Anyone tried Sculptra?
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Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:05 am

Hello,
I have an appointment this afternoon to get the 3rd round of Sculptra. So far I've gotten one syringe each session. First session mid December 09, second session early February 2010.
I've had it injected in the cheek area, frontal chin area and temples for more volume. She also injected some into the very outer jaw / cheek area (sorry my English isn't adequate for medical terms of body parts) to create a subtle lift in that area.
I think the reason so many people are not thrilled with Sculptra is because it looks beautifully plump immediately after injection and then the volume decreases as the sterile water is absorbed. It's a bit of a let-down to look the same as before a week after injection.
It takes about two months following injection for new collagen to grow. Because the change is so slow and subtle it's very easy for me to think that nothing is happening.
I have to look at my before pictures to see a difference.
Massaging the treated areas is very important to avoid lumps. I was told 5 days, 5 times per day for 5 minutes.
I also had Juvederm injections in the temples which for me lasted only 2.5 months. Even my Dr. was surprised how very quickly it was metabolized seeing that the temples are not an area with much movement.
I'm waiting for Aquamid to be approved in the US. It is marketed as permanent, but I was told by the Dr in Europe who injected it that it lasts around 7 years.
I have it in the lips and it's absolutely non-detectable. No lumps, bumps or hardness. Very soft and natural looking and feeling.
Overall I think that for now Sculptra is the best way to create volume in my face until something better comes along.

free skin care · Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:27 am

Cini,

Thank you so much for sharing. I am thinking about Sculptra every day. The only thing that makes me think twice is the price.

I want to make sure i will get the result I want. I have not figured out yet how much I would need. I looked at the internet before-after pics and posted number of treatments and it seems like comparing to those I shouldn't have more than one as I do not have any wrinkles, I only want to correct lack of volume on one side of the face. I do not know why, but my left cheek is not the same as the right. The facial exercises added the volume but have not corrected the asymmetry no matter how many more times I do it on that side. At this point, I know it is probably only me who is noticing it, but with time, I am sure, it will be more obvious, so I want to correct it now while I am figuring out what is causing the asymmetry.

To hear from real people that you notice results is important for me, because I think I will try it anyway as soon as I feel comfortable to spend that kind of money (it costs 900+ for one vial in Canada), but I will feel better knowing what to expect. Thank you, and, please, keep sharing your results and impressions.

free skin care · Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:56 pm

Can you do regular facial exercises when you are going through and after you are done with Sculptra treatments?

Do the exercises effect Sculptra in any way bad or good?

I mean that for example, I suspect that when you use Juvaderm and similar fillers, doing facial exercises can expedite dissolving the fillers as it would increase the blood flow and metabolism in the treated area, as such it can cancell the effect of the filler, especially of the weak one, which normally lasts not more than 2 months.

But Scultpra has a different reaction under the skin, it is supposed to provoke natural production of collagen. So what would the effect of higher blood flow and better metabolism have in such situation?

Any thoughts or experiences from anyone in this matter?

free skin care · Sun Oct 24, 2010 4:44 pm

I am having sculptra injected on Monday morning. I'm a little nervous but yet I'm very excited. My PS comes highly recommended. I had Dysport injected by her a few weeks ago and I'm loving the results, in my case the Dysport seems a little more natural than Botox.
I was just wondering how everyone is liking the sculptra and how long have the results lasted? I was told they could last up to two years and I am hoping this is so in my case... Very Happy

Lou

Fri Oct 29, 2010 11:04 pm

Loumomofthree wrote:

I am having sculptra injected on Monday morning. I'm a little nervous but yet I'm very excited. My PS comes highly recommended. I had Dysport injected by her a few weeks ago and I'm loving the results, in my case the Dysport seems a little more natural than Botox.
I was just wondering how everyone is liking the sculptra and how long have the results lasted? I was told they could last up to two years and I am hoping this is so in my case... Very Happy

Lou

What areas did you have Dysport? I am looking into this and curious about how long results last and what areas are best. thank you!

free skin care · Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:18 pm

I finally took the plunge today and had Sculptra injected into my lower face. Also had PRP on my neck.

