Sculptra for Acne Scars

Question

I have used others fillers for my severe acne scars, but want something more long term. I've already had dermabrasion, laser, and fat injections. Can Skulptra be used to fill my acne scars?

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have volume loss under the acne scarred skin, Sculptra can help to restore volume. I generally inject Sculptra with a 25 gauge needle. This size needle, makes it difficult to inject into the supporting layer of the skin. By contrast when we inject hyaluronmic acid fillers under the acne scar, we use a smaller 30 gauge needle.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Sculptra could be helpful for improving acne scars in select patients. Any filler that improves the contour of the skin by stretching it may give the same result. I will often recommend some form of resurfacing with an Erb:Yag laser, fractional CO2 laser, dermabrasion, or chemical peel in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers to specific scars. In some cases, scar excision and grafting can also be helpful.
A facial plastic surgeon is likely to be your best starting point to discuss all of these options in detail and formulate a specific treatment plan.
All the best,

William Ting, MD · Answer

Optimal acne scar revision must be customized based on individual needs and priorities. Loss of volume along cheeks, i.e. sunken cheeks accentuate existing acne scarring. Sculptra can be quite helpful to diminish appearance of acne scarring by stretching the skin. In addition, meticulous and vigorous massaging immediately after the Sculptra injection can facilitate collagen production around and within acne scarring. Ice-picked scarring should be punch excised. I have found performing Sculptra injection following Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing offers an additive benefit by further stimulating collagen production.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Sculptra can be used for acne scar improvement only if a diffuse cheek volume enhancement will help flatten the scars. If stretching the skin around the scars doesn't help lift them, then Sculpra won't give you the result you want.

Robert H. Cohen, MD · Answer

Kateanne Thank you for your question. Depending on the depth and severity of the acne scars, Sculptra may indeed provide good results. When done correctly, Sculptra stimulates collagen production in addition to providing volume to the area. You may need mutilple treatments for best results. I also recommend a series of microneedling with PRP. The combination can loosen scar tissue in deep acne scars and allow the PRP to soften the deep pits by naturally stimulating collagen. In more severe cases, I follow up this combination with a long lasting filler like Bellafill, which can last up to five years after a treatment program. I hope this helps. Have a wonderful day.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Acne scars can be very difficult to treat. Sculptra can be used. It will give similar results to what you've had with filler. It requires at least 3 sessions, results appearing at 6 months, and lasting 2-5 years.

Edward Szachowicz, MD, PhD · Answer

I have used Sculptra for acne and facial scarring with fairly good results. This involves injecting relatively small amounts of Sculptra into the base of the scars. You have to forgo the tendency to over-correct and have to have the patience to wait until the collagen stimulation is complete (usually 4-6 weeks) before re-treatment.

	I plan the treatment first using Sculptra for the acne scars and then I use the remaining Sculptra to create overall facial volumization during each treatment session. 

	I have also used Sculptra for acne scarring on the chest and back with better results than any other treatment to date.

	These treatments are not for the inexperienced injector. I have been injecting Sculptra for over 6 years.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is not used as a filler for acne scars but does stimulate collagen. And, when used by a very experienced physician, it can be very effective for treating acne scars. You can learn more about Sculptra at their website.

Eugene Mandrea, MD (retired) · Answer

Sculptra, alone, helps acne scars only in an indirect way: By volumizing the skin (cheeks, temples, chin) the scars are less noticeable.

	However, Sculptra can help in other ways:

	For deep, rolled scars, we do subcision (to separate the skin from the subcutaneous fat adhesions) followed by Sculptra injection.

	For large boxcar scars, we do punch elevation followed by Laser Resurfacing.

	For Ice Pick scars, we use the CROS technique (Chemical Reduction of Scars) with a pointed tip dipped into 100% Trichloracetic Acid. (This requires a VERY experienced operator).

	For most cases of Acne Scars, we use the Fractional Laser Resurfacing, and for severe cases we use the Traditional Laser Resurfacing.

	Make sure that you are being treated by an experienced, Board Certified Dermatologist or PLastic Surgeon

Nathan Mayl, MD (retired) · Answer

Sculptra is better for rebuilding deeper contours and we do not use it alone for acne scars.

	Our preference for really deep scars is punch excision -Mixto deep laser-meticulous suture closure all done at the same time. 

	We have not found anything better for "ice-pick" acne scars, but not everyone is a candidate for it if they still have active acne or have a dark complexion.

Sculptra for Acne Scars

Answers (10)

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