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SCULPTRA – A Long Standing Filler
By Dr. R. Jarial | November 3, 2009
SCULPTRA, a long-lasting filler that has been used since 2004 to plump the cheeks of H.I.V.-positive patients with facial wasting, is finally having its cosmetic debut. In July, the FDA – approved Sculptra Aesthetic — as the cosmetic version is named — for use to improve the appearance of nose-to-lip wrinkles.
But that is not to say Sculptra is a new-to-the-ball debutante. Since 2004, Sculptra has been used off-label not only to tame stubborn skin folds but also to add volume to cheeks and temples withered by time. Now that Sculptra has been approved for some cosmetic uses, plastic surgeons and dermatologists are expecting a surge of interest.
Previously, little prevented a dermatologist or plastic surgeon from recommending Sculptra to a patient gaunt from exercise or distressed by hollow cheeks. In fact, last year, plastic surgeons and other doctors treated nearly 80,000 patients with Sculptra, up from 46,732 in 2005, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Sculptra has already won over some doctors and patients. One advantage is its longevity; it can last up to two years once an optimal result is achieved, while alternative fillers including Restylane, Juvéderm and Evolence generally last a year or less. Another advantage is Sculptra’s ability to address broader depressions like sunken cheeks.
That said, the drawbacks of Sculptra include the need for several treatments in some cases to achieve a desired result, the need to massage the treated area for up to a week, and the risk of developing lumps beneath the skin.
Made of a synthetic material called Poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra is injected deep into the tissue below the skin to spur a patient’s collagen growth gradually. Results — sometimes months in the making — look natural, a benefit touted by Sanofi-Aventis U.S., the company that makes Sculptra.
Often, multiple treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, are necessary. Some lucky people respond to a single treatment, but two or three is more typical, most doctors interviewed for this article said.
Side effects of Sculptra include tenderness and redness near the injection site. But what has caused the most concern is the occasional occurrence of small bumps that can be felt under the skin. Some bumps are visible. Doctors speculate that they are undispersed Sculptra or a result of not injecting deep enough.
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