I've been wanting to try this for ages but have been really put off by all the negative reports on the web. My doctor assured me that all those issues have now been resolved - the ratio of dilution and injection techniques have been changed to ensure there will be no issues of lumps forming (let's hope so!) My face is a little swollen and I think I'm going to get a bruise on my left cheek - other than that the whole procedure was a non-event. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm even more swollen tomorrow morning though. I have another appointment on 1st February to assess how things are. However, I'm not really expecting any results from just one treatment.

One thing that was really good though was the doctor said that he could tell my collagen levels were really good because when he injected me, he could feel the resistance. He said my skin is well above average for my age and told me that whatever I was doing, to keep on doing it. I guess it's good to know that something is working.

free skin care · Tue Dec 14, 2010 10:11 am

Kelin, I had my two treatments a year ago as I commented today on another thread. Did nothing for my lower face, so I hope you have better luck. It did work well for my hollowed eyes. When I went for a consultation, a rep from the company that makes Sculptra was there and told me I was a better candidate than the woman who was with me because I have good cheekbones which provides a nice platform.

I was told to do the 5/5/5 method...massage 5 times a day for 5 minutes for a total of 5 days. With all that, I did get a small lump above my brow, but when I went for the second treatment, they injected that area in such a way as to cause the lump to go away.

free skin care · Tue Dec 14, 2010 10:19 am

What's the difference between Sculptra and Radiesse?

free skin care · Tue Dec 14, 2010 4:58 pm

SoftSkin wrote:

What's the difference between Sculptra and Radiesse?

Radiesse is a filler - you will see results immediately. Sculptra is a "volumizer" which works by stimulating collagen growth. Results are seen months down the track, and usually after multiple treatments.

My face didn't puff up overnight - in fact, I think the swelling has gone down. I've been taking Arnica and applying Arnica cream.

I should have mentioned yesterday that the procedure wasn't painful, it was just like getting Botox.

Flavia - I'm surprised you had Sculptra under the eyes - I thought this was the only spot that it wasn't meant for. I only had my lower face done. I admit that I have totally low expectations for this. But if I don't develop any problems, I'm going to keep on getting treatments (at least three) to see if it will help with my sagging.

The whole procedure was definitely less painful than getting fillers. I was only mildly sore afterwards, with the emphasis on mildly. It doesn't even hurt when I massage my face. I've never had much luck with fillers (in terms of longevity) so it will be interesting to see how I go with this.

free skin care · Tue Dec 14, 2010 5:00 pm

Just wanted to add that when everything has settled down, I think massaging with the Vaculifter will be a help. I do this every morning, but I think it will be good for the Sculptra. Of course, at the moment it's too early to be using it right now.

free skin care · Tue Dec 14, 2010 5:53 pm

Keliu,

Very happy to hear it wasn't particularly unpleasant to have done! Smile

will be following your progress as time and further procedures go on. I hope it works out beautifully for you!

free skin care · Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:04 am

thanks for the update Keliu, glad to hear it wasn't too painful.

it's good to get feedback from your doc about your collagen, at least you know you are doing something right.

I don't know if I would have the patience for Sculptra!How did the PRP go?

free skin care · Wed Dec 15, 2010 11:03 am

Keliu, can you use any other gadgets with the Sculptra (besides the Vaculifterz?) I was thinking the AALS would help with the bruising. What about the others?

free skin care · Wed Dec 15, 2010 3:53 pm

Kelin, Sculptra can definitely be used along the upper part of the cheekbone, not too close to the eye. That's where you really want some collagen to fill the hollowed areas. I don't remember clearly, but I think it was injected about 1&1/2 inches below the eye. I was also injected above the outside of the brow as it is supposed to give a bit of lift there. After my second round, they used Botox at the crow's feet because it's also supposed to give a little lift, enhancing the effect. Not sure I noticed a difference, though.

I thought I had discussed the pain level, but must have been on that other thread. The actual Sculptra injection, though creepy to me because it went to the bone, was not at all painful. What hurt like #%&! were the deadening injections. I could've requested the anesthetic cream I get prior to Botox, but didn't think about it. I must be more sensitive to pain since they told me most don't request it (but I bet they don't know about it!).

