Am I a good candidate for Sculptra at 23? (Photo)

Question

Hi, my hollow cheeks are my biggest insecurity. I recently spoke to my injector and was wanting to get filler in my cheeks to have a more rounder and youthful look or at least look my age instead of being assumed older. She advised against it and suggested Sculptra instead but she also mentioned I'm quite young for it. I've never really had full cheeks but the last couple years they have been looking even more sunken in. Would Sculptra help? If not, any other suggestions?

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; Sculptra is a PLAA filler; which contains for Polylactic Acid; as a powder form and used by diluting. Its preparation and usage; are not like other dermal fillers. It both requires for experience and attention. Essentially, it creates for an affect by increasing collagen production in the dermal layer. Results begin to emerge; for the 1st month; after implementation. It is not used on the lips. Either injected into the deep plan; on the bone for increasing volume in empty cheeks or injected into the subdermal plan to tighten the skin in loose cheeks. If you desire for tightening of the skin and a slight increase in volume; you will be pretty happy with the relevant results.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Sculptra is typically FDA-approved and recommended for use in patients aged 18 and older. It is generally considered safe for individuals in their early 20s, provided they have concerns related to facial volume loss or want to enhance facial contours. It is a great product and I use it all the time on my patients. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Choosing the right treatment for hollow cheeks can depend on various factors, including your age, skin condition, and personal aesthetic goals. Here is some information to help you understand whether Sculptra might be a good option for you and what other alternatives you might consider:

### Understanding Sculptra

**Sculptra** is a poly-L-lactic acid injectable that works by stimulating collagen production in the skin. It is often used for facial volume loss and can provide a more natural, gradual improvement compared to traditional hyaluronic acid fillers. It typically requires multiple sessions, with results appearing over several months and lasting up to two years or more.

### Considerations for Sculptra at Age 23

1. **Collagen Stimulation**: Sculptra is designed to stimulate collagen production, which might be beneficial if your hollow cheeks are due to a lack of underlying support rather than just volume loss.
   
2. **Long-Term Results**: Because Sculptra works over time, it might not provide the immediate results that hyaluronic acid fillers do. However, the results can be longer-lasting and more natural-looking.

3. **Age Factor**: While Sculptra is generally used in older patients or those with significant volume loss, it can be used in younger patients if deemed appropriate by a qualified injector. Your injector’s concern about your age might be due to the fact that younger skin typically has a better natural ability to produce collagen.

### Alternative Options

1. **Hyaluronic Acid Fillers**: These are the most common fillers used to add immediate volume to the cheeks. Brands like Juvederm or Restylane can provide instant results and are reversible if needed.

2. **Fat Transfer**: This procedure involves harvesting fat from another part of your body and injecting it into your cheeks. It can provide a more permanent solution but involves a more invasive procedure.

3. **Non-Invasive Treatments**: Procedures like radiofrequency or ultrasound-based skin tightening (e.g., Thermage, Ultherapy) can help stimulate collagen production without injections.

4. **Skincare and Lifestyle**: Ensuring a good skincare routine, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet can also support skin health and potentially improve the appearance of your cheeks.

### Consultation with Your Injector

Discuss the following with your injector:

1. **Desired Results**: Clearly communicate your aesthetic goals and concerns about looking older than your age.
   
2. **Treatment Plan**: Ask for a detailed explanation of why Sculptra was recommended over other fillers and what the expected timeline and results are.

3. **Alternative Options**: Inquire about other potential treatments and their pros and cons.

4. **Safety and Suitability**: Ensure that any treatment plan is safe and suitable for your specific skin type and condition.

### Final Advice

Given your age and concern about hollow cheeks, it’s essential to balance the need for immediate improvement with long-term skin health. While Sculptra might be a good option, it’s important to weigh it against other less invasive and reversible treatments like hyaluronic acid fillers. A thorough discussion with your injector, considering all factors, will help you make the best decision for your aesthetic and health goals.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The fact that you have flatness or lack of volume in the lower eyelid and inner portion of the cheek is simply a hereditary function that comes from your father side of the family. I would never recommend putting Sculptra Anywhere near the eyelids. Your best way to correct this problem once and for all is to have Fat Grafting done to this area. Find a plastic surgeon who specializes in fat graphic, or fat transfer techniques. In the right hands The results should be permanent and absolutely natural and beautiful as you would wish them to be. Prior to surgery or fat transfer make sure you express exactly what it is that you like to achieve. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman MD, organic Plastic Surgery.

Am I a good candidate for Sculptra at 23? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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