How Many Treatments of Sculptra Are Needed?

Question

I was told by the doctor who injected me that this product would work with my natural collagen, and when injected, after 3 to 6 weeks it would cause the reaction of 'new collagen' to form! I was also advised that one treatment (2 viles) would do the trick at the cost of $3000, a once in a decade gift I was giving myself, and No Results, or so slight they were only noticed by the doctor who injected. The problem I was told, was that he under-estimated the number of treatments needed. My question finally, is there a way, by looking at a patient, a doctor can accurately tell a potential patient, how many treatments are needed?

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

The variables on deciding how much Sculptra a patient needs include a number of factors. It is not always possible to give an exact estimate, but rarely does one treatment session provide the level of results most patients need (or want)
The variables include

Patient age - the younger you are, the more collagen making ability your skin still has, so younger patients generally get more results and get them faster than those in their 50's or beyond.      
Injection location - knowing where to place the product can have a profound impact on how it "behaves" in achieving a specific end goal.       
Facial symmetry - the more asymmetrical your facial features, the more Sculptra will be required to bring the other side into balance      
Facial fat content - fat plumps. If you are particularly gaunt, of course more product will be required to restore desirable plumpness      
Bone loss - as we age, we also lose bone. Again, placement is key to knowing how to replace the volumetric bone loss in a way that looks natural      
Superficial wrinkles - Sculptra won't remove all your wrinkles. Sometimes extra augmentation with hyaluronic fillers or injectable implant material such as Radiesse will give the most complete improvement      
Injector experience - Sculptra is not "every doctors" product. It is not injected like typical fillers and if it is, the results will be disappointing. A full facial assessment includes much more than just a quick look.

Younger patients may only need 1 or 2 vials, but it is not uncommon for middle age patients or those with more volume loss or asymmetry  to require 3, 4 or up to 6 vials over several sessions for a full correction. But once achieved, it's a wonderfully subtle rebalancing and replumping that has a serious impact on how old and how healthy you look.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,That's a very disappointing experience and costly too.  You have been much feedback from panel members, but we would like to outline a general treatment plan that most patients benefit from. Most of our Sculptra patients are those that are forty and over and in need of volume replacement.  Although traditional fillers may accomplish this, Sculptra provides for a more sustainable and overall volume replacement approach.  With that said, the key (for most) is to have a SERIES of three treatments over a period of 6 months.  If we understand that we are "growing" collagen, this is performed over a period of time.  By spacing treatments apart from each other, we have a better idea the amount of product and location with each visit.  Typical Treatment Plan:  1-2 vials visit #1, 1-2 vials #2 (6 weeks after first visit), 1 vial 3rd visit (3-4 months after 2nd visit)Finally, most younger patients are better served with traditional gel fillers.  We suggest that practitioners review all options to help patients decide the best treatment plan based upon budget, needs, goals, age, etc.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Most patients will undergo a series of Sculptra treatment sessions (3-4) with 1-2 vials of Sculptra used per session, depending on the patient and the areas to be addressed. An experienced injector will be able to estimate how many treatments and vials might be needed, but every patient reacts differently, and this would only be an estimate. An individual might need more or less product than was originally recommended. The only way to know this is to assess the response over time.
All the best,

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Every face will have a different response and different volumetric needs.  Faces with small amount of volume loss may need a vial of sculptra.  More commonly, patients need multiple vials over multiple sessions.  It is better to treat patients over several sessions to gauge their response to Sculptra and gradually improve and fill the face for them.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is a great product that provides long lasting volume. The amount of Sculptra that is needed is dependent on the amount of fat loss there is. I recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is a unique substance. One injects it, then it "goes away", then it comes back. The treatments are usually 6 to 12 weeks apart. A rule of thub is if you are 40, you will most likely need 4 vials. Now, having said that, everyone is unique. Our office tends to place 2 vials at the first meeting and then go from there, conservatively, inching up o the result. It may take months to see the final result.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

I have been using Sculptra since it was first introduced to this country in 2004 and have publsihed several articles on the subject.  In my experience, 1 treatment is never adequate. Most people with mild to moderate facial wasting require 1-2 vials per treatment, and a total of 3 sessions.  More severe wasting requires 2 vials per treatment, and a total of 4-6 sessions. This  is just a guide because everyone will respond differently.  I find that the greatest improvement is seen after the second treatment, even if little improvement was seen after the first treatment. 
It sounds like your physician clearly underestimated the number of treatments you would need. I use a lot of this product and love the results it gives. The key to making the patient happy is giving an accurate (or as accurate as possible) estimate about the amount of sculptra needed and the price.  You will find that most doctors offer a discount on the second vial.

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

Of the many Sculptra cases, we have had 3 young women who responded to 2 vials but even they needed maintenance every 6 months.
Majority of our 40 + women need at least 4 vials total over 3 sessions, injected 6 weeks apart.  Maintenance requirements vary based on ability to make new collagen and stage & rate of aging.
Sculptra results are not to be judged for the initial 6 months, however, we see results as early as 2-3 months.  I have often seen optimal results at 1 year out.
Hope this helps you plan your future treatments.
Best wishes,
Dr B

Paul L. Leong, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is a very popular filler that is unlike any other dermal filler on the market. Sculptra stimulates the growth of one’s collagen to restore volume to a thinning face. Although most dermal fillers result in instant gratification, Sculptra works over a course of months and multiple treatments to achieve a fuller face. 
  
A series of at least three sessions about 6 weeks apart are required to achieve desired results, some patients in my practice might have as many as five treatment sessions.  After the initial series of treatments, an annual treatment is recommended to maintain results. One vial is typically sufficient per treatment but in some cases two vials are recommended.  While it might speed the treatment plan along to do more than one vial at each visit, some clinicians feel this might increase the risk of developing a small nodule – but this is not proven.
  
Although results do not show for a few months, they can last nearly 2-2.5 years. Sculptra is a highly recommended treatment for natural appearing facial volume and long lasting results!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Sculptra takes 2-3 sessions. You will start seeing results at three months and see full results at five to six months. Sculptra lasts a few years. The number of sessions varies by patient. Usually two to three sessions is needed.

How Many Treatments of Sculptra Are Needed?

Answers (14)