I was somewhat sore after, so I balled up an old stocking and rolled it around on my face to do the required massaging. I would be reluctant to use any sort of devise like the vaculifter without somebody's okay.

free skin care · Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:21 pm

foxe wrote:

Keliu, can you use any other gadgets with the Sculptra (besides the Vaculifterz?) I was thinking the AALS would help with the bruising. What about the others?

I used the AALS last night because I too figured it would help with the bruising and swelling. I wouldn't think I'd be able to use the STOP but I don't think the HF wand will have an adverse impact. I'm just about back to normal now - definitely a no-fuss procedure. I didn't have any deadening injections though, just the numbing cream.

I did ask the doctor about lots of massage, although I didn't mention the Vaculifter because I figured he wouldn't know what it was. He said that massage was the key - so I figure the Vaculifter will be perfect. I've always used it over my cheeks when I've had filler there and it hasn't had a negative effect.

My neck has been a little sore - but nothing to write home about. It's like with everything I do - I worry and worry about getting something done, and then when I do it I think, well, that was a piece of cake, what was I carrying on about? Can't wait for the next bout now!

free skin care · Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:35 am

Have been using the Small Face Vaculifter (which I find less aggressive) over the injected areas with no problem - nothing hurts. One thing that I wanted to point out is that I can feel nothing at all under the skin - unlike when you get fillers and you can actually feel where the substance has been placed.

free skin care · Sat Dec 18, 2010 11:25 am

Just wanted to clarify what I said about the anesthetic cream. I meant to say that I should have requested the cream prior to the deadening agent--not in place of it. Since the injections go deep, the cream alone wouldn't have been enough.

Also, keep using those ice packs to cut down on bruising. Swelling was not an issue for me; as a matter of fact, it looked kinda good.

free skin care · Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:33 pm

With fillers you can see almost immediately if you've got enough. With Sculptra, I'd worry that if I got too much, there wouldn't be any way of knowing until much later when you couldn't do anything about it.

free skin care · Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:45 pm

SoftSkin wrote:

With fillers you can see almost immediately if you've got enough. With Sculptra, I'd worry that if I got too much, there wouldn't be any way of knowing until much later when you couldn't do anything about it.

Quite frankly, I think the results are so subtle that I doubt this would be a problem. I've read quite a few reviews where people said that the Sculptra did nothing for them - I've never read any where they said they ended up looking too plumped up.

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 3:55 am

Went back to the doctor today for my post Sculptra, PRP consultation. The doctor said there was a minor improvement - to which I said, "Bollocks!" After studying all of the before and after photos he ended up agreeing that the results were negligible - in other words, there is no difference whatsoever. However, after one round, it's not really expected to see anything yet. I've booked in for a second round.

I have to say that after viewing the images of myself on the computer screen, I feel like throwing myself under a bus. The sagging of my jowls is now quite pronounced and my neck is a total mess. I now seriously think I'm crazy for wasting money on this procedure when what I really need is a face-lift. I'm depressed.

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:23 am

Oh, Keliu, please don't be depressed... I've seen your pictures, and I think you look fantastic!

I'm no expert, but have you considered something like Thermage? Dr Irwin recommends it with Sculptra--apparently they're better together: http://www.skintour.com/guide-to-cosmetic-treatments/laser-treatments/guide-to-thermage

Best wishes,
Kay

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:43 am

I did have a Thermage treatment years ago, when the laser first appeared on the market. No results from that at all - $4,000 down the drain. That's what I mean, I keep opting for these non-invasive treatments when what I really need is my jowls hacked off!

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 5:41 am

I see what you mean, and it's too bad those procedures haven't worked for you. I hope you're able to get the results you want.

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:25 am

All is not lost yet. Over the course of a few months, Sculptra slowly improved my appearance. As I mentioned before, the only significant improvement I saw was the decreased hollowness under my eyes, but that does make a big difference. Zero effect below my mouth.

free skin care · Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:28 am

Hang in there Keliu!! I know how you feel, it can be disappointing sometimes. I often think that too (about the cost of some treatments versus a facelift)
Its purely financial for me. I am due to have my fillers next month and am debating what to do. I love juvaderm in my lips, but don't know what to do with the cheeks/sag. Juvederm Voluma is not cheap and I think I need 2ml in each cheek!!!!

its hard to know which path to take really.

at least your doc thinks you doing the right thing with your skin regime, thats a good thing!!

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