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

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!

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!