Should You Get Sculptra? | Plastic Surgeon Explains

[@bonniejohnsonbatten664]

I had Sculptra done yesterday and after the lidocaine wore off, I had the worst jaw pain ever! I couldn’t eat anything all day and into the night. I think that this side effect should be mentioned because it’s not in any video I’ve watched. I finally found after numerous Google searches that it is a “thing” that some patients get and it can last awhile.

[@drkopelman]

Sculptra should be mixed with lidocaine and sterile water otherwise it can be a painful experience

[@Krystal-vd1ql]

I believe this was injector error. She obviously hit nerves, which an experienced practitioner knows to avoid.

[@cherryred8265]

Great advice. I see so many practitioners teccomendimg a vial of Sculptra per decade and as you state most people dont need that much. I got great results with just 2.

[@drkopelman]

Exactly. If you start by doing everything conservatively with cosmetic injectables then you tend to get great results.

[@Ladynipchick2]

Where do facial muscles fit in with this approach? How deep are the injections?

[@nev5210]

@@Ladynipchick2se inyecta en tejido subcutáneo

[@capriole123]

How long after Sculptra would you recommend waiting if one wanted to get a facelift at some point in the future?

[@maureendougherty8912]

How long after I had Sculptra should I wait for a face lift. Will the scaffolding structure of Sculptra completely be gone in a certain length of time. Should I NOT get Sculptra if I MIGHT have a face lift in 3-6 years?

[@janenicholson4056]

Hi Dr Kopelman. I have been getting Sculptra for the past 3 years and have been getting 2 vials of maintenance annually after initially getting 7 vials over a 6 month period. I'm 59 years old with a narrow oval face. I have been happy with the results but I have developed a heavy droopy right eye lid 2 months post my last maintenance vials and was wondering if this is connected to migration from the temple area on my right side. I always do the 555 massage technique and would like to know if Sculptra could be the reason because my injector told me this isn't possible. I'm now dealing with heavy dense tissue touching my lash line and am worried I may have to have it surgically corrected. My left eye is normal. I would appreciate your opinion. Many thanks from Australia

[@juanblanch8705]

Your provider is right. That sagging has nothing to do with sculpture. It is loss of the support in your eyelids musculature. This is very common.

[@SharonClark-uc6db]

Answered so many of my questions , thank you

[@susannahp8107]

Thank you, Dr Kopelman. I always enjoy watching your videos.

[@drkopelman]

Glad you like them!

[@cherylstevens8334]

Dr. Kopelman, Have you personally used Sculptra on your own face? If not, why not? Also, is there an age where it's not recommended to use Sculptra?

[@jenniferloaiza6061]

Amazing video Doctor!

[@Cheers12324]

Dear Dr. Is it possible to perform Sculptra on a patient who received Radiesse injections 3 months ago?

[@annpringle8219]

Thank you for your honesty and explaining!

[@drkopelman]

Thanks for the comment!

[@kt9190]

What would you recommend for area around the mouth near chin

[@mad7763]

Would sculptra work for someone with severe facial fat atrophy? Thank you

[@alanbritofinito2940]

I really liked your explanation, doctor. And I agree that, contrary to what many suppliers with the intention of squeezing the customer's pockets, recommend 4 to 6 vials with only two vials, magnificent results are achieved

[@mercedes2657]

I really appreciate the responsible information you provide. I have had Sculptra 4 times. Should I not have a facelift? I was hoping to.

[@Sky_xjks]

Thoughts on Radiesse or PRF?? Thank You!

[@user-li9zn4ms6o]

Very informative, thank you Dr Kopelman.

[@drkopelman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Haifa-g8c]

Dr., i had polynucleotides injected in the subcutaneous layer. How long after this procedure should I wait to get sculptra? Im worried about any complications

[@AP-wq9dv]

Thank you for being such a thorough doctor and great video for patients

[@drkopelman]

Glad I could be helpful!

[@victoriatsymbal4257]

Thank you so much for a valuable information

[@drkopelman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@praguhbis]

How it is non-invasive when it has to be injected?

[@inkainka5128]

Thank you Doctor, it's informative! I did 2 vial 3 weeks ago, I do not see any results though, but my husband told me 2 days ago I look great )

[@JoniBurtKnapps]

How are you doing now?

