I am happy with the results right now and hope that I do see more progress down the road

I’m 71 years old and wanted to try a non surgical effort to smooth fill out wrinkles. Sculptra was recommended by my dermatologist. The treatments are not cheap at $1674. Per treatment. Kentucky taxes doctors bills (so this added the $74).Originally, I understood that two treatments would be necessary. It now has been mentioned that more will be needed. A numbing agent was used to help with the shots. All in all it was not an unpleasant experience (other than being very nervous).I did immediately see a difference. Process took under an hour. The nurse practitioner who performed the shots is a wonderful person and very calming. I was told to massage my face for five minutes, five days a week, for five days following procedure. Unfortunately, I did bruise quite a bit. So much that I didn’t go out for around four-six days after the shots. I attribute this to my age and possibly the medication I take. Makeup would not cover the bruising. By the 8th day, I could cover the bruising enough to feel comfortable. I did not get any immediate nodules from the procedures. But, now after reading more have found that these could appear down the road as well. I am almost two weeks out from the first procedure (most bruising is gone…a couple yellowing spots remain). I do see some moderate reduction now of the wrinkling and the filling of hollow areas along my cheek bones, etc. The fullness I saw right after the treatment has diminished. However, all the research I have read states best results are not visible for several months after the treatment and can last for up to two years (some have reported even up to three years). I am happy with the results right now and hope that I do see more progress down the road. If the only results I received from the treatment is what I’m seeing now…I would not think the money was worth it. I will have the second treatment in hope that I will see the results I’ve seen on other patients. A lot of the pictures that are shown on line are of patients that are much younger. Maybe this is the secret…start the procedures much younger. In articles I’ve read they mentioned that using ice for a few minutes before the shots helps to constrict the blood flow and can help with bruising. I have discussed with my nurse practitioner and I believe for the next treatment we will give this a try but still use the numbing agent. If I see the improvement I hope to see down the road…I will keep this procedure up over the years. I’m definitely against surgical procedures and doubt that I would ever go down that road. Wish I had unlimited funds and could do a third treatment for optimum proposed results. However, I may have to get the additional shots at the one year or later mark for upkeep.
I checked pricing thruout the U.S. It looks like these shots range from $1300-$2000 (depending on the location) per treatment. California appears to be one of the most expensive areas to get them and Florida the most reasonable. While looking on Groupon for a massage, I did notice some areas of the country had specials. I would have a hard time having anyone other than a dermatological office to do this treatment. So, please be cautious. These prices were so low I definitely am skeptical. I will write again after the second treatment and also will try to report back after a year. Good luck if you are thinking of this treatment and please write about your experience. It really helped when I was trying to make a decision about trying this.