Sculptra vs Filler: Discover Which Anti-Aging Treatment is Right for You

Jan 31

Sculptra is redefining non-invasive anti-aging with its unique ability to stimulate 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, which is why our skin begins to sag and become hollow in areas like the cheeks and under eyes and why facial lines and wrinkles start to show.

Restoring collagen production is the key to natural and long-term anti-aging, which is why Sculptra is becoming a popular treatment at NINA Aesthetics in Calgary, AB, 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 initially 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 rebuilds.

On average, 2-4 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart are recommended to promote ongoing collagen stimulation and to achieve the best results.

What is Filler?

Dermal filler is a smooth gel-like substance used to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Made from hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible materials, fillers provide natural-looking results by adding hydration and structure to the skin. Whether you're looking to plump lips, define cheekbones, or soften lines, fillers offer a non-surgical solution for a refreshed and youthful appearance.

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Sculptra vs. 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. Sculptra uses Poly-L-Lactic Acid to trigger collagen production in the treated area rather than fill the area.

With Sculptra, 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 the 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 injections are 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:

Benefits of Sculptra

● Long-term solution to facial volume loss, laxity, and lines and wrinkles due to the 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 eyes

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Filler

● Immediate correction of facial volume loss

● Can safely be used to enhance lips or under-eye areas

● Used to contour the face (such as elongating the jawline) and correct facial asymmetry

● Results typically last 6-18 months

Is Sculptra More Expensive Than Filler?

Although Sculptra costs more upfront than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, 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.

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Can Sculptra be Combined with Other Treatments?

Sculptra pairs well with other treatments that aim to stimulate collagen, such as HIFU (high-intensity frequency ultrasound), 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 and 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.

Sculptra Before and After Photos

Is Sculptra Right for You?

Sculptra is making waves in medical aesthetics as anti-aging trends shift heavily toward 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, 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.