Better to Start with One Vial of Sculptra?

Question

I'm considering Sculptra. My dermatologist recommended 2 vials for the first treatment.  My face is thin but I don't want to over do it, is it better to start with one vial?

Anil Rajani, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The best amount to start with is two. You can always leave it at that or build from there depending on what your personal goal is. The first dose (usually on patients over 30) I like to refer to as the 'skin tightening dose.' This dose helps prevent sagging and gives your skin a radiant and healthy glow. The second dose, I like to refer to as the 'volume' dose. This dose gives you added volume in specific areas of concern where the face has lost volume or needs to be restored or enhanced. The results from the second dose are nice and gradual, giving you a beautiful and natural result to build on if you choose to. After the second dose, some patients achieve the amount of volume they desire while others require more than three. Everyone is unique and has different concerns to address depending on their facial construct, lifestyle, age and many other variables. I agree with your dermatologist in starting with two and from there checking back in for a followup to determine if you would like to add to your results. I hope this answer was helpful. For more information regarding this question, please view my video below. Best of luck to you!

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Many patients will do well with more than one vial of Sculptra per treatment session, but it is perfectly acceptable to start with one vial at the first treatment. The important thing to remember is that the results will be less than using two vials, and it is unlikely that you will see significant results with only one vial before most injectors recommend proceeding to the next session (4-6 weeks later). 
With Sculptra, patients have to be patient but committed to the process. Doing only one vial and then waiting to see the full results before deciding to proceed with more would not be a good approach, as it takes a full 3-6 months to see the results, and by that point, patients should already have proceeded with multiple treatment sessions. If only one vial is used every 6 months or so, patients are unlikely to see a significant change.
All the best,

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Depending on your goals and budget, you can start with one or two vials.  If your goal is to achieve a certain degree of volumizing with a few months, then I would recommend starting with two vials and then switching to one vial at a time as you are closer to your goals.  If you want really gradual results or your budget only allows for one vial at a time, you can do just that.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is more important to have a well diluted  (10ml) vial of Sculptra than the number of vials.
Even 2 vials can be safely administered.
Regards

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that one vial will overdo it. Scultpra typically requires more than one treatment so it is inevitable that you will get more than 1 vial.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are concerned that your face is thin then there is nothing wrong with starting with 1 vial of Sculptra.  I often use just one vial, especially since it is the first time.  You cannot correct Sculptra if too much product is injected so go with your instincts and take time and see the results in 4 to 6 weeks.  You can always have more product injected.  I believe in being conservative for the best cosmetic results.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

I have been doing Sculptra a long time, and have never had a patient need less than two vials. Most need 3-6, depending on their age, their immune response to the PLLA, and the severity of their photoaging. Even so, I often do one vial at a time, especially in patients under 40. For those over 50, I usually start with two vials. It is always easier to add than subtract with fillers and neuromodulators. I'd go with your doctor's recommendation. After all she/he knows your full case the best.

Chad L. Prather, MD · Answer

It's common in the first injection, but it's okay to take it slow as well if you're more comfortable with that.  1-2 vials is typically used in the first injection session. Immediate effects from these injections disappear in a day or two after the swelling goes down.  The second injection session is usually 6-8 weeks later.  You will likely not begin to see the results of Sculptra until after the 2nd session.
Having only one vial in the first treatment session will mean that you're a bit slower getting to the results, but it's perfectly okay to do that if you're more comfortable with it. It really depends on which areas, how many areas, and how much you would like treated.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I would recommend to follow the injectors determination of what you need. But if you are concerned, go see other injectors to get their opinions. Regards.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

I fully understand your concern of not "over doing it".
As long as you understand that using one vial may be insufficient for the effect you want, there is NO reason why you should not have the Sculptra administered in 2 stages to allow you to see the intermediate result. Your Dermatologist should not have a problem with this approach.

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