Is It Pretty Standard for 40 Year Olds to Spend $3,000 for the First Year of Sculptra Treatments?

Although you may be making a big investment in Sculptra, I believe
Sculptra is one of the best long-term volumizers as it stimulates
collagen and this newly formed collagen can last for years before
breaking down. That doesn't mean that you won't lose volume in your
face during this time, because the aging process hasn't stopped. The
cost really is driven by how much you need. Someone in their 20-30s may
only need a vial or two and spend 800-1600 in our practice. I would
consider adding a vial or two for every decade of life thereafter in
subsequent treatments. Sculptra works well for perimeter volumizing and
for softening any asymmetry that we may have in our face.

Sculptra aesthetic treatment often involves three in-office treatment sessions to replace lost facial volume. I don't think that the number of vials injected (three) is unusual. Obviously this will vary depending on how much volume has been lost and how widespread the lost volume is. WIth that said, $1000 per vial is on the expensive side but this also varies by market. I agree with the range quoted by Dr. Oppenheim. This is more reasonable for the two markets that I have practiced in. Find an experienced injector that is comfortable with the product. Sculptra is very safe in the hands of an experienced injector.
Thank you for your question.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

The cost of Sculptra varies based on the number of vials injected.  The price of the vial may vary from State based on the market and the experience of the injector.  Most patients need a series of two or three injections spaced 6 weeks apart.  Depending on how much volume you need to correct that can be one or two vials the first visit followed by usually one vial during the second visit.  The volume needed to correct the area is really the factor that changes the cost.  If you only need one vial then it is much less expensive than two vials (which generally cost $1,000 each).  The most important reminder is to find a board certified experienced Dermatologist with a lot of experience in cosmetic dermatology and facial injections.

The cost of treatment depends on the number of vials used. That number is generally determined by the goals and amount you plan or want to spend. Sometimes those two things do not mesh. In general, the first treatment could use several vials. Additional treatments use the same or less, again depending on the degree of correction desired and the amount one is willing to spend. Since Sculptra is a volumizer as opposed to fillers, there is a delayed gratification with higher up front cost for a longer result.

I am a trainer for Sculptra, I educate every patient about the three layers of aging in the face starting at the age of 30.  Not everyone loses volume in the same way (not all layers age the same in different people).


Metalloproteinases begin to degrade the collagen in the skin layer

The nine fat pads below the surface of the skin of the face begin to atrophy and descend with age

The facial bones (skull and jaw) lose bone which is most significant around the mouth.


Sculptra does an excellent job replacing the volume loss occurring in all three layers. A simple study of your photos can determine how you are aging. Correction with Sculptra can be around the mouth, cheeks & mid-face and temples. The more areas of treatment, the better overall improvement. All considered, Sculptra is a very good value compared with other Injectable treatments, given its scope of correction.