Sculptra is a dermal filler used to help patients suffering from HIV and AIDS, who have suffered from the loss of fat in the face. It is also used for cosmetic reasons to reduce the signs of aging by filling wrinkles due to aging. However, Sculptra is not the only option for patients in these circumstances. It is always important with any cosmetic surgery (or any medical procedure for that matter) to look at and consider all the alternatives.
Fat Transfer
Considered by most cosmetic surgeons to be the most effective alternative to Sculptra, fat transfer is the transfer of fat from other parts of the body to the missing fat locations of the face. This offers several advantages over Sculptra. If it takes a proper hold, it offers a solution that can be permanent for most patients, particularly in the areas of the eyes, cheeks and temples. However, the affect is not quite as effective in the area around the lips?due to the movements of that area.
Fat transfer can often aid a patient in only one treatment, while Sculptra often requires several before results can be seen. Finally, fat transfer uses the body's own tissue to fill the affected areas. Therefore, it is less likely to be rejected by the body than Sculptra or any other alternative. It also means there is no risk of foreign toxins in the body. However, this also means that it requires surgery to harvest fat from the body. Sculptra, on the other hand, only requires an injection.
JUVEDERM, Perlane and Restylane
These fillers are all based around hyaluronic acids, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. Each one offers an alternative to Sculptra. One major advantage they offer over Sculptra is the immediacy of the results. Sculptra usually takes 3 or so months before any results can be seen. However, these fillers can usually see results in much less time.
However, this quick turnaround time causes them to offer less longevity. They only last around 6 to 9 months. Restylane lasts the shortest, at around 6 months, while JUVEDERM lasts as long as 9 months. Sculptra, on the other hand, last in terms of years, not months. Typically, you can expect a Sculptra treatment to last 2 to 3 years. This takes its toll on the price, though. Sculptra injections cost around $1200 per treatment?of which patients often need several before the results begin to show. Hyaluronic acids, like JUVEDERM, Perlane and Restylane, however, cost only around $500 to $600 per shot.
Radiesse
Radiesse is another filler that like the hyaluronic acids is made from a substance found naturally in the body. This filler works better than many alternatives for deep lines on the face. Like hyaluronic acids, it is a cheaper treatment than Scupltra?costing anywhere from $500 to $800 per shot. This cost also comes at the expense of longevity. Radiesse last for around a year?longer than hyaluronic acids, but still less than Sculptra. In addition, Radiesse patients often require a touch-up after 3 to 6 months.
These are just a few alternatives for Sculptra. Ask your doctor about these and other alternatives before deciding on the proper treatment for you.
