Sculptra®/New-Fill™

Sculptra® (marketed as New-Fill™ in many countries) is a poly-L-lactic-acid-based injectable dermal filler. Sculptra® is very effective when used as a treatment for wrinkles and fine lines on the face, and it can also be used to improve facial volume and treat lipoatrophy, which is the facial wasting, or loss of facial fat, most often associated with HIV and AIDS.

What is Sculptra®?

Used throughout Europe under the name of New-Fill™ since 1999, Sculptra® is an injectable treatment made from polylactic (also referred to as poly-L-lactic) acid that was FDA approved in August 2004 for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting), especially in patients with HIV/AIDS.

The main ingredient of Sculptra®, polylactic acid, has been used for more than 20 years in surgical products, including dissolvable stitches. Polylactic acid is a synthetic substance made to replicate a natural derivative created by the muscles during exercise. Since Sculptra® is comprised of synthetic materials, there is no need for allergy testing prior to treatment.

Candidates for Sculptra® Injections

Most people, including patients with HIV or AIDS, are suitable candidates for Sculptra® treatments. Since the polylactic acid in Sculptra® is biologically inert, there is no risk of patients developing an allergic reaction to treatments. Patients who have skin infections, who take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, or who have depleted immune systems should consult with a doctor before undergoing Sculptra® treatment.

Sculptra® Cost and Financing Information

As with all cosmetic treatments, the cost of Sculptra® varies by doctor. It also depends on the amount of Sculptra® needed to treat an individual patient’s facial lipoatrophy or to reach his or her cosmetic goals, as well as the number of visits required to complete the treatments . While the majority of cosmetic dermatology procedures are considered elective and are therefore not covered by most insurance plans, some insurance plans in the United States will cover the cost of Sculptra® treatments for patients who have HIV or AIDS. Dermik, the maker of Sculptra®, has also created a financial assistance program to help patients who have HIV or AIDS pay for treatments. To learn more about Sculptra® cost and the financing options that may be available to you, please visit the appropriate DocShop page.

The Sculptra® Treatment Process

The Sculptra® treatment process involves the use of thin needles to inject polylactic acid into the skin in a strategic pattern designed to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as facial lipoatrophy. The polylactic acid will then promote the growth of new collagen, which, over the course of four to six weeks, will promote a fuller and more youthful appearance. Prior to a Sculptra® treatment, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic cream to minimize the amount of discomfort the patient experiences. Typical treatments last roughly thirty minutes.

Risks and Benefits of Sculptra® Treatment

The positive effects of Sculptra® treatment include increased skin thickness and improved facial volume, which lead to a healthier, more youthful appearance. In fact, Sculptra® treatment has become known as the “liquid facelift,” so dramatic and impressive are its results. Sculptra® results can last for up to two years, while the results of other injectable dermal fillers, such as Restylane®, may only last for a few months.

Overall, Sculptra® is associated with fewer risks and side effects than Restylane® and other injectable treatments. Side effects may include tenderness, swelling, and redness at injection sites. Results of Sculptra® injections may take four to six weeks to become noticeable.

Sculptra® FAQs

For your convenience, DocShop has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Sculptra®. Please use this page as a resource to help you in your research about injectable dermal fillers and the treatment of lipoatrophy, or the loss of facial fat.

Find a Cosmetic Dermatologist through DocShop

If you are suffering from lipoatrophy (facial wasting) and want to discuss Sculptra® treatments with a doctor, DocShop can help you find a qualified cosmetic dermatologist in your area. By learning more about the use of Sculptra® for facial volume enhancement, you will be taking the first step toward restoring your face to its natural fullness.