SCULPTRA VS HYALURONIC ACID FILLER 💉 DERMATOLOGIST @DrDrayzday

Summary

In this informative video, board-certified dermatologist Andrea discusses Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid filler used for volume restoration and skin tightening. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra stimulates collagen production for a more natural, gradual, and longer-lasting effect. She covers its FDA indications, benefits, and potential downsides, including the irreversible nature and the need for multiple treatments. Andrea also touches on off-label uses and the importance of choosing a skilled injector for optimal results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates the body to produce its own collagen, providing a more natural and long-lasting effect compared to hyaluronic acid fillers.
• 🔍 Sculptra has been FDA approved for the treatment of facial fat loss in HIV patients since 2004 and recently for wrinkles and fine lines.
• 🌟 The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, the same compound found in dissolvable sutures, which gradually dissolves into carbon dioxide and water over 9 to 20 months.
• 📈 Results from Sculptra are not immediate; they develop gradually over 6 to 12 weeks as the body produces new collagen, often referred to as the 'Sculptra glow'.
• 💉 Sculptra requires at least three treatments spaced at least three weeks apart, and the full effect is seen around 12 to 24 weeks after the final injection.
• 💰 The cost of Sculptra treatments can vary widely, ranging from $850 to $2,000, depending on the location.
• 🆕 Galderma, the company that manufactures Sculptra, has reformulated the product to be more dilute and easier to work with, reducing the risk of clogging needles and nodule formation.
• 🚫 Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra is not reversible with an enzyme, making it a more significant commitment with no option for immediate correction if dissatisfaction occurs.
• 🤔 Individual responses to Sculptra can vary, with some people experiencing less collagen production and underwhelming results despite the treatment.
• 💡 Sculptra is not only used for facial volume restoration but also for treating volume loss in the backs of hands, improving cellulite appearance, and smoothing out acne scars.
• 🧴 Post-treatment care includes massaging the injected area for about five minutes to ensure even distribution of the product and prevent clumping.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is Sculptra, a type of dermal filler used for volume restoration and treatment of wrinkles and fine lines.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Andrea, a board-certified dermatologist who regularly posts skincare content on YouTube.

What is the difference between hyaluronic acid fillers and Sculptra?

Hyaluronic acid fillers provide an almost instant volume effect, while Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates the body to produce its own collagen, resulting in a gradual and longer-lasting effect.

What are the FDA indications for Sculptra?

Sculptra has been FDA approved since 2004 for the treatment of fat loss in the face of HIV patients and later for deeper contours like nasolabial folds. It recently gained FDA approval for wrinkles and fine lines.

What is the active ingredient in Sculptra?

The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, which is the same compound found in dissolvable sutures.

How does Sculptra work to enhance facial volume?

Sculptra works by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, to produce more collagen, leading to a gradual improvement in skin tone, softening of wrinkles, and volume restoration.

How many treatments of Sculptra are typically required?

At least three treatments of Sculptra are needed, spaced at least three weeks apart.

What is the cost range for Sculptra treatments?

The cost of Sculptra treatments can vary depending on the location but generally ranges from $850 to $2,000.

What is the advantage of the newer formulation of Sculptra?

The newer formulation of Sculptra allows for a more dilute solution, which is less sticky, less likely to clog needles, and reduces the risk of nodule formation.

What are some potential side effects or drawbacks of Sculptra?

Potential drawbacks include the irreversible nature of Sculptra, the lack of instant results, the need for multiple injections, and the possibility of variable outcomes due to individual responses to collagen production.

Can Sculptra be used for purposes other than facial volume restoration?

Yes, Sculptra can also be used to treat volume loss in the backs of the hands, improve cellulite, and potentially smooth out indented acne scars.

What is the Sculptra glow and how is it related to the treatment?

The Sculptra glow refers to the more radiant appearance of the skin as a result of the body producing new healthy collagen after Sculptra treatment.

Is Sculptra a preventative treatment for wrinkles?

While Sculptra can improve volume and reduce wrinkles, there are no studies suggesting that it has a preventative effect on wrinkle formation when used in one's 30s.