Will Sculptra or other collagen-boosting procedures work for fat loss if I have lupus?

Question

I’m 37 and have fat loss in the bottom half of my face. I’d like to fill in the area with collagen boosters like Sculptra, or get a fibroblast plasma pen treatment to tighten up the skin. Microneedling didn’t work at all on me. It made no difference. Will these other two procedures not be likely to stimulate collagen in me bc of Lupus, and lack of any improvement with Microneedling?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's important to note that lupus can affect the skin's ability to heal and regenerate, and it can also cause inflammation in the body, which can impact the effectiveness of certain cosmetic procedures. Additionally, individual responses to cosmetic treatments can vary widely, and there are many factors that can impact the effectiveness of a treatment, including age, skin type, and overall health.

Regarding Sculptra, this treatment is a type of injectable that stimulates collagen production in the skin. While it is generally safe for most people, it is important to discuss your lupus diagnosis with your healthcare provider to determine if Sculptra is appropriate for you. It may be necessary to adjust the treatment plan or avoid certain procedures altogether to minimize the risk of complications.

Regarding the fibroblast plasma pen treatment, this treatment uses a device that delivers heat to the skin to stimulate collagen production. While it is a non-surgical option, it can still be quite aggressive and may not be suitable for all patients. Additionally, patients with lupus may need to exercise extra caution when considering any procedure that involves heat, as it can potentially exacerbate symptoms of the condition.

Regarding the lack of improvement with microneedling, it's possible that the treatment was not performed correctly or that the device used was not appropriate for your skin type. It's also possible that other factors, such as lifestyle habits or underlying medical conditions, may have impacted the results. It may be worth discussing your concerns with a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you.

Best of luck !

Kristen B. Williams, MD, MPH · Answer

If you have fat loss, look for an injector trained in Renuva which is an acellular fat matrix and will support your own fat growth into the injected area. Results last 10+ years. 
Sculptra is a great product but it doesn’t sound like the choice for you in this situation. I do not recommend fibroblast pen treatment as their results are highly unpredictable. If you need skin tightening you should look into Endolift which is much more reliable.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there,

When you have an auto immune disorder it is NOT recommended to use Sculptra or Radiesse and better to use an HA product. See a Dermatologist to discuss which treatment is best for you.

Best of luck!

Will Sculptra or other collagen-boosting procedures work for fat loss if I have lupus?

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Will Sculptra or other collagen-boosting procedures work for fat loss if I have lupus?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.