Can I get Sculptra if I want plastic surgery in the future?

That’s a really thoughtful question, and I completely understand your concern. Sculptra works differently from fillers like hyaluronic acid, it stimulates your own collagen production over time. Because of that, it doesn’t usually cause “scar tissue” in the same sense as surgical scarring. Instead, it creates a gradual, natural-looking thickening of the skin and soft tissue by encouraging collagen growth.

When it comes to future surgery, most plastic surgeons are very accustomed to operating on patients who’ve had fillers or Sculptra in the past. The collagen that develops from Sculptra is generally integrated into your own tissue and not considered harmful or a major obstacle to surgery. It may slightly change the feel of the tissues, but it does not prevent procedures like blepharoplasty, brow lifts, or facelifts.

So, to answer your question: yes, you can have Sculptra now and still undergo plastic surgery later. If anything, the main consideration is timing. Surgeons often prefer to know your treatment history so they can plan accordingly.

In summary, Sculptra does not create problematic scarring, but rather collagen stimulation. As long as you keep your providers informed of your past treatments, future surgical options should remain open to you.

There is a very minimal risk of scarring with Sculptra, especially if it is done by an experienced provider who knows what they're doing. Sculptra is quite safe, FDA approved, and is excellent at boosting collagen in the skin.

Hello G,
Sculptra is metabolized by our body and converted into collagen and connective tissue. The natural tissue can become a little tougher to dissect in subsequent surgery, but patients can still have surgery with an expert surgeon. Most importantly, seek an expert physician injector who knows where to place Sculptra to give you the volume replacement you deserve while preserving the soft tissue planes that will be involve in later surgery. Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD

Hello Gregarious:

Nowadays facelifts are performed at a very deep level, beneath where Sculptra is placed, and plastic surgeons do not feel Sculptra interferes with a facelift.

I hope this is reassuring to you!

All the best from NYC,
Sheryl Clark MD FAAD