Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Sculptra
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Pricing
- Upper East SideStarting at $1,500 per vial
- Downtown BrooklynStarting at $1,500 per vial
- GreenvaleStarting at $1,500 per vial
- StreetervilleStarting at $1,500 per vial
- BoulderStarting at $1,500 per vial
- Palm Beach GardensStarting at $1,500 per vial
Sculptra is an injectable collagen stimulator. Instead of filling an area right away the way a hyaluronic acid filler does, it helps your skin build its own collagen over several months, so volume returns gradually and looks natural.
It is made of poly-L-lactic acid, a material the body breaks down over time. Sculptra is FDA-approved to correct deeper lines and wrinkles, such as smile lines and lines on the cheeks.
What it treats
- Hollowing in the cheeks and temples
- Smile lines and other deeper facial lines
- Loss of volume and firmness from aging
- Softening along the jawline
What to expect
Consultation
Your provider looks at where you have lost volume, explains what Sculptra can and cannot do, and builds a plan. Most people need 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
During the treatment
Sculptra is injected in small amounts across the treatment area. Most people feel a pinch and some pressure. A session usually takes under an hour.
After the treatment
You may look fuller right away from the water used to mix the product. That settles within a few days. Massaging the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days helps spread the product evenly. Swelling, tenderness and bruising are common for a few days.
Results
Changes build slowly over the weeks and months after treatment as new collagen forms. Results can last two years or longer.
Where it is offered
Sculptra Q&A
How is Sculptra different from filler?
Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume right away. Sculptra works gradually by helping your skin make more collagen, so results build over a few months and last longer.
How many treatments will I need?
Most people need 2 to 3 sessions a few weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a plan based on how much volume you want to restore.
When will I see results?
Results appear gradually over several weeks and continue to improve for a few months as collagen builds.
How long does Sculptra last?
Results can last two years or longer. Some people come back for a touch-up session to maintain them.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a pinch and some pressure. Your provider can use numbing to keep you comfortable.
What are the side effects?
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are common and fade within days. Some people get small bumps under the skin, which is one reason the massage after treatment matters. Your provider will go over what to watch for.
Is there downtime?
Most people go back to normal activities the same day. Plan around a few days of possible swelling or bruising.
Who should not get Sculptra?
We do not treat patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have an active skin infection in the area. Tell your provider about any history of keloids or problems with previous injections.
Who performs this treatment
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens