Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Sculptra Is two Sculptra treatements for the intitial series enough?Posted in Sculptra, Fillers, 2012 on Jan 15, 2012 | Permalink Dr. Irwin,
My dermatologist recommended 1 treatment with 2 injections of Scupltra. I have been reading that normally there are 3 treatments so I am wondering if 1 treatment would be sufficient.
You didn't tell me your age! So it really depends a lot on that and also where your body weight range is. Low body weight women tend to need more. And, the older we get, the more is... more
A Sculptra complication - what can I do?Posted in Sculptra, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Filler mistakes, 2011 on Dec 26, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr.
I am russian with a naturally round face, rather flat, and prounounced cheeks. I had Sculptra injections in July this year in the cheek hollows and above the cheekbones, I was badly overfilled the day of injection that I hardly recognized myself. I hate the new volume in my face, it does not suit my face at all. I look so different, it has completely changed the natural anatomy of my face (now the widest point is above the cheeks up to the temple, which makes my face more angled, before or naturally the widest point was just below my cheekbones, having no angles and a round face). My former sweet and young looking face looks harsh and older. The high and overly pronounced cheekbones make me look almost agressive, and my eyes look smaller and more sunken, while the lower cheek next to the mouth look like a chipmunk. A lot of projection and volume next to the mouth and nose. My face feels almost stiff when smiling due to the huge volume and thikness increase. I am crying a lot, before i was a very good looking woman now I became invisible. I am really depressed and stoped going in public. How long I have to live with this? Will my face ever get back to what it was? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
Mny thankd for your answer
First of all, I am so, so sad that this happened at all. Sculptra can be lovely when it's done gradually over a period of months and the doctor doing it has a good "aesthetic eye." ... more Is there a way to fix a noticeable facial asymmetry on my left?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra, Fillers, Facial rejuvenation, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Dec 21, 2011 | Permalink Hello Dr. Irwin I LOVE your site! With that said, I've taken the time to go through quite a bit of your blog to get my question answered and still cant quite pin down what I'm looking for. So here is a bit about me and my question will follow.
I just turned 40. The left side of my face is significantly more lax in skin texture (very visible) than my right. The other problem is I have significantly more pronounced crows feet/lines under the left side of my eye opposed to the right as well.
I'm hoping to get the left side to match the age on my right...at least the best I can. I HAVE started botox for all my problem areas. Great stuff.
I've read great things about your thermage treatments and the tightening effects on the skin. I've also read great things on your DOT laser experience and results as well. My question is which one would you suggest to get the skin tightening results I so desperately want and also treat the pronounced crows feet?
Thank you!
Thank you! It would be interesting to have you look back at photos when you were 16-25. Can you see the asymmetry even back then or younger? Some people have an inborn (genetic)... more Things I'm reading on the web about Sculptra???Posted in Sculptra, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers, 2011 on Sep 21, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr, Irwin
I had my 1st series of Sculptra placed in my temple region and cheeks on August 11th 2011. ( one week ago) I am a 46 yr old female & have been a runner for years which left my face somewhat hollow. My question is this. I am reading many negative things about Sculptra. I guess I should have done my research prior to the injections. Nonetheless, I am thinking about discontinuing the next two series of Sculptra injections & was wondering if I could get Juvaderm Plus injected into my temples instead? If so, how long should I wait before having the Juvaderm injected into that area?
I'm hoping that you don't believe even a quarter of what you read on the web! It's really not always very accurate. You may be very happy with the Sculptra since, when it's done well,... more What can I do about a Sculptra problem?Posted in Sculptra, Fillers, 2011 on Sep 03, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr. Irwin,
I had Sculptra injected to my cheeks 2.5 month ago, and I developed a visible lump. I have two other lumps under the skin (not visible), and now I'm getting worried. I was told before treatment, that the lumps would disappear after a while, but after reading Sculptra horror stories I got very worried. My doctor is supposed to be very experienced, she has done a lot of Sculptra treatments in denmark, but she didn't treat my lumps, she just told me they would disappear with time. Can I trust that, and how many more lumps can I expect to get within the next year. I hope I will get an answer!
Sincerely,
Worried woman from Denmark
As most of you know I think Sculptra (when done well) is a wonderful product. The results are noticeable, but not puffy and sometimes you can get an almost facelift like effect with... more Does the "vampire" facelift really work?Posted in Selphyl, Sculptra, Fillers, 2011 on Aug 03, 2011 | Permalink This question from a reader in Chattanooga - so sorry - I accidentally deleted your exact wording on this one! :) Dear Readers - I will do an article on this procedure soon - it will be posted in resources. I'm trying to finish one on sensitive skin first! In the meantime, unless money is no... more Hello Dr Irwin,
Your site is amazing. I have lost a lot of weight and this has affected my face, I am getting sculptra done on the 23rd of June, but what really upsets me is my smoker lines over my lips and my frown lines on my forehead can these be treated with sculptra, I know you might take month to answer as you are so busy but as i am being done on the 23rd of June maybe you could answer me before this. I would really appreciate this.
Thank You.
