Do Sculptra Injections Work for a Deep Facial Scar

Depressed scars are often bound down and need to be loosened from their underlying attachement prior to being lifted by using a technique called subcision. The filler can be Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse, fat injections, or the volumizer, Sculptra. Sculptra, however, doesn't work as well for focal precise areas. It is dissolved in water and anesthetic so the particles are loose within the liquid being injected and may not stay exactly where the doctor wants.  The other fillers mentioned might be better for this purpose. Furthermore, you will get an immediate result with Perlane, Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm but you will have to wait for the Sculptra to create new collagen and it is often a series of treatments.

Hi cosmetic,

Depressed or indented scars can be improved by various techniques. The scar may be revised with plastic surgery to remove or reposition the scar. Volume can be added to the skin with fat grafting to plump the depressed or indented areas. Volume enhancement with Sculptra might help, but it's not the first option for scar treatment. As plastic surgeons have already stated, scars can never be completely eliminated. Speak with a plastic surgeon to help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

Acne scar revision does require in person examination under appropriate lighting. Short of that, fillers using Radiesse or Sculptra may be helpful to bring about volume restoration for the very deep depressed acne scarring. Radiesse may offer quicker gratification whereas Sculptra can be used as a long-term project to induce volume replenishment in that general area. Additional consideration of scar subcision and laser resurfacing may be warranted as well.

Sculptra might help with depressed scar but scar revision will likely be required for improvement. The issue with depressed and widened scars is more complicated than simple divot or loss of volume. Often, excising the scar, removing tension on the skin edges and meticulously closing the new wound is required for improvement. The downside to this approach is that you replace an unsightly mature scar with an unsightly new wound but in the end the scar will, in many cases, look better.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

I doubt sculptra will be helpful in your case. It is associated with many problems when injected too close to the surface while it is quite safe when injected deeper. Without a photo or face to face examination it is impossible to know what modality of treatment would be best in your case.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Radiesse or a hyaluronic acid filler works better for depressed scars than Sculptra. In addition, subcision of the scar may be needed in addition to the filler.

A photo would be very helpful in this case.

Sculptra is not likely to be an effective treatment for a deep scar. Sculptra is injected deeper, beneath the skin, and will generate volume to create a much better lifting effect for sagging skin but is not usually the best treatment for scars in the skin. I typically use Juvederm or Restylane to treat scars as often, by plumping up the skin with hyaluronic acid, the scar can be significantly improved. Juvederm and Restylane are injected more superficially, being injected in the skin, rather than beneath it as with Sculptra. A careful evaluation by a physician is your next step.