How Many Sculptra Treatments and How Often Usually Needed for Thin Cheeks?

Thank you for your question. The usual dose is one vial per decade of life.  Sometimes, more is needed as this is just a general guideline, and for some, less yields great results.  Everyone is different and this is a slower process, but with the chance of longer lasting results. I hope this helps!

Each patient is very unique. Sculptra helps to stimulate collagen production 2-6 months after injection, therefore after a one on one consultation we will decide how to approach your cheeks that you feel are hollowing. Often times I can reduce the number of vials needed by having the patient start an aggressive skincare regimen so that your skin looks better but more importantly your skin is actively turning over. This will work synergistic with the collagen growth under the skin from the Sculptra injections.

Patients typically will need a series of Sculptra treatments to achieve volume correction.  For pts who have low body fat, Sculptra can be a great option to restore volume.

For significantly thin/hollow cheeks, often 2 vials of Sculptra will be necessary for the initial treatment to give your skin a little "jump" start to start produce new collagen.  You will certainly have a discernible difference, but probably not a "significant" one.  2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 results will give you noticeable and significant volume enhancement.  One of the big advantages of Sculptra is that the volume gain is gradual, so people around you will have a hard time figuring out how you are looking younger with fuller cheeks.  

Although I love Sculptra as a facial volumizer, it requires a different mindset than the average filler in terms of expectations. One of the most critical aspects about this product (L-poly Lactic Acid) is patient education and understanding the product.  Most patient require 2-3 treatment sessions spaced by 4 weeks, which generally correlates with 4-6 vials.  In circumstances of severe volume loss, this may require additional treatment sessions.  The degree of correction after the 1st treatment session will disappoint the uneducated patient.  Most patients see appreciable results 4-6 weeks after the 2nd or 3rd treatment.  Sculptra requires more finesse and knowledge of facial anatomy than standard fillers, so choose your injector wisely.

Hi Dalila.  A quick rule of thumb for good Sculptra candidates is that they would have 1 vial for each decade of age.  This means a patient in her 40's might have 5 and in her 50's may have 6.  These are usually injected in the first 6 months of the program.  After the full effects are achieved (6 months - 1 year), we would usually have patients maintain the results with 1-2 vials per year.  

Sculptra treatments are individualized for each patient, so some patients may need more Sculptra and more treatments than others.  Because Sculptra is a stimulatory agent, it requires multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired result.  I would say in most cases, there is not going to be much of a noticeable difference after the first treatment.  

This really depends, but if there is a moderate amount of facial atrophy in the cheeks or buccal hollows, I usually start with 2 vials and then do another 1-2 vials about 6  weeks later.  It really depends on how well you respond or stimulate the product.  Some patients are so happy with the results and like the look that they want another vial or 2 around a year or so.  I call this a "booster".

Although a thin faced person may get more modest results with Sculptra, it is often the best option, if there is no fatty body tissue to transfer.  I have found that thin patients often need a larger number of treatments as well, and get satisfaction with the procedure and are pleased with their results.

Typically you will need 3 to 4 treatments with the first 3 treatments being 4-6 weeks apart (on average) and the 4th being 3 to 6 months after the 3rd treatment. 

Dr. Grant Stevens         Marina Plastic Surgery Associates            Marina del Rey, CA The Institute