Why Does Sculptra Have a Low Rating in Realself?

Question

I'd like to have a bit more volume in my mid-face and buccal areas. While I'm considering fat grafting I think it's risky given the possible asymmetries/ variation in technique so I'm thinking of Sculptra. 1) Why does sculptra have only a 64% rating in real self? 2) What are the risks of sculptra? 3) Is it predictable compared to fat grafting? How can collagen formation be predictable? 4) How much does it cost per vial? Thanks.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

To really answer your question, you would have to review the patient experiences with the product. I do think that Sculptra works. I also think that it's safe when injected by an experienced injector with a solid sense of facial aesthetics. I have also revised many patients who were harmed by an inexperienced Sculptra injector. In my experience, people can be discouraged about Sculptra due to:The number of injections required per session and the resulting bruisingThe fact that they require 2-3 treatment sessions for the full correctionSculptra can take 3-4 months between initial treatment and final resultsCost which can range from $2500-4000Possibility of nodule formation if the product is used incorrectlyWith these caveats, I think that there are better options available. I am performing far fewer Sculptra treatments and more volumizing treatments with Voluma and Radiesse as well as other hyaluronic acid fillers. I do think that Sculptra works but there are trade-offs that need to be addressed prior to treatment. Sculptra is not for everybody but can be incredibly helpful for people with full face volume loss who are willing to tolerate the downtime, multiple treatments and expense of Sculptra treatment. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

We have found that Sculptra can add useful definition and volume to the face and is a good complement to other types of cosmetic treatments such as Fraxel, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and Ematrix skin tightening. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

When Sculptra first came out I was among the first to use it. However, I stopped several years ago for the following reasons. First, Sculptra is NOT a filler, and thus does not yield immediate results. In other words, there's no "Wow!" response right after treatment, which is so often the case following treatment with dedicated volumizing fillers. Sculptra functions exclusively as a biostimulatory agent, in other words it works by stimulating new, native collagen synthesis (neocollagenesis). Treatment with Sculptra is relatively expensive and optimal treatment usual consists of a series of treatment sessions (typically about three) spaced at several week intervals. Results, once finally achieved, typically last about two years.By contrast, volumizing agents, such as Radiesse and Voluma XC (which I would use in my Upper East Side Manhattan practice), give rise to immediate improvement, often after one treatment session and results tend to last up to two years. (In my Israel satellite facility where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers and volumizers are available, I would opt for Emervel Volume, Stylage XXL, and Teosyal Deep for nonsurgical cheek and temple augmentation). Moreover, it has also been discovered that volumizing fillers, such as Radiesse are indeed biostimulatory fillers that can promote neocollagenesis. As an aside, I also stopped autologous fat grafting quite a number of years ago, as well, once better and longer lasting off-the-shelf injectables, particularly the hyaluronic acid products that have little chance of allergenicity, became available. Fat grafting is relatively expensive, requires a separate procedure to harvest the fat, and despite the contention and the promise that the results were permanent, fat graft survival often didn't realize the promise. In addition, grafted fat retains the properties of the sites from which is taken (e.g.abdomen, buttocks), and thus, whatever fat does survive retains the tendency to put on weight with time, which may ultimately result in a less than optimal result with the passage of time.Whatever you decide, make sure you consult with a experienced and expert aesthetic physician injector.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Sculptra is fantastic in the right hands and in combination with other treatments.  It has a low rating because the expectations are typically not discussed prior and most physicians are uneducated on how to use it.  In the right persons hands, this collagen stimuator can give amazing results.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a fabulous product but the reviews of procedures are linked to many factors.  It can be that they were the wrong candidate for the procedure and were not treated by an experienced physician.  My patients have loved Sculptra but it requires patience.  Monthly injections need to be performed over a 4 month period to see the desired results.  The trade-off is that it will last up to two years.  Please consult an experienced board certified dermatologist about Sculptra to have the best cosmetic results.

Why Does Sculptra Have a Low Rating in Realself?

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Answer: Sculptra Injections

Answer: Sculptra Injections

Answer: Sculptra and Patient Satisfaction

Answer: Sculptra and Patient Satisfaction

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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Why Does Sculptra Have a Low Rating in Realself?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sculptra Injections

Answer: Sculptra Injections

Answer: Sculptra and Patient Satisfaction

Answer: Sculptra and Patient Satisfaction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.