Which is Better for Firming and Tightening? Sculptra or Laser or Both?

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

In our practice, we perform a non-surgical face lift / skin resurfacing treatment using Renuvion Helium Plasma Radiofrequency. ​To get the most improvement with skin tightening, we combine Renuvion (formerly J-Plasma) with lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, CO2), microneedling/PRP, Ultherapy and InMode FaceTite. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer​​​​

Sculptra is an anti-aging facial injection treatment that can give you subtle results over time by replacing lost collagen. Lasers use light composed of many frequencies to penetrate into the skin, non-invasively, to deliver youthful results by stimulating your natural collagen production. Combination therapy is always preferred (laser + filler, ie Sculptra). Both will help give the appearance of tighter skin for areas that are loose and sagging. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, make sure that the doctor's office is accredited and licensed, ask the doctor about residency training in and experience with Sculptra and Lasers, and ask to see some before and after photos of patients whose skin and wrinkles are similar to yours. 

There are different actions for these two treatment options:

 

1. Ulthera has been referred to as a non surgical face lift. The device is the only one that is FDA approved to "lift" skin. The treatment is focused sound waves that cause thermal coagulation of very precise areas. It is the only device that can target the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the deep facial layers that the plastic surgeons undermine and tighten during a face lift. Ultherapy is wonderful for lifting and toning the forehead (brow lift), cheeks and neck. It is a dual plane treatment and will cause significant thickening of the dermal layer of skin. It does not, however, produce dramatic volume of the face.  I believe Ulthera is much better than RF for the face and RF can not treat the SMAS.

 

2. Sculptra is a means to replace volume. Part of the aging process is loss of facial fat, thinning of bone, such as the jaw and zygomatic arch and broadening of the orbit, resulting in sagging (jowls and wattles). Sculptra is a long-term treatment, lasting for years. Injecting this filler into the temples, cheeks and many other facial areas, can replace volume, resulting in a much more youthful appearance.

 

Sculptra works by replacing lost volume and facial lasers typically tighten loose skin.  These are two different problems.  You may have either or both.  Obtain a consultation with a BC plastic surgeon with whom you can discuss your concerns and your different options.