Would Sculptra be appropriate after weight loss?

Question

I am in my 20s and losing weight. I started at 170lbs. I am now 150. My goal weight is 130. At my heaviest, my face wasn't very fat. I am now noticing smile lines and asymmetry. I think I have a naturally thin face. I think this will get worse as I lose more weight. I plan to give my skin a chance to tighten up for a year after I've reached a stable weight, but I would get filters if it isn't much better after that. I am interested in Sculptra as it is gradual and long lasting. Would this be appropriate?

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. Sculptra can be a great option for you once your weight stabilizes. Sculptra will help you grow collagen, which will increase the fullness, help with the asymmetry, and tighten the skin. That being said you need to consult with a certified local technician who can give you a full consultation. They will be able to suggest a full treatment plan. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and congratulations on your weight loss.  Sculptra is an excellent way of gradually adding volume and contour to areas of a patient's face lost due to age or weight loss.  Sculptra stimulates your body's own mechanism of collagen formation to leave you with a noticeable, natural improvement.  Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to maximize your results.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Sculptra can be used to add volume to the face and does normally require a series of treatments to produce gradual results.  From your written description, it sounds as though Sculptra may be a good option for you after your weight loss, but an examination or photographs of you would be needed to determine if you might be a good candidate for the treatment.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

When I see young women who have naturally thin faces, or have weight loss of some significance, Sculptra is usually my first choice. When properly injected in a series of 3 sessions, the result is natural and gradual and never gives a bulky look. Young patients often get the best results because there skin produced the collagen at a better rate than older patients. I recommend a collagen stimulating topical to enhance the process. Provoque is my current favorite.

Kevin Cavanaugh, MD · Answer

Hi Sea_Witch,

Thank you for this excellent question. Sculptra injections can offer an excellent means to restore volume to the face after weight loss with very natural appearing results. As you know, Sculptra is unique among the dermal fillers in that it slowly induces collagen formation / stimulation over time via micro-particles of poly-L-lactic acid in areas of fine-lines and volume loss. On average, a series of a few injections are required over a several month period (depending on the person).  Once volume is restored, a person typically needs maintenance injections every year or so. In my experience, Sculptra lends itself quite well to patients who are in-shape athletes who have noted facial volume loss.  I hope you find this helpful!

Would Sculptra be appropriate after weight loss?

Answers (10)