How long has Sculptra been around and what can be expected? Is it a smart choice?

Sculptra has been available worldwide since 1999, and FDA approved since 2004.  It is a "biostimulatory" filler, meaning that it increases your skin's own collagen production.  That collagen provides a scaffolding that lifts the skin and decreasing deep & shallow wrinkles.As with all injectables, patients experience mild to moderate discomfort with the injection, and bruising is a risk.Sculptra differs from other injectables in that it can cause bumps.  These bumps are the result of too much collagen formation.  In the last several years, techniques have evolved so that these bumps, should they occur, are small.  They typically cannot be seen, only felt.  And, they typically go away by themselves after a few months.  Newer techniques include reconstituting the product at least 48 hours in advance, using a more dilute concentration, and fanning the product (so as not to put too much in a single area).Sculptra achieves longlasting, natural results.  It works better than any other product for filling the periphery of the face (temples, submalar hollows, enhancing the jaw).

Sculptra has been available since being FDA-approved in 2004 and is primarily used for facial volume restoration. The effects of Sculptra are gradual and can last up to two years as it stimulates the body's own collagen production. Commonly, results are seen after a few treatment sessions and continue to improve. Long-term side effects are rare but can include nodules or bumps under the skin if not injected properly. While Sculptra has received mixed reviews, many find it a smart choice for subtle, natural-looking enhancement and long-term anti-aging benefits. Always ensure treatments are performed by a qualified professional to minimize risks.

Sculptra was FDA approved in 2004. Sculptra aims to stimulate the body's collagen production to help build more volume while minimizing wrinkles. Many patients like Sculptra because they feel it gives them a more youthful look. It may last up to 2 years. It is uncommon for Sculptra, but it can overstimulate the production of collagen and create small lumps. Sculptra is now prepared at least one day in advance with a greater dilution of sterile water to help prevent these lumps from forming.  

Sculptra has been around for nearly 20 years.  It was initially introduced for treatment of HIV patients with lipoatrphy - the gaunt look from fat wasting that can be particularly pronounced in patients with HIV.  It later developed cosmetic application to increase fullness.  Sculptra is said to be a collagen stimulator.  Once it is injected, there is often initial swelling that will disappear in a few days.  Over the following 6 weeks it stimulates collagen synthesis in the regions it was deposited.   As with any injectable product, there is a risk of allergic reaction.  If you are concerned about this - it may be reasonable to have your doctor do a small test injection first before a full treatment.  If you've already been treated and like the result -it is unlikely that you will develop a new allergy to the product in the future.  There has been reported complications with granulomas and bumpiness.  In my experience, this is extremely rare if the product is injected correctly, not deposited in large aliquots, and correctly massaged after it is injected.  

Sculptra has many of the same risks as other types of fillers like bruising, swelling, infection, and contour irregularities. Nodule and granuloma formation are also known risks of Sculptra, but with newer recommendations for injection techniques, reconstitution instructions, and post-injection care, these are very rare. I have not personally seen nodule or granuloma formation with Sculptra.
In my experience, Sculptra works best in a younger or middle-aged patient with general volume loss in broad areas such as the cheeks and temples.
All the best,

Sculptra has been around since 1999, that is 18 years now and there is plenty of data to prove it's effectivess, safety and side effect profile.  Over this time, many things have changed and improved, particularly the fact that it has to be prepared minimum 2-3 days in advance and the way it should be injected is different.  Before it was more about adding a lot of product in one spot and now it's more about evenly spreading the product. I use cannula injection technique and it is very very comfortable for the patient and safely avoids any potential of hitting an artery or a vein.  The patient also needs to be educated properly as this filler has some homework to go home with. Patients are instructed to massage the face for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days, this massaging rule has significantly decreased the formation of potential nodules. You really need to find an expert physician who is very familiar with the product and knows how to manage complications.  Product is being completely removed from your body over 2-5 years.  Hope this helps. Best, Dr.Avaliani

Sculptra has been around for many years now, and has seen its share of complaints.  However, most of these are due to technique of the injector, and the manufacturer is now more selective of whom it distributes the product to.  They are more focused on proper training of its injectors, which is  a key factor in the success of any of the fillers on the market.Personally I think it is a great product, if in the right hands and the patient is counseled about how this differs from traditional fillers.

Sculptra was originally used for patients with HIV lipodystrophy and is made up of poly-L-lactic acid.  Sculptra has the potential for lasting longer than some other fillers, but it has some significant side effects:-Nodules and Granulomas- Can occur with use of Sculptra.  Knowledge of Sculptra and facial anatomy as well as mixing constitution have resulted in decreased incidence of nodules occurring.  -Infection- Since Sculptra is replaced ultimately by your body's response to it its incidence of infection is very low-Overly filled appearance- In some patients the response to Sculptra can be vigorous and patients can note an overly full look to the area injected.  Since Sculptra is not reversible, patients must wait for this product to dissipate which can be years.Overall, in properly trained hands with an experienced injector, Sculptra can add significant amounts of volume to patients and is a useful filler.

Sculptra is a safe, FDA approved stimulatory injectable most commonly used for facial volume restoration/rejuvenation. The ingredient is also used in the manufacture of absorbable suture material. It is the only truly stimulatory "filler" that helps to replace lost collagen in your skin and soft tissues.It was developed before 2004 when it received FDA approval. Although it's effects are longer lasting (1-2 years) than most common fillers (hyaluronic acids or "HAs"), it is ultimately absorbable and therefore not permanent. The most common side effects are typical of all injectables, specifically injection-related problems such as bruising, bleeding, lumpiness, infection and rarely skin damage.The mixed reviews are probably a result of incomplete understanding by both patients and physicians regarding expectations, indications and proper techniques which can take time to perfect.

According to the manufacturer, the most common side effects related to Sculptra® are injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or itching. The development of nodules or granulomas after treatment is much less commonly noticed in our practice. We have been using Sculptra® for many years, including when it was being used on a trial basis in patients with HIV/AIDS. We have had no significant long term consequences in our patients.

Scupltra has now been in use in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients for over 10 years. When it was originally formulated and used, inexperience with the product sometimes led to nodule and granuloma formation which could occur months after the product was used. However, following recent expert consensus guidelines for the use of Sculptra, this complication has become extremely rare. Sculptra functions mainly via the induction of neocollagenesis and is an excellent option for select patients. Remember, the most important factor in any injectable treatment is the injector rather than the product being injected. Careful patient selection and expert usage are the keys to minimizing potential complications and maximizing cosmetic result.