[@suzannehorton3146]

great information...I having been getting Sculptra treatments... I had abit of fat loss due to non surgical procedure..i was wondering if having PRP would be beneficial in adding with my sculptra treatments...? i am looking to improve the strength of my skin..thank you

[@civi4270]

i got a bichectomy so my cheeks deflate leving me like a punched ball, now i feel i look older and witha weird looking face.... would sculptra help me?

[@sharonandrade9251]

Hi, Dr. Great info. I am wondering what would be the long-term effects and can this be done instead of injections? Thank you!

[@drkopelman]

Benefits of Sculptra can last between 1-2 years. I’m not particularly worried about any long term side effects because Sculptra works by stimulating your own body to increase collagen production in the area it is injected and then your own body over time will naturally break it down. And in case you didn’t realize Sculptra is another type of cosmetic injection that would be separate from hyaluronic fillers.

[@BHurst]

Can you use sculptra for the neck aera?

[@chanceuxj]

I’d like to keep the option open of a future facelift but I’m at least a decade away from that. It sounds like you don’t recommend sculptra for those who may one day have a facelift? Is there else that can provide sculptra results but is safe for those who may want a facelift?

[@janllo21]

Thank you for your knowledge. I agree with the conservative approach!

[@bk-il3md]

Ellanse is the same as sculptra? Do we face the same issues regarding a facelift if we had Ellanse?

[@limorebadin5075]

I went into a consultation ready to discuss Sculptra but he said he didn’t believe I would see much benefit since my skin quality is still quite good. I am 55 so I was surprised because all the videos I’m seeing say Sculptra is magic for everyone. He suggested conservative use of filler to front of cheeks and temples . Worried that filler approach may lead to disappointing results.

[@drkopelman]

I use Sculptra in specific areas of the face where I don't think hyaluronic fillers are ideally useful.

[@designstudio6695]

@@drkopelman I had a consultation for sculptra to help lift jowls and jaw area but was also told that it only improves the skin tone and will do nothing for lifting. is it possible to get rid of jowls by injecting in the hollow area which you had specified in your video?

[@dammar117]

Seeing that Sculptra promotes collagen, it makes sense.

[@sarashepard7504]

@@designstudio6695most doctors try to dissuade from using sculptra because it’s so effective. Go to another doctor.

[@trinjuwan4422]

​​@@designstudio6695I too, have seen videos that lead me to believe sculptra can give appearance of lifted jowls. Why else would Dr's continue to describe it as a facelft alternative🤷🏽‍♀️

[@padurarufelicia8654]

Thank you for your authorized opinion and reliable information! 🙏

[@redishdude]

Dr. Coyld you please make a video about harmonica as well, please.

[@sunnylife1278]

What about patients with thyroid diseases?

[@docsarah82]

What is your dilution for Sculptra

[@emerald52059]

Thank you for the video. Do you find that Sculptra is helpful in causing some skin tightening, or is it mainly a volume effect with time.

[@drkopelman]

Primarily volume replacement but you can argue you also get improved tightening of the skin.

[@dianadarwish1574]

I wonder why you didn’t use it for your face, you need it badly?!!🧐

[@fakherfakher6535]

No one needs to do such a thing. It's just a community obsession .

[@vickiszmolenski7673]

How horrible of you! What kind of person attacks someone about their appearance, so nasty

[@edenferriss768]

When the price becomes reasonable I will probably do this in my bootie

[@drkopelman]

Sculptra can certainly be used for the toosh. But my expertise is the face when it comes to facial fillers.

[@suzymylimegreen0432]

Great Info! Now I know how to proceed - thank you Doctor!

[@Krystal-vd1ql]

I’ve worked the front desk at a medspa for years and love sculptra! Im 61 and clients are constantly telling the injectors, “I want what she’s having.” I’m thin and workout a lot which ages your face. I use sculptra in the jawline, temples and cheek hallows and HAs in cheeks, chin and nasal folds. Perfect combo.

[@Viv8ldi]

Memo: sculptra prevents collagen loss and might help stimulate collagen production

[@melvern946]

A MONTH to show up? Yikes. It's pricey though, correct? How long does it last?

[@kd2533]

Best information on Sculptra I've seen. Thank you.

[@Viv8ldi]

Dr. Have u ever gotten it urself or considered it or put it in ur underarm? I heard many Surgeons put stuff like fillers in der underarm to see how long it lasts etc

[@Soshi701]

Thank you so much!

[@sassyfrasssarah]

I got sculptra in December and the injector did twice as much on one side. I feel like my face is ruined. I used to get looked at everywhere I went. My face us completely crooked. Will this last for 5 plus years.? It's been 8 months since I had it. Will it ever go away? I'm devastated.

