53 - is Sculptra a good choice for facial skin tightening? (Photos)

Sculptra can be a wonderful tool for restoring lost facial volume—but in your case, you actually still have good facial fullness. It’s important to note that Sculptra is not a skin-tightening treatment. One reason we’re seeing more “overfilled” faces is that patients who are better candidates for surgery try to delay it with fillers, hoping it will tighten skin. Instead, it can create a less natural look.

If your main concern is early skin laxity, you might consider a non-surgical option like Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound technology to provide a subtle lift and collagen stimulation. While Ultherapy won’t deliver facelift-level results and I typically recommend it as a maintenance treatment to preserve surgical outcomes, it can still be a good option for those who aren’t ready for surgery, offering mild but noticeable improvement. In the meantime, doing nothing is also a valid choice—allowing you to save and plan for a facelift in a few years when you feel ready.

Sculptra is a popular choice for addressing facial volume loss and subtle sagging, especially for those not yet ready for a facelift. Here’s an overview of how Sculptra works and considerations for your specific concerns:

How Sculptra Works:
Volume Restoration: Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid injectable that stimulates collagen production over time, gradually restoring facial volume and improving skin texture.
Skin Tightening: While primarily used for volume, the increased collagen can also lead to some skin tightening, which may help with the subtle sagging you’ve noticed.

Potential Benefits:
Gradual Results: The effects develop over several months, providing a natural-looking enhancement.
Longevity: Results can last up to two years, making it a long-lasting option compared to other fillers.
Considerations and Potential Issues:
Lumps and Fullness: Proper injection technique is crucial to minimize the risk of lumps or overfilling. Choosing an experienced dermatologist, like yours, can help mitigate these risks.
Rosacea: While Sculptra is generally safe, any injectable can potentially trigger a rosacea flare-up. Discuss this with your dermatologist to ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's): There are no direct contraindications, but it’s important to ensure your condition is well-managed and to discuss any concerns with your dermatologist.
Future Facelift: Sculptra should not complicate a future facelift, but it’s important to inform your surgeon about any previous treatments to plan appropriately.


Overall, Sculptra can be an effective option for addressing early signs of aging, but it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with your dermatologist to discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and any potential risks.

The following is my email response just written to someone the other day who posed a similar question.

"I was one of the very early adopters of Sculptra when it first appeared on the market. Although it was more expensive than injectable fillers, did not yield immediate results (typically required three to four monthly treatments), and had no enzyme to dissolve it if there were adverse reactions to it, it did offer one advantage of results that could last about two years--which was more than could be achieved with the other fillers available at the time.
However, I stopped using it several years ago when the newer, more robust, FDA-approved HA fillers came on the scene that were less expensive, yielded immediate results after one treatment session, could offer results that lasted about 1.8 years, and could be easily dissolved should the need ever arise."
Hope this response helps you.

Based on your nightly post photos, you were a better candidate for a mini facelift when they do laser treatments and fat grafting. But best of virtual consult with for a better explanation of options. Expect these to range from $10,000-$20,000.