How long is too long between Sculptra procedures?

Question

Was used in a demo in April by a doctor who teaches about Sculptra. It's now October! I'm 68, no fat, good candidate but wonder if I'll be "starting over!"

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

The dermal filler and collagen stimulator Sculptra lasts for about 2 years. Therefore, you will not be “starting over” if you get your second treatment six months later. Your Sculptra is still there, and has begun to stimulate your skin to produce new, strong strands of collagen. You can go ahead and begin layering treatments over that base layer. Although the first layer will start to be metabolized sooner than subsequent layers, we can compensate for that with yearly maintenance Sculptra treatments. First though, complete your series until you achieve the desired result. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to finish your Sculptra treatments to get the most beautiful and uniform remodeling.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. The company suggest to do your first few treatments a couple months apart until you reach complete correction. However, with that being said, Sculptra can last about two years. So in answer to your question. No. It will not be like your starting over. You can still build upon the first injection. Congratulations on your treatment and good luck with the ones to come.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Sculptra treatments are usually done every 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the growth of new collagen. The amt of vials and treatments is individualized per patient.  Your medical provider should be able to better help you with that information.  As far as how often to return for a touch up, most patients return every  1 1/2 to 2 years.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

Scultra is a great treatment for most patients. Since we are asking your cells to change into collagen producing cells, all of our bodies are going to respond differently. In order to know if this is a wothwhile treatment, I generally recommend two treatments; one followed by a second one 4-6 weeks later. Then a two month follow up to compare pictures and make sure we are seeing progress. We do not have any studies to guide us regarding your question-only experience. In our practice I feel it is still in the zone and would consider another treatment. If you had waited a year, you are probably starting over.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Sculptra treatments should be spaced at 4-6 weeks during initial treatment but you have lose little in waiting 6 months.  Go ahead and schedule your next treatment and stick to a set interval as most patients who are 68 will require 7 vials for complete correction.  Hope this helps.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Anon.  For our Sculptra candidates, we typically start with three procedures in the first six months.  After the first visit, we wait about 6 weeks to the second visit and then from there, the third visit is typically at about month 4 or 5.  You will not be starting from the beginning, but to maximize volume acquired from the product, the first several visits should be closer together.To see an example of a Sculptra patient that followed this schedule, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

We usually do 4-6 week intervals with Sculptra, but you can have more Sculptra at this time and still get a good result. Sculptra is a great product for improving facial volume and collagen building, but for best results, I recommend using it in a combination depending on desired results. I combine Sculptra with other fillers, lasers, toxins and skin care to give immediate results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be fine to go on to receive another round of Sculptra Aesthetic injections at this time. The collagen generated by Sculptra typically lasts for a minimum of two years. Most patients need 4-6 vials. Another rule of thumb would be one per decade of life. There are no hard and fast rules to this as individual response will vary. Moving forward, I would do further injections 6-8 weeks apart. I typically inject 2 vials/session for most patients.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.