In the past, surgical treatments like facelifts were the best option to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin to restore a smooth, youthful appearance. Today, there are numerous non-surgical dermatologic treatments that can significantly improve the appearance of skin. According to Dr. Jennifer Holman, MD of U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler, “As dermatologists, we have more effective treatment options available to us than ever before. Most of my patients are overwhelmed by the sheer number of available solutions. When cosmetic dermatology treatments address similar issues, it can be difficult to know when to pick one over the other. Sculptra and dermal fillers both improve the appearance of saggy skin and deep-set wrinkles, but they achieve these goals in very different ways. It’s important to understand the differences in these treatments, so they can choose the right one for them. As a dermatologist, I work with my clients to explore their treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan.”
In this blog, Dr. Holman discusses the differences between Sculptra and dermal fillers, explains why her patients may choose Sculptra treatment, and discusses what happens during this treatment.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a synthetic filler and collagen stimulator. Made from poly-L-lactic acid, this liquid filler is injected into the deeper dermis layers of skin offering mild skin plumping that builds up gradually. Sculptra treatments are also collagen-stimulating fillers that increase the production of natural collagen and elastin proteins to improve skin elasticity. This leads to a mild immediate improvement in skin’s appearance that gradually increases for a smooth, youthful appearance overtime.
How Is Sculptra Different from Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are designed to plump up and smooth skin immediately. They are injected below the outer layers of skin restoring lost fullness and recreating the taut appearance of youthful skin. Overtime, the results diminish, and regular dermal filler retreatment is required to maintain the desired results. So, what makes Sculptra different from dermal fillers? Some of the top ways that Sculptra differs from dermal fillers include:
- Collagen production – dermal fillers may be used to refill areas where skin has lost fullness due to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin as we age. Sculptra stimulates an increased production of these proteins to improve the appearance of the skin for the long term.
- Results – while dermal fillers deliver immediate improvement that fades with time, Sculptra delivers a mild short-term rejuvenation in skin’s appearance that gradually improves as collagen and elastin production increases.
- Retreatment – dermal filler retreatment is required every six to 12 months to sustain the desired results. Sculptra’s results last two to three years or longer for some.
- Natural results – dermal fillers, when applied properly, closely mimic natural facial structures. For those seeking more natural-looking fillers, Sculptra rejuvenates skin’s appearance with a gradual plumping that improves overtime as collagen production increases. This leads to a more subtle result.
Why Choose Sculptra Over Dermal Fillers
When it comes to why patients choose Sculptra over dermal fillers, Dr. Holman says, “For some, the short-term boost in skin’s appearance offered by dermal fillers is exactly what they need. Others want something that lasts a little longer and doesn’t cause as dramatic a change in their appearance, so it’s not immediately noticeable to others.” Some of the reasons people choose Sculptra vs dermal fillers include:
- Consistency – dermal fillers have to be replaced regularly, which means there’s a risk that the results won’t look the same between applications. Sculptra is a liquid injectable injected into deeper dermal tissues to stimulate collagen and elastin production, recreating a natural appearance. Best of all, this treatment is more consistent since it doesn’t rely on the dermatologist to perfectly replicate the results every time.
- FDA-approved – Sculptra is FDA approved to provide semi-permanent results that improve the appearance of skin laxity and wrinkles for two years or longer.
- Multi-faceted – in addition to improving the appearance of skin laxity and wrinkles on the face, Sculptra can also be used to improve signs of aging in the face as well as smoothing and firming skin on other parts of the body.
What to Expect from a Sculptra Treatment
During a consultation session, your dermatologist helps you determine how many Sculptra injections are needed and where they need to be placed to achieve the desired results. Then, an initial treatment session will be scheduled. During these appointments, the dermatologist will mark the spot where injections should be made before carefully injecting Sculptra, using a fine-gauge needle to precisely position the injection within the dermis. After four to six weeks, your dermatologist will schedule a follow up to view the results. At that point, they will work with you to determine if additional treatments will be required to achieve your desired results. Due to the nature of Sculptra treatment, changes will continue gradually, so a series of treatments every four to six weeks may be needed until the desired results are achieved. After achieving the final result, patients will only need retreatment once or twice a year in most cases.
Sculptra vs. Fillers: Which Is Right for You?
According to Dr. Holman, “No treatment is right for everyone. Your dermatologist can help you find the best treatment options to ensure you look and feel your best. Sculptra and traditional dermal fillers both have their benefits, so schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who can help you decide which is the best for you. While Sculptra may seem like the ideal treatment option, it still isn’t for everyone. For instance, younger clients who still have adequate natural collagen and elastin production, might use dermal fillers to plump up specific areas like their lips, which Sculptra doesn’t treat. People may also choose dermal fillers over Sculptra because they need to achieve their desired results more quickly. Your situation and your needs are not like anyone else’s, so your dermatologist will work with you to find exactly the right treatment for you.”
Schedule a Cosmetic Dermatology Consultation
Want to learn more and explore your cosmetic dermatology options? The U.S. Dermatology Partners team makes it easy to get started working with one of our board-certified dermatologists to achieve skin transformation goals. Take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request. From there, a team member will be in touch to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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