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

I don't think there is a minimum number of syringes of any substance that are truly necessary.  My patient population, in Queens, NY is financially conscious, and rightfully so in this economy.  Some patients who have historically used two syringes of Restylane or Radiesse per session have cut back to one for economic reasons.   Treatment can be tailored to an individual's pocketbook but it's important to take the time to explain just how far a syringe will go and let the patient make the decision as to which areas trouble them most.  Very few of my patients are comfortable spending $3000 on filler within one year.  At that rate, they are more inclined to use less product now and to save up for facial rejuvenation surgery which has a much longer life expectancy than any filler currently on the market.