Sagging nasolabial folds - Would Sculptra work for me? (photo)

Sculptra will definitely help. The other option would be Voluma. It would give much faster results and it has comparable longevity. It addresses the temples area especially well and the results are always impressive.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Sculptra could indeed be a very suitable treatment for the concerns you've described. As your dermatologist suggested, the sagging nasolabial folds are likely a result of volume loss in your cheeks. When you lose a significant amount of weight, you can lose facial fat, which provides support for the skin. This loss of volume in the midface can cause the skin above the nasolabial folds to droop and become more prominent. Sculptra is a unique injectable treatment because it works as a biostimulatory filler. Instead of directly filling the lines, it contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microparticles that stimulate your body's own collagen production over time. When injected strategically into the cheeks, Sculptra can gradually help to restore lost volume in this area. As the collagen levels increase, it can provide better support to the overlying skin, which in turn can lead to a visible reduction in the appearance of the nasolabial folds. The results with Sculptra are not immediate; they develop gradually over several weeks to months as your body produces new collagen. Typically, a series of treatment sessions spaced a few weeks apart is recommended to achieve the desired outcome. The effects of Sculptra can be long-lasting, often up to two years. Given your age and the likely cause of your nasolabial folds, Sculptra's ability to address the underlying volume loss in your cheeks makes it a promising option for achieving a more natural and youthful appearance in the lower face. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Volume in the cheeks, whether from aging or in this case significant weight loss, typically accounts for the loss of the ideal, feminine Ogee Curve, the flattening and sagging of the cheeks, and the accentuaiton of of the smile folds--all of which can be seen in the photos provided. Since volume loss is responsible for these issues, volume replacement is the appropriate solution. I prefer the use of a robust HA volumizing filler, which, in the hands of an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert, can improve all of the aforementioned problems, typically in one treatment sessions of about fifteen minutes and with immediate, on-the-spot results, and little to no downtime. Results typically can last up to eighteen months. What's more, should there be any need, HA fillers can be dissolved with the use of hyaluronidase.
Sculptra, on the other hand, is expensive, typically requires three treatment sessions to achieve the desired results, and has no specific enzyme to dissolve it should the need arise. For these reasons I stopped injection Sculptra many years ago, once the more robust and longer-lasting HA fillers were approved for use. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Congratulations on your weight loss journey! It’s understandable that you’re looking to address changes in your facial appearance, such as sagging nasolabial folds. Here’s some information that might help you make an informed decision:

Understanding Volume Loss: As your dermatologist mentioned, significant weight loss can lead to volume loss in the cheeks, which may cause sagging in the nasolabial folds. Addressing the volume loss in the cheeks can often improve the appearance of these folds.

Sculptra Aesthetic: Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production over time. It’s particularly effective for treating volume loss in larger areas like the cheeks. By restoring volume to the cheeks, it can help lift and reduce the appearance of sagging in the nasolabial folds.

Temples: Volume loss in the temples is common as we age, and addressing this area can also contribute to a balanced and rejuvenated appearance. However, it’s important to have a conservative approach to avoid overfilling.

Treatment Plan: It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics. They can assess the degree of volume loss in both your cheeks and temples and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Be sure to discuss your concerns about overdoing it, as a skilled practitioner will aim for natural-looking results.

Results and Expectations: Keep in mind that Sculptra works gradually, with results improving over several months as collagen builds. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal outcomes.

I recommend having a detailed discussion with your specialist to address all your concerns and ensure the treatment aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Hi!
This is a great question, and congratulations on your weight loss! Scultpra is a great treatment option for addressing volume loss in the cheeks and temples, as it stimulates your own collagen production. From these photos, Sculptra combined with HA fillers in the same session would likely be a great option. As for your temples, it is difficult to see from the photos provided, but temples can be addressed with Sculptra very nicely, without an overdone look.
As always, an in depth, in person consultation is best to evaluate exactly what is best for you.

Congratulations on your weight loss, I know it requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Even though the photographs are of limited exposure, as far as your face is concerned, I can still see that there was some hollowness in your cheeks even before you lost the weight. Restoring volume in the cheeks is best done with the use of your own fat. Fat grafting performed by a plastic surgeon with a lot of experience in fat grafting techniques produces natural and practically permanent results. Complications that are usually seen with Sculptra and other fillers are commonly avoided when fat is used. The results after the fat grafting are immediate. With Sculptra you have to wait between six and 12 weeks for the final outcome. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery.