If you're nervous about Sculptra, find a good cosmetic dermatolgist (this is the key part) or very experienced nurse injector and start with the hyaluronic acids like Perlane or Juvederm Ultra Plus.  These are the safest and if you hate it, it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase (an enzyme). Expect to need 2-4 syringes though to get  a good result. 

 The thing about Sculptra is that it has to be mixed correctly, injected corrected and massaged correctly and then it is, in my opinion, the best option.  It looks completely natural, the face moves normally, it's low maintenance and  doesn't fluctuate as much as the hyaluronic acids.  However, you're right in noting that there are doctors and patients out there using it who either don't understand it or don't do it well.  And then it will get bumpy.  You have to find someone who's expert at it.  If you live in the Los Angeles area, go to Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald.  She's is one of the best in the world at it.  Dr. I