Why does Sculptra take so long to work? - Sculptra Questions & Answers

Answers

Replied on 3/12/2010

By: Nova Cosmetic Center | Jan V. Karlin, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Phlebology Specialist
Orlando, FL

The product in Sculptra stimulates your body to build your own collagen and this is a slow process. Collagen is not made overnight, it takes time to create the look you desire.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: CT Cosmedic | Dr. Jeffrey Lane, M.D.
East Lyme, CT

We do not work with Sculptra, so I don't know. We work with Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane. Those fillers show immediately.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Colorado Laser Clinic | Robert T. Motazedi, MD
Colorado Springs, CO

The reason Sculptra takes longer to work compared to dermal fillers is because Sculptra is not a filler. Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid and actually causes the patient to make their own collagen. This product is usually injected into the entire cheek area and is used to plump up the tissues. Patients with lipoatrophy or fat loss in the cheek areas are
great candidates for Sculptra. Patients can expect to receive between 3 to 5 treatments to acheive maximum results. Treatments are usually done every 4 weeks. The treatments are quite tolerable when combined with a numbing paste. There is no downtime and makeup can be applied the next day. I personally love Sculptra and have used it myself. It is long lasting and gives your face a very natural appearance.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Eppley Plastic Surgery/Ology Medical Spas | Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Carmel, IN

Sculptra takes a very different approach to an injectable filler. Rather than creating the effect of 'instant volume', it induces the body to create its own filling material, collagen. Think of each injection session of implanting small seeds or crystals under the skin. These 'seeds' then grow later to become the filler material. Most of each injection is largely water in which these seeds are floating. This is why it takes time and multiple injection sessions to see the results. And it also explains why it lasts longer, the tissue that is created is essentially scar which is a reaction to the seeds. Once the seeds finally dissolve (up to 2 years), the scar reaction then starts to go away as well.

Replied on 10/28/2009

By: Aesthetic Clinique ~ Body, Skin & Wellness Centre | Dr. E. John Serrao
Orlando, FL

Sculptra Aesthetic, which is poly-L-lactic acid, does take longer because it
is a collagen stimulating product that replaces the lost volume in your
skin. It leaves a gradual correction that is very natural and can lasts up
to two years or even longer. Generally, most patients will receive one
to four or five vials dependent upon the amount of volume that needs to be
replaced. We usually will inject two vials on the first visit and repeat
one vial every four weeks until the desired correction is achieved. We find
that global correction. meaning the full face, can restore a youthful and
natural appearance; administered properly, it is considered a liquid face
lift! Sculptra is one of our favorite products.

Replied on 10/28/2009

By: Mountain View Dermatology | Richard G. Levine, M.D.
Boulder, CO

Sculptra works by stimulating your body to produce collagen which is what provides the
fill and this process takes several weeks.