[@mishkathlay]

She was ready for a facelift in the before pic. I would have gone that route.

[@FrankUrbancic]

Thank you for this information doctor. I had New-Fill injected years ago and was told that was the original Sculptra - is that correct or is it a different product?

[@mirandasworld]

dfoctors charge 2000 dollars for sculptra i get it for the same price as doctors the same companies they use only i get it for 150 dollars the same price they pay lol i also do it at home and do a better job than any of the 7 professionals iv visited over the years.........

[@jammybind4583]

Hi dr I used to have 3 lines around my mouth when I smile, I did sculptra twice, they improved a lot , if I want to do 1 more time to get the best result do u think my lower face will look plumper so I lose my v shape ?? Thanks

[@cybrpunk]

Dr. have you ever done it on a Lupus patient? It is contraindicated for people with autoimmune disorder, but how likely are granulomas for these patients if proper procedures are used.

[@mirandasworld]

massaging 6 times day is an absolute must....its one vial for every ten yrs of life to be done every 4/5 weeks.....after mixing the vial leave to sit for 5 days which means not using normal saline but bacteriostatic water vial and dont forget to do the temples or it will be peanut head time lol

[@biljam972]

Why is Sculptra banned in Europe? I wanted to get it but here you really can't.

[@eliadvo]

Does Sculptra migrate like HA fillers do?

[@munasabdella8701]

Is bellafill recommended for a smile line? Thanks

[@drkopelman]

In most cases the eyelid incisions will fade with time -usually within 6 months but some surgeons uses absorbable sutures that can leave residual scars and rarely patients have a tendency to for hypertrophic scars that can be treated with topical silicone gel and /or 5fu

[@bmcdonald7303]

Thank you for your conservative approach. I appreciate your information.

[@taytayqueen7024]

What if I get Sculptra now and plan to get a face lift 6-7 years later?

[@morningmayan]

Thank you Dr. I think you’re wonderful I know it’s not usual but could you give us the price per syringe that you would charge? There’s a lot of doctors that are doing this and I’d like to go to you but of course flying in and price is a consideration. Thank you.

[@drkopelman]

It's essential to prioritize the expertise and experience of the injector over the cost alone. The outcomes of injectable treatments can vary significantly based on the injector's skill and understanding of facial anatomy. While I understand that cost are important considerations, ensuring that you're in the hands of someone who aligns with your aesthetic goals and has a proven track record of achieving desired results should be paramount. Prices can range based on who you see and what area of the country you live in. But again who you go to matters than what it cost.

[@rambotheragdoll8940]

In Southern Cal -Newport Beach, One vial of Sculptra is 1300$. I am 57 and I was recommended to start off with one vial.

[@CARMENPEREZ-nv2ge]

Amazing and practical advice from a professional, thanks.😊

[@drkopelman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ABTHENTA]

What are you thoughts about morpheus 8 facial?

[@nutech1810]

Only if a surgeon is injecting. The nurses are terrible 😂

[@AlexisDoles]

Hi Doc! Thank you, awesome video. I am 39 turning 40 in September. I had two vials injected in the areas you mentioned, using a cannula, on June 1st. I am pretty pleased already with results I’m seeing but maybe I’m crazy lol. I feel like skin is already improving and you can see more volume in my face. Question is: waiting 6 weeks and have a plan to evaluate and possibly do two more. How do I know if I need the other two or if I should just wait more time? Also, if I get the other two is there such thing as putting too much? Will my face look giant lol if I don’t need it?

[@drkopelman]

Be patient -sometimes this material takes longer to manifest the results .Go slow and you are less likely to overshoot.

[@jiamengwang7281]

Doctor, I’m 30 years old and my doctor recommends me to do sculptra because my temples, under eyes and lower cheek begin to lose volume (just a little bit). She recommended 2 treatment sessions with 6 weeks apart. Do you think I’m at the right age to do sculptra? If not, what should I do instead? Thanks!

[@redishdude]

I am 32 I am thinking of going for it.

[@AndiFromTheAndes]

Great video. Thank you. Would you recommend sculptra for someone who wants a facelift no earlier than in 15-20 years? Also, how long do the results last for say 1 syringe?

[@drkopelman]

Yes. If you aren’t going to have a facelift for a couple of years. I would say go for it. In terms of how long Sculptra lasts or can be anywhere from 1-2 years because remember it’s activating your own collagen in your body. But also remember it’s not reversible. So if you don’t like how it looks you can’t do anything about it. With that said I’ve never had 1 patient tell me they weren’t happy with sculptra.

