Sculptra vs. Traditional Fillers: Key Differences

In the past few years, non-surgical facial treatments have grown in popularity more than ever before, as many individuals are starting to utilize dermal filler treatments for the purpose of adding volume, reducing fine lines & wrinkles, and enhancing individual beauty without having to have surgery. Many people have taken advantage of two options, either Sculptra or traditional dermal fillers, both of which can be applied to improve facial appearance. However, while both products can help improve facial appearance, the way that they each function is quite different, and understanding how they each work will allow you to better decide which product is best suited for your needs.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a type of injection that helps your skin produce collagen. Collagen is a substance your body naturally produces, and it gives your skin strength, smoothness, and the ability to stretch; however, as you get older, the production of collagen decreases, which results in your facial skin becoming flat and wrinkled. Sculptra has been designed to trigger your body to gradually create increased levels of collagen, similar to that of your body. The biggest difference between Sculptra and other dermal fillers on the market today is that Sculptra does not add volume to your face immediately, whereas the traditional fillers add volume to the area right after it is injected.

What are Traditional Dermal Fillers?

Traditional dermal fillers are a gel-like material that can create volume and smooth out wrinkles in the areas of the face where they are injected. Most dermal fillers (the majority of them) are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in the body by the skin, and it gives your skin the plump, hydrated appearance. Traditional fillers are beneficial in the sense that they can be utilized in many areas of the face, including the upper lip, cheeks, lower eyelid area, and jawline. It is very common for people to receive a dermal filler on a weekend and immediately see the results they desire.

How Sculptra Differs From Traditional Fillers

With Sculptra-type injections, your body produces collagen, which enhances volume gradually over time. The enhanced volume will not happen immediately; instead, it develops within several weeks after the injection. In contrast, traditional fillers produce an immediate and significant amount of volume in the area to which they are injected. 

Longevity of Results

Traditional fillers last anywhere from six months to eighteen months, depending upon the type of filler and the area injected. On the other hand, Sculptra results can be maintained for up to two years or longer. This is due to Sculptra’s ability to stimulate collagen production, which provides the underlying structure for your skin. Many people consider Sculptra to be an ideal choice for achieving long-lasting facial improvement without needing to return for multiple injection visits.

Areas Recommended for:

• Sculptra

Sculptra is particularly beneficial for restoring volume to the cheeks, temples, jawline, and lower face. However, it is not recommended for the lips or under the eyes, where small amounts of volume are needed immediately. Instead, Sculptra provides overall facial rejuvenation while supporting long-term results.

• Traditional Fillers

Conventional fillers exhibit remarkable versatility and can practically be incorporated into any area of the face. They are highly beneficial in accentuating the lips, filling out the under-eye area, contouring the cheeks, and defining the jaw or chin area. As they act instantaneously, conventional fillers offer an option for those needing an immediate result from enhancements or corrections.

Natural-Feeling and Looking Results

Like Sculptra, conventional fillers can offer a natural-appearing result; however, the provider’s use of proper technique and correctly calculated volume has more significance in attaining a desired effect. Therefore, it is important to select an experienced medical professional to perform the procedure properly.

Treatment Session Count

Typically, clients need only 1 visit for traditional fillers and may return for touch-ups in order to maintain their look. However, Sculptra requires an average of 2-3 treatment sessions (spaced about 3-6 weeks apart), as it takes weeks for your body to develop the collagen that creates the look you desire. Having multiple treatments helps provide smoother, more uniform results. 

Recovery Time and Downtime

There is little to no downtime for both types of treatments. People generally can go back to their regular activities immediately following the treatment. There may be slight swelling/redness/bruising a few days following treatment; however, this typically goes away within 4-5 days. 

Patients being treated with Sculptra are often instructed to massage the area where the product was placed for the next few days to help keep it evenly distributed and to promote new collagen development. 

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

When considering Sculptra versus traditional dermal fillers, determine what goals you wish to achieve, how long you wish them to last, and what type of result(s) you prefer. If you desire immediate improvement and/or want to fill in particular areas (such as your lips or under-eye bags), traditional dermal fillers are likely to deliver quicker results. On the other hand, if you would rather like to have a longer-term improvement for the entire face that looks natural over time, Sculptra will provide both an extended and gradual increase in facial volume. The right treatment(s) for you will be assessed during a consultation with an expert. Connect with a highly experienced one at Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. Consulting with a well-qualified, highly experienced medical expert from our team will lead to successful outcomes based on your desired result.