Is Sculptra the Best Filler to Help Produce Your Own Collagen?

Sculptra is the only filler I would use for the face that stimulates the production of collagen.  The other fillers like Juvaderm, Restylane, or Radiesse gradually resolve completely over time without collagen production.  Sculptra can be used practically anywhere in the face and results after three treatments can last up to two years, at which touch-up procedures can be done.  The other procedure that can give long lasting effects is fat harvest and injection to the face.  Since your own fat is used, the process is completely natural.  Also as you build up the fat, some of it develops a blood supply and give a long term result.

Sculptra has one of the longest lasting effects of our dermal fillers. It's technically is not dermal filler but a collagen stimulator. Our body reacts to the sculptra particles by forming collagen. Because collagen has an extended half-life the results are very long-lasting. You often need two or more treatment sessions to obtain the desired results, but the results can last years.  People charge anywhere from $700-1,000 per vial.  As a general rule you need to budget ~2 vials for someone who is 40, and then another 2 vials for each decade of life afterwards.

For the production of your own collagen, Sculptra is the way to go.  There are also other treatment options to consider as well that will help restore volume loss, including fat grafting.

Our faces often have areas where there is a deficiency of tissue, either from heredity, trauma and/or aging.  With time we do lose fat, bone, skin thickness and the face can begin to sink in. This is particularly true of the lower 1/3 of the face near the mouth and jawline. (But it can occur anywhere.).  We have many good FDA approved injectable fillers to help soften these unwanted changes: Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane, Belotero and others. These typically are  "what you see is what you get" events.  There is some collagen buildup over time, especially with  Radiesse. But the "A-team" collagen builder is Sculptra. It is best injected in deeper areas and best avoided near the eyelids and in the lips. Sculptra slowly stimulates the sub-cutaneous tissue  to build collagen and the effects can last 18-24 months and a number of sessions are needed. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for Sculptra and it is more of a deferred gratification "journey",  not a single event.  The best 1st step is a consultation with a board-certified specialty appropriate physician who is experienced in administering Sculptra. Then weigh the pros and cons, including costs.  Good luck!

The best fillers for promoting collagen production are Sculptra and Radiesse. When working with Sculptra, it is important to be aware of the following:

1) You will need multiple treatments. 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 the areas addressed, the amount of volume loss, and the patient's individual goals.

2) The results will last much longer. Sculptra has the longest lasting affect of any filler.

Sculptra can be used to enhance the jawline, and can also be used to restore volume in the following hollow areas:

1) Temples
2) Cheeks
3) Chin

Cost will depend on how much of the product is necessary to obtain your desired result, and how many treatments you have. From here, I would recommend a consult with a qualified physician, as he/she will be able to assess your needs. Thanks and good luck!

You are correct that Sculptra works by stimulating collagen. Another options not mentioned by my colleagues is Radiesse. The results are not as robust as Sculptra in that they last 12-18 months rather than 2+ years. Like Sculptra, Radiesse cannot be used in the red part of the lip or the lower eyelid. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Sculptra is the only filler that produces a significant amount of collagen. It can last two to three years and does not disappear fast like other fillers, instead goes away slowly. The cost varies from $500 a vial to $1000 a vial depending on your geographical location. Do achieve optimum results you need around six vials over a period of months. It is not risk free and you must choose your doctor carefully.

Regards

Dr. J

Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

 

In the United States, there are currently two fillers that are approved for use as tissue stimulators.  One would be Sculptra, and this treatment would normally require several treatment sessions to get the desired result.  Once you have achieved this result, the appearance should last for two to four years.  The other tissue stimulator that is approved is Artefill.  This treatment would require a skin test first to make sure that there is no allergy to the product, and then if no reaction to the skin test, several sessions would be needed to achieve the full result.  This result would be permanent, although you would continue to age, so changes are still possible.  Both of these products could potentially be used along the jawline for enhancement.  

Sculptra is a fabulous injection to produce collagen and increase facial volume.  Sculptra is not a traditional filler. Sculptra enables your own body to gradually produce collagen and increase facial volume.  The results generally last about two years after full correction is achieved.  Sculptra can be used in various facial areas where there is lost volume.  It is most important to find a board certified dermatologist with a lot of experience in facial injections and cosmetic procedures.

Sculptra produces long lasting results by stimulating collagen production.  Other alternatives to consider is fat grafting.