Sculptra has been in use in Europe since 1999 for the treatment of lipoatrophy, as well as facial wrinkles and folds due to age. Since its approval by the FDA, these conditions can be treated with Sculptra here in the United States.
Lipoatrophy
Lipoatrophy, also known as facial wasting, is the loss of fat in the face that gives the face a sunken, hollow look. It is a condition suffered primarily by patients with HIV and AIDS. Sculptra was first approved by the FDA in 2004 for use on HIV and AIDS sufferers of lipoatrophy.
For those patients with minor lipoatrophy symptoms, they may see results after just a single treatment. For those with more serious conditions, it may take anywhere from 3 to 7 treatments, which may take place over 2 weeks.
Facial Wrinkles and Folds
While the FDA approved Sculptra only for use in lipoatrophy for HIV and AIDS patients, it quickly became popular among cosmetic surgeons to use it off-label for the cosmetic usage of facial wrinkles and folds due to age. In 2009, the FDA approved the use of Sculptra for this purpose, and it was rebranded as Sculptra Aesthetic. Sculptra has become quite popular for this treatment due to its ability to last for years or longer, as opposed to any cosmetic treatments that last only months.
If you have questions about which conditions Scultra can be used to treat, the best source of information will be to ask your doctor. He can offer you advise on whether or not Sculptra is best for your treatment option or if you would be better off with a different treatment plan.
