Can Sculptra last forever? How long does it take for the collagen to die? Does it feel similar to fat?

Question

Sad story, I had botched lipo on my outer thighs. I've had 4 revision fat graft surgeries & I'm out of fat. My doctor told me Sculptra would last forever &that the company has to put 2years because it was only studied for 2years. He said after the product dissolves you are left with collagen for life, but no one else seems to be saying the same thing. I trust my surgeon. How long does it really last? Does the collagen feel like fat? I don't want to have to get Scupltra for the rest of my life.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

It lasts at least two years and, yes, the studies were stopped at 2 years and the Sculptra was still going strong. However, no one knows how long it really lasts and I tell my patients they need maintenance over time to maintain their results. In my experience, nothing lasts forever, but Sculptra is great in the long run and low risk. Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

I’m sorry that you’ve had so much trouble getting the improved figure you desire. Nothing lasts forever, including our own fat, collagen and elastin. We lose all of these as we age. Sculptra is an excellent dermal filler to use in the buttocks and outer thighs because it is quite long lasting —about 2 to 3 years. However, in clinical studies I’ve reviewed and patients I’ve treated, I’ve never seen it last “forever”.
Because Sculptra works by stimulating the production of new collagen, you can get a really nice improvement that will look beautiful for quite some time. However, it may take many vials to obtain the level of improvement you want. I also recommend touch ups (not a full treatment) every year or two to keep the collagen in production. Collagen feels very soft and natural, much like fat. Please find a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at body contouring with Sculptra, as this is a highly advanced procedure.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Sculptra is thought to last for 2 years and at times can appear to last longer but it is by no means permanent. I would seek out an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion on the best treatment options for your hips.  Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Sculptra lasts for two years, at full correction. Sculptra can improve the buttocks. The buttocks need numerous vials of Sculptra over time to build volume, and in some instances the results are subtle and will need to be combined with fat or implants to achieve desired results. Cost will vary. I recommend seeing a body shaping expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mohammed F. Ahmad, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question
Sculptra is FDA approved to last atleast for 25 months, and it can last much longer than that. We all have ongoing collagen loss as we age hence most patients will need additional "Booster shots" of Sculptra at some point in the future.

Sarah B. Sawyer, MD · Answer

Although Sculptra has been proven to be in the tissue for many years, I think your doctor is in a small minority of cosmetic physicians who believes it is permanent.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The FDA clearance for Sculptra Aesthetic is 2 years. However, we know that new collagen formation lasts from 5 to 7 years. We all have ongoing collagen loss as we age hence most patients will need additional Sculptra at some point in the future. In situations such as yours, I have used the combination of Sculptra and Bellafill to give a longer lasting, if not permanent, effect.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Sculptra lasts approximately two years before a patient needs more product once full correction is achieved. Sculptra is not FDA approved to be injected into the buttocks or any other area off of the face.  Please consult an expert in Sculptra for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi gonetofar,I'd like to think that Sculptra lasts forever. However, although that is not true, it does last over two years. Its presence accelerates collagen growth. Thing is when collagen growth slows down over time, nature will take its course and slowly return to its former state. This is the reason why Sculptra is injected again.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

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