Is Sculptra Better Than Filler?

Sculptra isn’t better than fillers, but it does produce different results than other injectables. It may be best for you if you’re interested in long-term anti-aging benefits. However, the right cosmetic treatment for you will depend on your unique skincare needs and goals. Speak with a clinician at Dallas Dermatology Partners about your skincare issues to determine if a sculptra treament or a different injectable might suit your needs. Sometimes, a dermatologist may recommend using Sculptra and another injectable to produce optimal results.

Sculptra vs. fillers: Comparing your treatment options

Sculptra is a type of dermal filler; however, it’s considered a separate category. Most dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs throughout the body. When you lose volume due to aging, your skin begins to sag and develops a sunken appearance. You also start to develop fine lines and wrinkles. A dermatologist can inject a hyaluronic acid dermal filler into those areas to temporarily restore lost volume and plump up the areas affected by wrinkles.

Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid in powder form which is then reconstituted with water, which dermatologists can inject into key areas. It acts as a collagen stimulator, triggering extra collagen production to provide greater structure, volume, and support. Since it is growing the patient’s own collagen, the final result can take up to nine months to be visible.  However, improvement in skin texture can be seen as early as one month post-treatment.

Sculptra is an excellent maintenance treatment for anti-aging and is ideally combined with hyaluronic acid fillers to address areas of concern.

Which dermal filler is suitable for you?

Whether your dermatologist will recommend Sculptra or a hyaluronic acid dermal filler depends on your skin issues and goals. If you’re interested in getting rapid results which will be relatively short-term, then hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in long-term results, Sculptra may be best.

When is it a good idea to use both types of cosmetic treatments?

It’s possible and often recommended to combine multiple types of  injectable to produce the best results. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin, consider your age and medical history, and discuss your goals for your appearance to determine if using both types of injectables is the right choice for you.

Since hyaluronic acid dermal fillers work produce immediate results, they can be the right choice if you desire a quick transformation. However, if you’re also interested in long-term anti-aging improvement, Sculptra can be used with another filler. The results last longer since it grows your own collagen.

Your age and amount of volume loss is another consideration. If you’re younger (e.g., in your 20s), you may want hyaluronic acid to enhance certain features such as the lips or cheeks and may decide on Sculptra for the long-term age-fighting benefits. However, if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you may want a dermal filler like Juvederm or Restylane–for the more immediate correction of volume loss, along with Sculptra for long-term benefits.