Will collagen produced by Sculptra take longer to go away than my own collagen?

Question

I’m 64 and had 4 vials of Sculptra a year ago in my cheekbones and jawline, effectively giving me a facelift, which I hate. I expect the 3rd treatment would have sorted the hollows I did want done, but then I’d look even younger, so I don’t want to risk anymore Sculptra. Will the collagen produced by sculptra take longer to go away than my own collagen? If so, I will end up stuck with the cheekbones and jaw and even hollower cheeks than I already have. And will the shape stay the same as all collagen on the face degrades at the same rate? Or will the Sculptra degrade first and my normal face shape come back? Will my face always look younger when the Sculptra has gone?

Lori Warren, MD · Answer

Hi! You are the first person I ever heard of complain at looking younger. Regarding the question about sculptra stimulated collagen, it is your own natural collagen. Your body made it and as such it will last as long as your normal collagen does. It sounds like you never really got the desired result you went in for, when you were treated with sculptra. Sculptra is most definitely a process that comes in parts. If you didn't receive the results that you're looking for, it still may be a part of the plan of your injector to correct those hollowed areas. Their technique sounds like they were building up loss in your cheekbones and in your jaw bones to give you structure and hopefully their plan was to feather in sculptra to improve the hollowness and texture of your skin. You may want to go see your injector again and just have her explain what the process will look like going forward, that way you can reevaluate what your goals were and how you can arrive at the final desired result. I hope this is helpful.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

The production of collagen in the skin is stimulated by Sculptra, which typically takes about 2 to 4 months to become noticeable. The resulting collagen can persist for several years before eventually breaking down. It's important to note that the effects of Sculptra can eventually diminish as the natural aging process continues, similar to how one can "outgrow" it. If you're dissatisfied with the outcomes of Sculptra, you might want to consider using fillers in different regions of the face to lift and reshape it, instead of waiting for the Sculptra effects to wear off. This method can help create a more balanced facial appearance.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

That is your own collagen!   Sculptra stimulates your own collagen it is not a filler.  it will slowly dissipate as we age and it varies form each individual depending on life style and where we are in the aging cycle.

Will collagen produced by Sculptra take longer to go away than my own collagen?

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Will collagen produced by Sculptra take longer to go away than my own collagen?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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