The main topic of today,Sculptra, is also considered a dermal filler. However it works differently than traditional fillers such as Restylane as it targets the deeper layers of the dermis (skin) and areas around the facial fat and bones. Here, it stimulates collagen synthesis, the real secret behind it’s filling effects. It is this collagen synthesis that causes the deeper layers of the face to increase in volume over time, providing a full youthful restoration.

ABOUT RESTYLANE

Restylane is a brand of dermal fillers made by Galderma Pharmaceuticals-it is made of Hyaluronic Acid or HA. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in your skin and is one of several compounds responsible for plump and smooth skin. Pharmaceutical companies produce hyaluronic acid, identical to the compound found in your skin, by harvesting it from bacteria. (Interestingly, insulin is also produced using bacteria).

Synthetic HA, such as Restylane, is made to resemble the HA in your skin. The natural structure of HA is like strands of spaghetti. And like spaghetti, HA also absorbs water, giving it a plump and full feel. HA is normally made and broken down in a cyclical pattern in your skin by an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This in with the old, out with the new, ensures you have new HA to maintain the structure of your skin.

However Restylane as a synthetic HA is different than the HA your body produces in that the spaghetti strands are made to be glued together by a chemical called BDDA. When the HA is glued together, it results in a much thicker gel, and does not break down very easily. This is why Restylane filler lasts many months or years, unlike your natural HA which is broken down and replaced quickly.

Areas Commonly treated with Restylane are the lips, smile lines, nasolabial folds, cheeks, temples, jawline, marionette lines.

ABOUT SCULPTRA

Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid filler that has been around since the 1970’s. Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic compound that triggers your body to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a large protein found in all over the body and gives structure to your skin, cartilage, eyes, and many organs. Loss of collagen over time results in saggy skin and a hollowing appearance.

Collagen production through Sculptra is a slow process. Therefore, the results of Sculptra appear gradually over several months. Typically, you will start to see results after 2-3 months, and continue to see improvement over the next year. This may seem slow, but all good things do not come fast. The results from Sculptra last 2-5yrs, making this a treatment well worth the time and money!

WHICH FILLER SHOULD I CHOOSE? 

All of our providers are experts in the aesthetics of the human face and have years of experience using a wide range of dermal fillers. When you meet with your injector, you and her will consider the dermal filler largely based on your goals and facial anatomy. If your goal is to enhance a specific feature, such as your lips or cheek/chin, then a hyaluronic acid dermal filler such as Restylane is a good choice. If your goal is to achieve overall global volume restoration or maintenance for your face, then Sculptra is a good choice.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST? 

Restylane will last for 9 to 18 months depending upon the firmness of the filler, and the area injected. For example, lip filler typically lasts 9-18 months, whereas chin filler typically lasts 6 months. Results from Sculptra can last for up to 5 years, however the more common result is 2-3 years. Many of our permanent Austin residents see us once a year for filler maintenance and 3-4 times per year for neurotoxin or skin treatments.

The most important thing a patient can do to ensure long lasting results from Restylane or Sculptra is to keep up with maintenance treatment sessions!

What is the SCULPTRA “GLOW”? 

The Sculptra “glow” is a very real thing, and is another reason why Sculptra is one of our favorite treatments. The glow is the healthy, youthful appearance of your skin that is a secondary benefit from the deeper collagen stimulation. Many of our patients notice the “glow” much earlier than they notice the filling effects, which is always exciting.