Can Sculptra create fullness into areas that haven't been injected? Does it travel? Can I continue the treatment w/ another PS?

Question

After my first injection, I noticed some fullness in my lower face, but it was injected on cheeks only. Had 1 vial so far,but for a series of reasons (very bad reviews, bad attitude, office uncleanness, etc),I don’t want to return to the same PS. I'd like to continue the 2nd course of injection with a more experienced PS when the six weeks interim is over? How do you guys feel about seeing someone who had the 1st course of Sculptra done by another doctor?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is very important that you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon, so if this is not the case, then you can continue your Sculptra injections with another plastic surgeon.  I would make sure you see how experienced they are with Sculptra.  I am a trainer for Sculptra and there are a wide range of experience with Sculptra out there.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Sculptra is what we call a “biostimulatory” filler in that its main capability is to stimulate a collagen response in the skin which then fills in the treated areas over time.  It is prepared as a liquid suspension and so although it doesn’t necessarily “travel”, it does spread from the site of injection via simple diffusion.  There is no problem seeing another doctor to continue your treatments as long as that doctor is an experienced Sculptra user.  Also, it’s usually best to bring your old medical records with you so that your new doctor has all the information he or she needs.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When Sculptra is injected to treat a patient, it should be injected directly into the areas that need to be filled.  It is possible, however, to have some temporary fullness in areas below the treated area due to swelling from the treatment.  This does not mean that any filling effect would occur in these areas though.  In regards to having your second treatment done by another physician, this should not be a problem.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear
FrenchGarcon:

If you consider surgical lifts and most filler
injections as a mechanical means to rejuvenate the face, then Botox, retinoids
and Sculptra are the next contemporary evolution in physiologic
stimulation to "reversing the aging clock". These 3 medications work
at a cellular level to signal or block messages in the cell.

In particular, Sculptra is found to stimulate
cellular "awakening" and turning on the machinery that rejuvenates,
repairs and creates cell turnover and structural protein production.

The techniques in Sculptra injection and its
understanding are evolving so a well informed Board Certified Plastic Surgeon,
Dermatologist or ENT Facial Surgeon dedicated to the use of this product is
best to consult with.

It is my observation and impression that
Sculptra does not volumize or add quantity per se. It does stimulate senescent
dermal and epidermal cell turnover to a more organized and rejuvenated cell
growth. With this, it stimulates collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other
structural proteins to firm, thicken and resist lines and wrinkles. The
epidermis will also shed its sallow and scaly top layer providing a more
youthful appearance.

This is a non-surgical but injectable procedure
and requires multiple sessions and proper follow-up evaluation for appropriate
care. Sculptra is a suspension which must be massaged diligently so as to
not coalesce where it may form a nodule.

I combine Sculptra with non-invasive
stimulation to continue the controlled-inflammatory production of collagen,
other structural molecule production and cell turn-over. These options include
a combination of:

retinoids using the
ZO Obagi Skin Healthcare regimens

ClearLift laser for
dermal stimulation

Pixel or Fraxel laser
epidermal exfolliation

IPL for reduction of
pigmented blemishes.

Following any injury to the skin, a
inflammatory response will peak collagen production at about 3 months. For this
reason, I recommend continued skin stimulation daily with ZO and quarterly skin
stimulation with peels or continued laser-light services.

Please consider a second opinion with a very
experienced Sculptra injector who understands the process and may assist in
reversing any nodule formation should it occur. This is a advanced technique.
Look for the best! Good luck!

Stephanie Gardner, MD · Answer

I routinely evaluate and subsequently perform more filer injections for patients who have previously had filler. Six weeks is the minimum amount of time I like to perform subsequent treatment- clinically we see new collagen formation up to 8 weeks after a Sculptra treatment. Scultptra is one of my favorite fillers to inject- it is smooth, easy to inject, can go almost anywhere and is long acting. It improves the quality and texture of your skin as an added bonus!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There shouldn't be any migration of the product. I have treated many people with Sculptra that have been treated elsewhere. My usual patient gets about 4-5 vials, so your are just getting started.

Can Sculptra create fullness into areas that haven't been injected? Does it travel? Can I continue the treatment w/ another PS?

Answers (6)

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