Longevity of Results Affected by Number of Sculptra Injections?

Question

I am getting my second Sculptra injection next week. I have only minimal hollowness and don't want much change. I've read some doctors who say that it takes 3 injections to solidify the longevity of 25 + months, others say any amount will last roughly that long, that it's the end result that determines the number of injections. Does it require 3 to have lasting results?

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

In the PLLA studies, patients who showed improvement past 24+ months typically had 3-5 vials, which is why doctors typically say that is how many it takes to maintain those results. I typically inject the amount needed, whether it is 2-4 vials, 1 vial per month, until correction is achieved, and then wait 6 months to do the subsequent vial, and maintain those results by doing roughly 1 vial a year. Good luck.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

This is an excellent question. The longevity of your Sculptra results can be two years or longer. However Sculptra does not affect the aging process, and I would still recommend maintenance treatments as you notice loss of volume in the face. If you feel like you are getting the volume that you are satisfied with with less than three treatments or less than 6 vials, then I would not recommend you complete the entire treatment.  There are many patients where I use less, and some where I use more. It depends on the physical exam and the goal of the treatment.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The recommendation is 1 vial per decade of life. That applies to most cases, but not all. You can stop at two, and wait 2-3-6-9 months and see if there is a change you want corrected. The response is individual so you will need to make your own judgment and decision. Guidelines are general, and apply to most, not all people. I hope this helps!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Each physician may have their own guidelines they follow with Sculptra where they obtain the best results.  In general, Sculptra provides the most benefits when injected over multiple treatments, and the treatment sessions are generally spaced four weeks apart. It really depends on:

	1)  The areas addressed
	2)  The amount of volume loss.
	3)  The patient's individual goals

	Having multiple treatments will provide optimal benefit and will give you the best and longest lasting result. 3 treatments is generally a good amount. I would be sure to communicate with your physician and let them know your concerns and what you would like to get from your treatment with Sculptra. This will ensure you are happy and obtain the desired outcome.

	Thanks and I hope this helps!

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

The effects of each Sculptra injection are independent of other treatments. The greater the amount of product injected, the longer the visible correction will last because you are starting from a larger volume that was built up over a period of several months. However, you should not undergo injections that you do not need simply to try to ensure longevity of outcome. Overcorrection with Sculptra should be avoided.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Every person is different, so some people may require more Sculptra and more treatments than others. I would say that there are some people who can achieve a good result with only two treatments, so I would not say that you necessarily need to have three treatments. I evaluate patients after each treatment to determine whether another treatment is needed or not. Whenever the final result is achieved, whether it is with two treatments or six treatments, that result should be maintained for two to four years.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The amount of Sculptra that is injected should be used to give good volume correction.  With Sculptra, the goal is to aim for full volume correction.  Results should last 2-3 years.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Carpathian.  We like to use "Decade Dosing" in our practice.  This means if you are in your 50's (6th decade) you will likely benefit from 6 syringes of Sculptra.  Since we inject 2 syringes per visit this would mean 3 visits.  

	You can always do less, but we aim for "full correction".  Although the collagen you develop in response to the treatment may last 2 years regardless of the number of treatments, it may not be enough to actually notice it for 2 years.  We set the expectation that a 2 year duration comes with full correction.

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

The number of Sculptra vials injected to achieve optimal results needs to be individualized. Some patients will be satisfied with 3 vials whereas, others may require 6-8 treatments to achieve optimal results.

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a wonderful filler. The younger you are, the less product you need. The older you are, the more product you need. I would worry less about the duration of the result as opposed to getting the right shape and contour. Then you and your physician could decide on maintenance treatments to maintain the result.

Longevity of Results Affected by Number of Sculptra Injections?

Answers (14)

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