Should I get Sculptra or fat grafting?

Question

I'm 31 years old and I have always had a very thin face. It looks sucked in and I see hollows. It real y bothers me. I went with 2 different people and one said they would do 1 injection of sculptra, then I went somewhere else and he told me not to do sculptra because it could be permanent and I might not like it. He wouldn't do it. I don't think I'll ever be happy while I have a sunken, flat face. I either want to do sculptra or fat grafting. What one do you recommend I do? Please help!

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Sculptra, Voluma, Vollure, or fat grafting could all fill in the hollow areas of your face quite beautifully. Sculptra lasts up to two years; it is by no means permanent. It works by stimulating your own skin to produce more collagen, so it’s actually quite good for your skin. Usually 2 or 3 sessions are needed for full correction and yearly maintenance treatments can maintain the fuller look. I like the slow gradual correction of Sculptra, so you can stop treatment when the fullness you like is achieved. Vollure has a lovely, soft texture, but it doesn’t last as long. The effects show immediately so you enjoy results right away. This is the easiest option, but shorter lasting than the others. Fat grafts usually last about three years, but this depends on the skill of your dermatologist, the preparation of the fat and your body’s metabolism. If you are thin, having enough extra fat to transfer is sometimes hard to find. Fat transfer is often the best solution if lots of volume is required because it is actually economical. Please find a board-certified dermatologist who can examine you and spend some time with you going over your options so you make a choice that feels right for you. What I may suggest is starting with something shorter lasting and easy, such as Vollure. You can make sure you like the look before investing in longer duration but more expensive options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Either are good for improving facial volume. Keep in mind, fat transfer technique is important for successful fat transfer. I recommend water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. I also combine with Sculptra to improve final results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As Sculptra is a polylactic acid it helps stimulate collagen production and is great for facial volume loss and typically results last 5-7 years. Sculptra is typically performed in a series of 2-3 treatment spaced 4-8 weeks apart and results can last 5-7 years. Touch ups may be necessary because of natural aging. I recommend having a consultation with an expert injector to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Lisa Airan, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a great option for restoring volume if you’d prefer not to undergo surgery. The greatest thing about Sculptra is that it produces a natural looking result because it is your own tissue. Sculptra works by stimulating your body’s fibroblasts to produce collagen. Depending on the degree of volume loss will determine how many treatments of Sculptra you will need. It is best to evaluate your body’s response 4 weeks after to see if you will need additional treatments to achieve your desired volume. Before choosing Sculptra, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the best options for you.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting your pictures. Either Sculptra Aesthetic or micronized fat transfer would be good options for restoring facial volume. Sculptra is usually performed as a series of 2-3 sets of injections spaced 4-8 weeks apart. The results gradually develop over time and are long lasting. Sculptra is a bio-stimulator in that it promotes the production of new collagen formation. New collagen can last 5-7 years, however ongoing collagen loss usually results in additional treatments every 2-4 years as needed.Micronized fat (ALMI) is accomplished by harvesting a small volume of your fat and passing it through a series of filters to remove the mature fat cells and micronizing the fat. Micronized fat is rich in regenerative cells such as stem cells and can be injected with a small gauge cannula similar to a dermal filler. The micronized fat is combined with PRP during the injection process which provides growth factors to stimulate the regenerative cells. The results should be long lasting, 3-5 years or more.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

You are the perfect candidate for Sculptra for the face. I love Sculptra since you can inject in into almost every area of the face and have a natural looking result. It is the only product that gradually produces your own collagen and has fabulous results.  Best, Dr. Green

Should I get Sculptra or fat grafting?

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