Sculptra results uneven. Is it possible each side of my face will show results at different times?

Question

I'm 42 years old and had 2 vials of sculptra injected in my cheeks, hollow, temples and lower face in January. I went back to my doctor 6 weeks later and he injected another 2 vials, for a total of 4 vials. It is now exactly 4 weeks after my last treatment and one side of my face is noticeably fuller than the other. My question is, is it possible that the less full side will fill out at a different time and "catch up" to the fuller side? My doctor is a board certified dermatologist.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

All of our faces have asymmetries or differences between the two sides. Often patients do not begin to study their face until after a treatment. I would encourage you to go back and discuss your concerns with your injector. It may be that you simply need more on the one side.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

the answer is yes and no.  to get the best results from sculptra you need to continue treatments.  if you notice one side is less than another you touch up that side that needs it or use other fillers to do so as well.  sculptra builds over time and once you get to correct that you like you maintain that a few times a year.  we combine with skin tightening procedures like thermage/ultherapy to stimulate the sculptra to work more.  I suggest you see an expert in combination results.  Dr. Emer.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi NSS.  It's still possible that there may be some change, but it's more likely that any changes will occur on both sides simultaneously such that asymmetry may persist.  If the cheeks are not too full, you may consider using a traditional filler to even things out.To see an example of an asymmetrical facial structure that we fixed with Restylane Lyft and Sculptra, click on the link below.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Most people do not have completely symmetric faces, so it is not uncommon for one side of the face to be fuller than the other prior to any treatment.  I am not certain if this is the case with you, but you could examine photos of you before the treatment to see.  In people that do have one side that is fuller than the other, Sculptra treatments can normally be tailored to help even out the sides.  I would discuss your concern with the physician who treated you, as this most likely could be done with future treatments.  In regards to one side filling out at a different rate than the other, this is not something that I have observed.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The most likely scenario is your facial structure was uneven before injection and that the enhancement has enabled you to visualize it. Hopefully, pre injection photos were taken. If so, post injection photos should be taken for comparison. A less likely scenario is uneven distribution of product.  There will likely not be any 'catch up', however. Best of luck!

Sculptra results uneven. Is it possible each side of my face will show results at different times?

Answers (8)