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

Question

I lost 50 lbs last year and noticed these sagging nasolabial folds pretty quickly after that. I waited to see if my skin might tighten up on its own but it has not. A dermotologist suggested that what likely happened is that the volume loss is actually in my cheeks above the nasolabial area, and the extra skin just happened to sag and end up there in the nasolabial fold. Therefore, any treatment wouldnt need to be on my nasolabial folds but the cheeks to address the volume loss. I'm 39 and would like to know if Sculptra would address my concerns? The doctor who does the sculptra at the consultation I visited mentioned I might want it in my temples as well, but I definitely dont want to overdo it. Do my temples have significant volume loss as well?

Ella Fedonenko, MD · Answer

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.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

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!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

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.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

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.

Viva Eve Dermatology - New York · Answer

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.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Evaluating Sculptra for Sagging Nasolabial Folds After Weight Loss: A Guide for Patients

Answer: Evaluating Sculptra for Sagging Nasolabial Folds After Weight Loss: A Guide for Patients

Answer: Sculptra vs Fillers

Answer: Sculptra vs Fillers

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Evaluating Sculptra for Sagging Nasolabial Folds After Weight Loss: A Guide for Patients

Answer: Evaluating Sculptra for Sagging Nasolabial Folds After Weight Loss: A Guide for Patients

Answer: Sculptra vs Fillers

Answer: Sculptra vs Fillers

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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