Sculptra vs Filler: Discover Which Anti-Aging Treatment is Right for You
Sculptra is redefining non-invasive anti-aging with its unique ability to stimulate the body’s collagen production for natural rejuvenation. Collagen is a fibrous protein that gives our skin structure and that youthful plumpness we hate to see fade as we age. A dip in collagen production is an inevitable part of aging, beginning in our 20s and why our skin begins to sag and become hollow in areas like the cheeks and under eye, and why facial lines and wrinkles start to show. Restoring collagen production is the key to natural and long-term anti-aging, and why Sculptra is becoming a popular treatment for individuals looking for a non-surgical solution to turning back the signs of time.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable (made of Poly-L-Lactic Acid) that acts as a collagen and elastin stimulator primarily used to restore lost volume, tighten the skin, and smooth lines and wrinkles. It was originally used in the late 90s for HIV patients who lost significant volume in their faces from weight loss. The result is a naturally younger-looking and rejuvenated appearance. Sculptra can be used on both men and women, with most clients typically 35 years of age or older.
What Can Sculptra Treat?
Sculptra is most commonly used to treat the following:
● Volume loss in the cheeks
● Lines around the mouth (marionette lines)
● Hollow temples
● Nasolabial folds
● Laxity around the chin and jawline
● Hip dips
● Pockets of cellulite
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is a biostimulator which makes it unique from hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in that Sculptra works by stimulating your own collagen production rather than filling the area with hyaluronic acid. With Sculptra, you won’t notice significant changes for weeks to months after your initial treatment like you do immediately with filler. Instead, you will see a gradual improvement in volume and facial structure in the treated area as collagen begins to rebuild. On average, 2-4 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart are recommended to promote ongoing collagen stimulation and to achieve the best results.
Sculptra vs. Hyaluronic Acid Filler
While Sculptra and traditional fillers are both minimally invasive injectables aimed at restoring volume, the similarities pretty much end there. The biggest difference between Sculptra and
filler is that filler provides immediate volume to the injected area using hyaluronic acid, while Sculptra uses Poly-L-Lactic Acid to trigger collagen production in the treated area rather than fill the area. Rejuvenation results gradually begin to show around the 6-week mark and noticeable results can be seen around 6 months after the first treatment.
As hyaluronic acid filler begins to metabolize (typically around 6 to 18 months after injection), volume loss in the face will become noticeable again. With Sculptra, the body is prompted to continually stimulate collagen with each treatment, gradually rebuilding natural volume of the face. The results of Sculptra can last upwards of 2 years.
Is Sculptra Better Than Filler?
Both Sculptra and traditional fillers are incredibly effective at their intended uses. Think of Sculptra as an investment in long-term anti-aging, while hyaluronic acid filler is an immediate but short-term solution to volume loss, facial asymmetry, or facial contouring. Here are some key differences to consider between Sculptra and traditional filler when deciding which is right for you:
Sculptra
● Long-term solution to facial volume loss, laxity, and lines and wrinkles due to natural aging process
● Provides overall facial rejuvenation and minimizes signs of aging
● Natural and subtle-looking result
● 2-4 treatments recommended for optimal results
● Results typically last 2 years or more on average
● Cannot be used in lips or under eye
Hyaluronic Acid Filler
● Immediate correction to facial volume loss
● Can safely be used to enhance lips or undereye areas
● Used to contour the face (such as elongate the jawline) and correct facial asymmetry
● Results typically last 6-18 months
Is Sculptra More Expensive Than Filler?
Although Sculptra costs more than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers upfront, it can be more cost-effective in the long run as it provides longer-lasting results (2 years or more on average). Sculptra acts as a collagen and elastin stimulator, while traditional fillers simply add temporary volume.
Can Sculptra be Combined with Other Treatments?
Sculptra pairs well with other treatments that aim to stimulate collagen such as HIFU, microneedling and PRP for natural anti-aging. At NINA, we also offer top-rated laser technology for non-surgical tightening and lifting of the face, as well as correcting other common signs of aging like tone and texture changes. These non-invasive treatments can be combined with
Sculptra for an even greater level of rejuvenation. Clients who follow a high-quality skincare regime and maintain their skin health will achieve the best possible result with Sculptra.
Is Sculptra Right for You?
Sculptra is making waves in the world of medical aesthetics as anti-aging trends shift heavily towards subtle, natural rejuvenation. Sculptra offers a natural, long-term solution to aging and collagen loss by stimulating the body’s collagen to correct volume loss, skin laxity, and wrinkles delivering gradual yet lasting rejuvenation. Sculptra is an excellent option for those wanting to invest in non-surgical, natural-looking anti-aging treatments with results that can last for years.
Schedule a consultation with NINA Aesthetics in Calgary to discuss your options and start your path to natural rejuvenation today!
References
Cadwell, C. (2023). Sculptra vs Juvéderm: How Do They Differ?
Cosentino, S. (n.d.). Biostimulator Injections vs Filler- Which Should You Choose?
Dr. Flora Leven. (n.d.). Is Sculptra Better Than Fillers?
Elite Medical & Aesthetics. (n.d.). What’s the Difference Between Sculptra & Fillers?
Health Supplies Plus. (n.d.). Sculptra: Is It Worth the Cost?
Solve Clinics. (n.d.). Sculptra vs Filler: What’s The Difference & Which Is Best?