[@jujuba9277]

If a woman knows what plastic surgery doing against her buddy, she prefer sculptra! If the woman’s had more self love, they would stop’s making plastic surgery!

[@dammar117]

I would trust a properly done facelift over Sculptra.

[@jenniferv9450]

Thank you! This video is informative and helpful. For my first session with sculptra I used one vial. The second session 5 months late I used 2 vials. How long should I wait before considering another session if needed? I’m 42, but had Bariatric surgery 10 years ago. I have some skin laxity and aging that is common but it’s not at an extreme level at this time. I like to stay refreshed looking and age gracefully. I noticed filler was not lasting as long and sometimes made me look strange or older actually lol, so I switched my approach. I can use Botox still and HA lip filler to compliment but I like the subtle Sculptra! Please let me know what you advise for reassessment time lapse in between sculptra treatment and maintenance? Thank you so much! 🙏

[@vroomgc]

Recommended maintenance is annually,

[@inquistive]

Would you use a car mechanic whose own car engine doesn't work? Would you use a hairdresser who had a terrible hairstyle? Would you use a financial advisor who had no money? Would you use a plastic surgeon whose face had major ageing?

[@jennifermelendez9931]

I don’t think he cares? Not everyone wants to stop aging 🤣

[@hindoiaahmed3516]

Iam 50 my doctor did me 1 session of sculptra yesterday but he adviced me that I should come every 6 weeks x 5 Total of 5 Sculptra every 2 years what do you think

[@vroomgc]

Lol, I'd say find another doctor.

[@melmel4943]

I have hallow temples after facelift and I wanted to get this but backed away from doing so because I heard in the wrong hands, you can’t dissolve it and it’s permanent. Is this true?

[@vroomgc]

Dissolve what , it dissolves itself within a few days and then your body starts to react and create collagen within 1 - 2 months later

[@CS-hy6es]

Saw a video of young 20 something receiving sculpture in temples yet I was told I did not need sculptra because there was 'no hollowness' in that area. What's the difference? The young person looked great and regular weight, yet isn't scuptra for some type of prevention of sagging face or maintenance?

[@drkopelman]

Sculptra is typically used to address volume loss, so if there's no hollowness in your temples, that might be why you were advised against it. However, it can also be used preventatively in younger patients to maintain facial volume and structure before significant aging signs appear.

[@katherinewong9663]

Is Sculptra technically a micro plastic though? I worry about injecting plastics into my body and what that can do to your long term health.

[@carolyngracetoday]

Yes it is.

[@YolieGirald]

Excellent video Dr🤩🤩

[@paperdollvalerie964]

this is SOOOO INFORMATIVE

[@doaaamin8261]

Can i inject sculptra in 8 point injection only for face lifting?

[@AaaA-pl9km]

Thank u❤ i m in Türkiye...i couldnt find an expert dr who perform sculptra😢

[@LK2972]

Hello, can someone with an autoimmune disease like RA, is it possible to use sculptra?

[@drkopelman]

I can tell you that while Sculptra is generally safe for most people, individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should approach it with caution. It's important to have a thorough consultation with your doctor or dermatologist to discuss your specific condition and any medications you may be taking, as autoimmune conditions can sometimes increase the risk of reactions to injectable treatments. In many cases, Sculptra can still be used, but it’s critical to assess the potential risks and benefits

[@DisfanTami]

How well do you think Sculptra works to improve atrophic acne scars? I have had two vials of Sculptra along with subscion just over three months ago and I think I'm starting to see some improvement now

[@drkopelman]

No it does not work in my opinion. Might need to be removed by surgery or might need to use fat grafting in the area.

[@Dandelion_flight]

Can it be done to the forehead? For skin laxity and improve volume?

[@vroomgc]

Nope, not to be used in the forehead as he mentioned

[@gilbert-t6g]

How long does it last?

[@margiekn]

Thank you for that detailed explanation. I learned so much about sculptra. I have sculptra injections done by an expert nurse injector. It makes all the difference.

[@drkopelman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nina29600]

Can you have ocular occlusion with sculptra around the temples please?

[@drkopelman]

No. Nothing I would ever be concerned with. I would not recommend that you be worried about this ever happening.

[@syntka777]

Can I do it with a skin condition Morphea ?

