Are the final results of Sculptra the same as other HA fillers?

Question

I was wondering how close the final result of full mid cheek correction done with Sculptra would look compared to the same done with HA fillers. So I mean, getting back as closely to how you looked a few years ago from photoss, without any extra augmentation. I guess my question here is, does the final 'shape' of the cheek generally look the close to or same at full correction with Sculptra and HA fillers? Hope that makes sense as I haven't been able to find any info on this question.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that takes several sessions and then weeks to months to achieve optimal results. However, once achieved, the results are longer lasting than HA fillers, up to 24 months or longer. HA fillers provide immediate volume correction in one treatment, but wear off more quickly, in 8 – 12 months. But you’re really asking which one is best for restoring one’s youthful shape and contour! There is not one answer for this because our faces are unique and age in different ways. Very thin people might become gaunt and sunken so when larger volumes are needed in these cases, I prefer Sculptra. Sometimes there is just a collapse in the mid cheek with a deep crease in the middle. Voluma or other HA fillers like Restylane Lyft may be preferred. Sometimes I inject a combination: Sculptra in the perimeter of the face for structure and reshaping and soft HA fillers for pillowy cheeks or lips. It’s important that your provider analyze your unique situation and look at your old photos as a guide. The expert injector will chose the right filler to achieve the best look. Often this is a combination of fillers. Please find a board-certified dermatologist who’s an expert in facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers to help you choose the best strategy to restore your beauty and shape.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would guess that my short answer to this would be no. Sculptra is different than other fillers (HA) in that it encourages your body to build up collagen. So with HA fillers, you place the product, get the correction, and then the product is slowly broken down over time. With Sculptra, the result is not as predictable as it depends on how your body responds to the product. So if you put in equal amounts of HA and Sculptra, the results will not be the same in everyone.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

Each filler (Sculptra included) can is best used in certain places and has some restrictions in certain places.  For midcheek, you can probably get a similar result but longevity may vary depending on the filler.  However, the biggest key is who is doing the filler, and what they are comfortable using.  Some areas will fill easier or smoother with sculptra than HAs, as the volume is larger as well as the fluidity.  HA filler technique is typically quite different.  For large dramatic changes, Sculptra may be more economical with longer lasting effects, but many are not as experienced with it.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I think in most cases that the same result can ultimately be achieved with Sculptra or HA fillers.  The main difference is that results from HA fillers will not last as long as results from Sculptra.  Treatment with Sculptra also normally requires several treatment sessions spaced over time to produce gradual results.  With HA fillers, the results are fairly immediate.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

With Sculptra, results are gradual and can take up to several weeks, whereas fillers take 1-2 weeks for final results. Sculptra is a great product for improving facial volume and collagen building, but for best results, I recommend using it in a combination depending on desired results. I combine Sculptra with other fillers, lasers, toxins and skin care to give immediate results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

You can have wonderful results with either Sculptra or a hyaluronic acid filler.  I choose Sculptra for patients who have thinner skin and where a hyaluronic acid filler may look a little artificial.  I prefer Sculptra for older patients or those who have acne scars and the skin is tethered or scarred down to give volume.  Please consult an expert in Sculptra to have the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler which means it works by stimulating collagen production. I think Sculptar is the ideal volumizer for the face. I used Sculptra in patients with facial volume loss. I consider hyaluronic acid based fillers like Restylane as "line" fillers and use them to fill in folds and wrinkles and to augment the cheeks, chin and lips. So the right filler for you just really depends on what your primary issue is. If it is volume loss, then I would lean towards treatment with Sculptra.

Anita Saluja, MD · Answer

Sculptra gives a more global facial improvement including cheeks. I call it a foundational filler in that it provides structural support. It takes 90 days and multiple treatments but is worth it if you are a good candidate (need in person evaluation to determine). It is also a more secretive way to anti-aging since it works over time. Certain patients who have sun damaged skin or who smoke are not good candidates for Sculptra. Also, when you want immediate results, Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Lyft are ideal. The final shape often depends on your shape and some fillers/techniques may give a more sculpted look vs. a softer look - Talk to your injecting doctor about your goals. Best to you.

Ian Lonergan, DO - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and Thanks for the question.  Sculptra and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers have some important differences which should be kept in mind when you are deciding which option is best for you.  To me, the most important difference is the time frame at which the desired result will be achieved.  With HA Fillers, the results are immediate.  The results are most dramatic at the time of injection and then will dissipate over time.  With Sculptra, the exact opposite is true because of the way in which Sculptra works which is to stimulate collagen production within your body at the site of injection.  This process will actually take several months which means that the results will improve over time and will be most dramatic several months after the injections take place.  While I offer both treatments as well as several other treatment options (eg, fat injection) for replacement of facial volume, it is often this fundamental difference that will cause patients to ultimately choose between the two options.  I hope that this information is helpful to you.  Best of Luck!