Is Sculptra a Permanent Option for Acne Scars?

Question

I was told that Scultpra is a permanent option for acne scars because it helps the skin create alot of collagen. Does this effect last longer than 2 years? Also is there a less expensive filler that works just as well?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra treatment may be a good way to improve acne scars, but it is not a permanent treatment.  Typically, the results last 2-3 years.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars typically go through the entire thickness of the skin, and as such, tether the skin. Trying to get the tether to "release" by putting filler (any type, no matter how long it lasts) within (unlikely) or around it (more likely) simply puffs up the surrounding skin, making the scar more visible!

	Subcision or excision of the scar tether is the only wayt to effectively release the attachment, and then a pearl of living fat, HA filler (short term), or Sculptra (long term, but not permanent) can fill and help protrude the scar depression.

	Steroid injection can "unbundle" collagen fibers (scar) and provide improvement, but can also atrophy surrounding tissue, making a generalized depression that is another sort of problem! Not a fan (usually).

	Your best treatment for acne scars is a visit to your plastic surgeon for excision/subcision and treatment of the deep or most visible scars, followed by laser resurfacing. For more information about this click on the web reference link below. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Sculptra stimulates the production of new collagen, but that does not necessarily make it a good treatment for acne scars. 3-5 years is the maximum amount of time it would last when injected in the face. Treatment for acne scars is not straight forward. The size, location, depth of the scars, and your skin color are all factors in your treatment. For a superficial acne scar, it would be reasonable to try Sculptra. There are less expensive fillers that would work such as Restylane and Juvederm, but they would not last as long. Depending on the severity of the scar, a scar revision procedure may be necessary where the scar is excised. An examination would be necessary to provide you with the best advice. Thank you and good luck.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank
you for your question. Sculptra is used to restore facial volume lost. It not
used to reduce the appearance of scars. A better choice for scars is to use
hyaluronic acid filler. I recommend having a consultation with an expert to
determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Sculptra can definitely help correct acne scars but the effects will last up to two years.  If the acne scars are significant, you should consider Fraxel or Ematrix, depending on your skin type.  These two lasers can significantly and permanently remove acne scars.  Please find a board certified Dermatologist with experience in cosmetic procedures.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, an average of three injection sessions over a few months, can last up to two years. Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles, and folds, that appear with aging by replacing lost collagen. Therefore, Sculptra should work for acne scars, but not permanently. Best of luck.

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

Dont you just love it when people have opinions, but no personal expereince....

	Fillers are not for ice pick scars. I general they should be excised with a biopsy punch.

	Broad flat acne scars are will treated with subcision and filler. Absorbable fillers like hyluronic acids will work. They just dont last very long. The FDA says the manufacturer can not say the product lasts more than 2 years. If a physician such as myself have a different experience we are allowed to say so. I have patients who's sculptra has lasted over 5 years. How long do you own your car?

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is a product that is best used for restoration of facial volume lost because of aging or some other process.  It is not a good product for reducing the appearance of scars.  A hyaluronic acid filler would be a much better choice.

	When used for the right indication, Sculptra gives very nice results and lasts about 2 years.

Alexandra Chambers, MD, PhD · Answer

On average, Sculptra is effective about two years.  However, after that particles of polylactic acid are broken down by the bodies natural enzymes (glycolisis), and as collagen fibers break down naturally, the effect of Sculptra eventually wears off.

	For shallow rolled acne scars the effects are quite good, but for deeper "ice pick" scars, Sculptra is less effective, and repeat treatments are probably required.

	Radiesse is an alternative to Sculptra, and is less expensive.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a biostimulator which can be used to treat acne scarring.  It does work by generating new collagen deposition, however, Sculptra is not a permanent filler.  The results of Sculptra last approximately two years.

	Acne scarring is usually treated with a variety of methods.  Which method to use depends on the patient and the type and number of scars present. Each treatment method has its own benefits and potential side effects.

	Some treatments for acne scarring include:

	
		Dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid fillers, Radiesse and Sculptra.  Those work well when there are individual or few scars.  This may require subcision of the scars prior to treatment, if the scars are deep or bound down.
	
		Punch excision - again works well for few scars. 
	
		TCA Cross technique, which involves application of trichloroacetic acid to icepick scars.
	
		Fractional erbium laser resurfacing

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Is Sculptra a Permanent Option for Acne Scars?

Answers (11)

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