Sculptra or Voluma? Which would be best for overall volume? (Photo)

Sculptra is a great product for improving facial volume and collagen building, but for best results, I recommend using it in a combination depending on desired results. I combine Sculptra with other fillers, lasers, toxins and skin care to give immediate results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question.  The field of injectables is becoming increasingly complex, and I perform all of these procedures personally.  As technology improves, we now have options to address a variety of different problems.  The two options listed are both used for restoring lost volume to the face, but they have very different ways of producing it.  For the hyaluronic acid type fillers like Voluma or Restylane, the filler produces the effect, and the final result is immediate (though some swelling and bruising may occur for a few days afterwards).  As the product gets reabsorbed, the effect is lost over time.  Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, which is the same compound we use in sutures.  When I inject it there is an immediate response from the fluid the Sculptra is diluted in, but that gets absorbed fairly quickly.  The remaining Sculptra then stimulates new collagen production which creates a natural volumizing over time.  This process is slow and can take several sessions at 6 week intervals, but it creates a reliable and predictable long term effect that can last years.  

Great question! Sculptra and Voluma are very different products. Sculptra is a bead that stimulates your body to produce its own collagen to create a very natural result. Depending on the degree of volume loss you may need more than one treatment with Sculptra. Usually patients will have 2-3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart and then one maintenance treatment every year. Voluma is different as it is a Hyaluronic Acid gel filler.  Most patients see lasting results up to one year. Before choosing Sculptra or Voluma I recommended consulting with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss an individualized treatment plan to best achieve your goals.

Sculptra would be the ideal choice for you since it will provide you with a great deal of volume and last more than two years when you are fully corrected.  Sculptra is great because it produces your own collagen and removes wrinkles even with skin laxity issues.  Also combining Sculptra with Thermage to help with skin tightening would be an ideal choice. Please consult an expert in Sculptra for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Based on the photos, I think you are a good candidate for treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic which is biostimulatory filler which means that it works by stimulating collagen production. I would combine the filler treatment with a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure like Thermage FLX which would tighten and lift the skin. 

I love both of these products.  However, it really depends on how much volume needs to be replaced.  I look at Sculptra as replacing the baseline.  I then use Voluma and other filler products for enhancement.  My recommendation would be to seek advice from someone who is not only an expert in the field of aesthetics but also carries multiple products.  This can give the assurance that there is less bias in their recommendations.  
Best of luck on your decision.
Dr. Troutman 

Hi, great question. You could go either way here, and in an ideal world, you would do a combination. I love to start with Sculptra as a foundational filler for global facial structural improvement and then add Voluma to enhance cheekbones and chin/jawline area further. If you haven't had filler before, Voluma is a great place to start. If you have had filler before and feel comfortable with waiting for full results, choosing Sculptra plus Voluma combination would be fabulous. 

Great question. Here are some things to consider. Are you looking for gradual or immediate improvement? Voluma would be immediate and achieved with one treatment. Sculptra will take three treatments spaced six weeks apart with results apparent 6-8 weeks after the last one. Voluma will last 12-18 months. Sculptra lasts two years. Voluma is only indicated in the cheeks and would require other Juvederm fillers for full face treatment. Sculptra can be used in the full face.