Will Sculptra help sagging skin at my nasolabial area? (Photo)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. Yes, I recommend Sculptra in your case, especially given the context of rapid weight loss and sagging skin around the nasolabial area. Sculptra works differently from traditional fillers—it’s not just about instantly restoring volume, but about stimulating your body’s own collagen production over time. This makes it particularly effective for addressing generalized volume loss and skin laxity, which is often the underlying cause of deepening folds and sagging in the lower face. While some providers focus more on localized filling with hyaluronic acid products, your dermatologist likely recommended Sculptra because it targets the broader issue: collagen depletion and loss of facial support from weight loss. Fortunately, Sculptra can be used in the cheeks as well to rebuild volume gradually and provide a more natural, lifted appearance over time. I hope this helps and best of luck!

HelloBritt,
Yes Sculptra will help your loss of facial volume. i use it in patients who have lost weight from Ozempic GLP-1 weight loss drugs in combination with other modalities that lift and tighten the skin such as Ultherapy. Sculptra in your case would take multiple sessions and comes in gradually over time. It corrects overall facial volume loss which will lessen your nasolabial folds, it also imporves the quality of your skin, the "Sculptra glow." If you desire an immediate correction then I would recommend hyaluronic acid fillers. In either case it is most important that you choose an expert injecting physician for best results. Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

I cannot answer why a particular provider suggested a certain therapy. However, I can say that in the photo provided, there appears to be significant volume deficits in the cheeks and hence flattening and sinking of the cheeks with the secondary consequence of creating deeper smile folds below. the use of a robust HA filler for a nonsurgical filler facelift can not only restore a more ideal, feminine Ogee Curve and oval, heart-shaped face, but secondarily the lift would improve the smile folds.
I stopped using Sculptra many years ago, since it is expensive, typically requires about three treatment sessions to achieve visible results, does not achieve immediate results, and has no dissolving enzyme to easily remove it should there be a need to.
Robust HA volumizing fillers, on the other hand, have almost equally durable results, and typically yield immediate, onthe spot cosmetic improvement, and can be dissolved relatively easily should there be any need.
You would be wise to make sure that you consult with an experienced, board board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert.
Hope this helps and best of luck.

Sculptra is a type of injectable treatment designed to stimulate collagen production and restore facial volume over time. It is particularly effective for addressing generalized volume loss and can improve the appearance of nasolabial folds indirectly by enhancing overall facial volume.

In your case, where rapid weight loss has resulted in sagging skin around the nasolabial area, the effectiveness of Sculptra would depend on whether the primary issue is volume loss or skin laxity. Here's a breakdown of considerations:

Volume Loss: If the sagging is primarily due to volume loss in the mid-face or cheeks, Sculptra can be beneficial. By stimulating collagen production, it can gradually restore volume, providing a subtle lift to the nasolabial area.

Skin Laxity: If the primary issue is skin laxity rather than volume loss, Sculptra might not be the most effective solution. In such cases, other treatments like skin tightening procedures or targeted fillers might be more appropriate.

Combination Treatments: Sometimes, a combination of treatments is recommended. Sculptra can be used to address overall facial volume loss, while specific fillers can target the nasolabial folds more directly.

The difference in recommendations between your dermatologist and the other consultant could be due to varying assessments of your facial anatomy and the underlying cause of the sagging skin. It would be beneficial to discuss these differing opinions with your dermatologist, who can provide more insight into why Sculptra was recommended in your particular case. Additionally, seeking a second opinion from another board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon may help clarify the best course of action tailored to your needs.