The Best Filler You’ve Never Heard Of
Several months ago, I began injecting Sculptra, an old filler that has been on the market for many years. I had resisted using Sculptra for quite a while, due to some myths and misconceptions that I had about the product’s safety, and, quite frankly, I knew very little about it. Then, an expert injector and colleague of mine, Dr. JD McCoy, insisted I give it a try. He has been using Sculptra for many years, and he told me it was his “go-to” filler for most areas of the face. I invited him out from Arizona, and he gave me an intensive training on the product. I was completely blown away by what this filler could do. All of my misconceptions were turned around, and I began using the product in earnest. I have injected many patients since then, with incredible results.
Sculptra is not like other fillers. In fact, it is not really a “filler” at all in the classic sense. It consists of tiny particles called PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), a substance used in reabsorbable surgical sutures. These particles are suspended in water, and injected, well, like water. The water gives the appearance that you have been “filled” immediately, but the water is absorbed by the body in 1-2 days. It is the particles of PLLA that actually do the magic. They stimulate your skin to make its own collagen around them over a period of 3-6 months, so that your own collagen becomes the actual filler. These particles are eventually broken down by the body and disappear, but your collagen will remain behind for many years. The effects of Sculptra will last typically 2-4 years.
In addition to its longevity and collagen-creating ability, Sculptra has another great quality, versatility. It is an excellent deep volumizer, and is used in many areas of the face, including the temples, cheeks, jawline, and around the mouth. It is not a surface filler for superficial lines, nor a lip filler. It is the only filler that actually gives you a true “Liquid Facelift”. It goes in like a liquid, but the end result is full facial rejuvenation that lasts for many years. This means that once the initial fill is achieved (typically over 3 treatment sessions 6 weeks apart), you will only require small touch-up treatments every once and a while to maintain it. This is in sharp contrast to “traditional” fillers such as Juvederm, Voluma, and Restylane, which disappear completely in about a year and have to be replaced in their entirety each year. This makes Sculptra an excellent long-term value.
The most impressive thing about Sculptra is the results. Full facial rejuvenation that looks natural, with an incredible lifting and volumizing effect. It grows gradually with each treatment session, and can be touched-up to perfection as the series progresses. It will also improve skin quality as that new collagen enhances surface skin texture. After witnessing the incredible effects of this filler, I have to admit, it is becoming my “go-to” filler as well.
*Results may vary from patient to patient