Sculptra is not a dermal filler. It is an injectable volumizer that works on building the body's own collagen while improving and restoring facial contours. How does this work? Once injected, the body creates a defense strategy against this trespassing agent and builds up a weapon chest of collagen giving the face more volume and less wrinkles. The Scoop: Sculptra injections are absorbed deep in the dermis to stimulate skin cells to make collagen. Results take four to eight weeks to be noticeable as restoration of collagen takes time. In other words, Sculptra is not the product if you need to see speedy results. On the other side of things, where other dermal fillers last only 6-12 months, Sculptra has the potential to last 3-5 years.
The Downside: Unlike Juvederm and Restylane, Sculptra is not reversible and there are reports that injections can cause small bumps under the skin that are not easily removed.
The FDA finally approved this product for cosmetic enhancement applications in July of this year. Sculptra requires a series of treatments to achieve desired results. An average of two to three treatments at three to four week intervals are required. Most people require at least three treatment sessions costing between $700 to $2,500 per treatment.
