation of collagen.  Now, I tend to reserve fat grafting in the face for patients where I am already considering a separate surgical consideration such as eyelids or facelift.Done properly, both fat grafting and Sculptra can be done with very natural looking results and without developing lumps or bumps.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Fat transfer typically leads to partial long-term fill. Some of the fat get reasbsorbed by your body and some will survive. So there may not be a uniform contour by the time all is said and done. Sculptra can also lead to bumpiness, but i have found it to be much less than fat, particularly if the Sculptra is diluted and injected a bit deeper into the tissue.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

You may not have enough donor fat for fat injections if you are an athlete. Sculptra and Fat can leave lumps, but the lumps fro Sculptra are usually not visible. You will feel them when you touch the skin from the outside, or push your tongue against the cheek from the inside. Sculptra does take several sessions and it takes a while for your body to produce collagen as a response to the material. Radiesse is an immediate filler and can replace significant volume losses well but does disappear in about 10 months to a year or more.

Fat Transfer Vs Sculptra

Answers (9)

Answer: Fat Transfer and Sculptra can work well, but both can cause problems

Answer: Fat Transfer and Sculptra can work well, but both can cause problems

Answer: Fillers for volume

Answer: Fillers for volume

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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

Fat Transfer Vs Sculptra

Answers (9)

Answer: Fat Transfer and Sculptra can work well, but both can cause problems

Answer: Fat Transfer and Sculptra can work well, but both can cause problems

Answer: Fillers for volume

Answer: Fillers for volume

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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