If Sculptra didn't work on me, do you think Voluma will?

Sculptra works by evoking your body's natural ability to make collagen. Personally, I have found the response to Sculptra to be quite variable from one patient to the next. This is not surprising since Sculptra depends on the patient 's metabolic machinery to produce a result (collagen).  While some patients respond quickly and favorably to Sculptra, others require a greater amount of product over a longer period of time. In contrast, Voluma is a filling agent that acts to occupy space, thereby expanding and stretching the overlying skin. Voluma does not depend on the patient's ability to make collagen and the results are immediate and consistent from one patient to the next. Since you appear to be a slow or poor responder to Sculptra, I would strongly recommend you try Voluma. Best of luck.

Thank you for your question. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that can last up to 2 years. The recommendation is one vial per decade of life, for example, if you're 40, then you will need 4 vials. That's 2 vials every 4 weeks until you reach the recommended treatment. Voluma is FDA approved for cheek fat loss. If the area of concern is only cheeks, then Voluma is great. If it's full face volume loss, then I would recommend Sculptra. I hope this helps!

Voluma can directly increase volume and projection in the mid cheek and we have seen amazing results with the product.  Sculptra is also very useful, but is a stimulatory filler. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian 

If you are referring to cheek augmentation, I would recommend Voluma in your situation for 2 reasons:(1) Both fillers have different mechanisms of action. Sculptra stimulates further collagen growth which can take time, and has variable effects based on everyone's own unique metabolism. Voluma, on the other hand, occupies the deep space it is injected to and provides an immediate lift. The result "on the table" is very similar to the long-term result you will experience, which may last up to 2 years.(2) Voluma is the only FDA-approved filler for cheek augmentation.  Make sure your surgeon or dermatologist has significant experience with Voluma. As Voluma is a new filler manufactured by Allergan, most injectors' experiences are limited. I would seek out a plastic surgeon in your area who has extensive experience with injecting cheek fillers and typically performs many facial surgeries, as he/she is thus more likely to be familiar with the anatomy in that area, which can be variable even from one side of the face to the other. I would also ask for a plastic surgeon who took the Allergan Expert Hands-on training course specific for Voluma injection.

Voluma and Sculptra are excellent long term filler options for facial volume augmentation.  The difference between the two fillers is their mechanism of action.  Sculptra works via a tissue reaction and the results of added facial volume are seen weeks after the treatment.  Voluma is a hyaluronic acid filler gel which functions to provide immediate volume in the area injected.  Since the effect of Voluma are immediate, and via a different mechanism of action, I feel it would be a good option to try.  Facial Fat Transfer is also an excellent option for facial volume augmentation which can provide more profound results.  Good Luck.

Both Sculptra and Voluma are great products, but have very different mechanisms of action.  Sculptra stimulates your own skin to produce collagen over the course of weeks to months, while Voluma is a hyaluronic acid which shows its effects immediately.  With Voluma, you will see be able to see the changes in the injected areas right away.  

Thank you for your question. Voluma is a fantastic product for adding volume to facial areas. Consult your injector on the product and discuss treatment options. Best, 

Sculptra is not a volumizer it is a stimulator.  It works to increase collagen over time 6-12 months and then lasts 3-5 years.  I typically do both immediate fillers (voluma, juvaderm perlane, radiesse ect) at the same time or in conjunction with Sculptra which is a stimulator.  The Sculptra is the foundation for the other fillers and keeps them lasting longer.  Voulma "works" for everyone as it is immediate when injected, however, the results are technique dependent.  So chose your physician wisely.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Sculptra® can take up to 6 months to manifest full results while Voluma® results are immediate. Consult a board-certified dermatologist to see what you should do at this moment. 

Thanks for your
question and let’s make sure that you understand things a little more so that
you are able to make the right decision for you and that others reading this
understand the process a little more.



First, I always
recommend that these procedures be done by expert injectors working with board-certified
dermatologists or plastic surgeons – they know these products best and know how
they are supposed to work. You had Sculptra 6 months ago – and I am assuming 2
vials at the same setting. Then you waited 4 months for the next set of
injections; this is way too long and not how Sculptra works best. You need to
have a series of injections every 4-6 weeks to achieve the best results with
the product – as it helps stimulate and grow new collagen. To me, waiting all
this time was like starting over in how to achieve the best results and the
most new collagen as a result.



Voluma will work now
– and again, I would suggest making sure you are at a skilled injector and have
the needed follow-up visits if you need them.