[@monaasmr2936]

Greatly explanation

[@ellad-x7e]

Can person with autoimmune disorders ( hashimoto) get it? Are there any contradictions that you are aware of? Thank you

[@drkopelman]

I don't believe Sculptra is contraindicated in patients with Hasimoto's thyroiditis

[@kimberlyreiter8110]

I hate it ! My face is fat and I have more jowls. I can see clumps of it by my under eyes . Face is numb one side is drooping. He told me not to massage it . I look 10 years older . It’s been over a year and I only look worse ! 55 years old looked great before ! He did too superficially.

[@dammar117]

Scary.

[@sarashepard7504]

You need to go to someone that is more experienced and know how to deal with complications. It just sounds like he wasn’t experienced injecting the sculptra. And you’re not supposed to inject it under the eyes.

[@veronicaleon8075]

I ❤ her nose I can't wait til i have enough for mine 😭

[@lol4462]

I got Sculptra o do like the effects it’s very good I also got recently fat grafting under my eyes for dark circles that would never go away but I was wondering your opinion on prp facelift to help enhance my face just wondering your thoughts

[@drkopelman]

I don't believe PRP at the time of a facelift will significantly make a differnce.

[@storkbat]

There is a video by another surgeon who says the previous Sculptra use can make facelifts harder and that you can possibly never look like you did. I had a facelift 6 months ago. I still have some swelling still under my right eye and cheek. I’ve gotten it only in the places you said and didn’t have any for 2 1/2 years before surgery. Can you comment on this? In 2018, I think I got 4 and then got one or two per year for 3 years.

[@drkopelman]

I never inject Sculptra under the eyelid which ? may account for the chronic eyelid swelling. The tissue is too thin for injections of Sculptra. In regard to facelifting following Sculptra it is true that performing a facelift may be more difficult because tiny concentrated nodules from the Sculptra injections may blur the anatomic planes of dissection.The procedure can be performed but the surgeon should be aware that it may be more challenging.

[@juanblanch8705]

Dr Karam on KZbin says this is not true.

[@drkopelman]

@@juanblanch8705 Beauty of having different opinions is always good in medicine because the aim is to deliver the best care for patients. I am speaking from my first hand experience of 35+ years with patients and from experience of my colleagues

[@219nes]

@@juanblanch8705if you speak about de amir khan he also said the same about radiesse

[@yolacampbell5885]

Thank you, I am considering having Sculptra done soon. They recommended 2 vials first time and 2 more in 4 weeks. Does that sound good to you Dr. Kopelman?

[@pionus3651]

Sounds like you need to give it more time!

[@drkopelman]

I would say start with 2 vials see if you like the results after a few weeks before committing to more.

[@yolacampbell5885]

@@drkopelman Thank you

[@DianaRodriguez-jo7sj]

🙏❤

[@kimberlyreiter8110]

The needle kept getting clogged .

[@akap_987]

Thank you Doctor. I am so confused….the information you provided makes sense

[@drkopelman]

I hope i clarified things!

[@vladimir-qt5bl]

I saw the misinformation about being re-injected as early as 3 weeks and thought the same! I'm young (29) so will personally give it 4-6 months before getting another vial, but I agree that I would prefer to just go with one vial if possible. Thank you for your honesty!!

[@Chacha355]

So what can we use on our nasolabial lines?

[@drkopelman]

HA fillers are probably the best choice.I would avoid Sculptra for nasolabial lines because it may precipitate nodules.

[@anabrandaris5655]

Radiesse vs Sculptra?

[@drkopelman]

@@anabrandaris5655 I prefer Sculptra I don't like Radiesse for facial augmentation

[@Queen.noor15]

❤❤❤❤

[@gerardoarenasss]

Hi Dr, I know it’s not the best place to ask outside a medical office, but what would be good for the nasolabial area? Sculptra and radiesse are totally out of the question? Thank you

[@drkopelman]

I prefer using Juvederm for patients in the nasolabial folds. Great question.

[@gerardoarenasss]

@@drkopelman thanks for the reply Dr :)

[@angelacorrea290]

Ty

[@ginz4924]

Could you inject on the cheek?

[@drkopelman]

Yes cheeks are an area that is fine to inject.

[@lakekheeteoh8536]

dr joel, For Upper eyelid suegery, Does is make any different if the surgeon using laser vs metal knife?

[@drkopelman]

No, I prefer a surgical blade but other surgeons sometimes use a laser to make an incision

[@lakekheeteoh8536]

thanks@@drkopelman

[@jujuba9277]

Look forward people!