Thank you - I really, really wish I had time to answer all of the great questions you all send me! I'm sad that there's just not enough time in every day. Sculptra is great for certain... more What would be the longest acting filler in my chin?Posted in Sculptra, Restylane, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers, 2011 on Mar 27, 2011 | Permalink Would scuptra be a good choice to fill volume loss in my chin? I am 50 years old and the loss of volume in my chin brings out marionette lines. I have filled it with fat, restlene, and radiasse.Nothing has lasted more than 6 months. I have been told it is because it is such an active area. WIll scupltra last in this area. I was told it will last up to 2 years , But I was told radiasse would last 1 year too.
You bring up several good issues. On the longevity issue, you are not alone in that fat transfer (while we all love the idea) is just not very predictable still. As for Radiesse, I agree... more What should I use for hollowing under the cheeks?Posted in Sculptra, Restylane, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Cheeks, 2011 on Mar 20, 2011 | Permalink I recently heard you speak on Pauls Choice blog radio and would like your opinion on what to do for hollowing under the cheek. I know there is sculptra, but I have heard it is not all it is cracked up to be and can leave little bumps under skin even 4 years out. I have good skin but because I am thin, need to do something. What injectable and/or laser should I consider?
N 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... more Are there any treatments which prevent the use of other treatments in the future?Posted in Sculptra, Restylane, Lasers, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, 2011 on Mar 16, 2011 | Permalink Does use of any treatment (for example -- laser - co2, fraxel, etc..., or injectibles - sculptra, rejuvaderm, etc.) prevent use by any other treatment (either same kind, ie. laser to different laser or different, ie. laser to injectable or vice-versa, etc.) at any point in the future?
Good question. This is a little complicated for a blog but in general, no. The exception is anything permanent like silicone, Artecoll/Artefill, and others available outside the United... more Is it okay to use different fillers in the face?Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers, 2011 on Mar 02, 2011 | Permalink | View Comments (2) Hi there,
I am considering having sculptra to help with volume lost in my cheeks. After having the sculptra and due to economic issues could one (after 1 year) get Perlane or Radiesse injected into that same cheek area (where the sculptra was injected) for continued cheek volume? Thank you for your thoughts.
LC
Good question. There are no studies that I have seen on this. But from talking to some of my collegues and my experience, here's what I'd recommend. There doesn't seem to be any problem at... more What is the best timing for Sculptra and a fractionated CO2 laser?Posted in Sculptra, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink I have had two sculptra sessions-receiving one vial at each session. My Dr. and I think I will benefit from a total of four. I am now thinking that I would like a Fraxel repair CO2 laser treatment. How soon after the sculptra series can I have this treatment-or can it be done during the series?
In general, I recommend finishing (or being close to it) the volume replacement with the Sculptra before the CO2 laser. If you have more dermal support and volume in your face with the... more Which is better for volume loss in the chin area Sculptra or Radiesse?Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers, 2011 on Jan 24, 2011 | Permalink DR Irwin, i got your message and will ask my question again. I am 50 years old but have skin that looks more like 40. I do have volume loss in my chin and this shows the marionette lines. I have been using radiasse for this area because I had a bad reaction to restylene. Would sculptra be a better choice for this area? I have had good results with radiasse but do not yet know how long it will last as I had it put in in September and added to it in December.
Everyone's face is so different that it's almost impossible to answer without seeing you but some general principles still apply. Look at your cheek area. Is volume loss in your cheeks... more Problems with Radiesse.Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, 2011 on Jan 20, 2011 | Permalink Radiesse injected in the upper cheek area and and 2nd injection a week later in lower cheek bone area. Nodules have now formed in this area after swelling for a number of weeks. I have since. I now have sagging cheeks, sagging/pouches either side of my mouth, all of which I did not have before. Could this be from the heaviness of the product? Once the product has left my face, should my skin return to normal or is there permanent damage due to swelling and sagging over a period of time? I am 37years of age. Thank you.
You bring up some good points. But, first let me reassure you that your skin should return to normal once the product is gone. I am assuming though that you have seen the doctor who... more Radiesse vs Sculptra - which is better?Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, 2011 on Jan 18, 2011 | Permalink I have used radiasse in the area of my chin and marionette lines. Would sculptra be a better choice for this area?
Okay wonderful readers - you have to give me your ages!! The answer to this really depends on your age and the depth of the crease. Sculptra can be a great solution but don't rule out the... more
What is the difference between Thermage and Sculptra?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra, 2010 on Nov 28, 2010 | Permalink Hello I am a 44 year old female, who's considering a thermage or scupltra treatment to tighten around the jawline. What is the difference of the two and which one would you recommend?
Here are the two links that should help you (Sculptra) (Thermage). Sculptra is an injectable liquid that adds volume and lift by slowlng building your own collagen. Thermage is a... more
Botox, Fillers and FaceliftPosted in Sculptra, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Finding a Good Doctor, Botox, 2010 on Oct 09, 2010 | Permalink Should one wait until your Botox has relaxed and all fillers out when you decide to have a facelift, so that the doctor can tell how much skin to lift?
I think it makes sense to let the more temporary fillers like Juvederm/Restylane/Perlane - all the hyaluronic acid fillers - wear off so you can get the optimum result from the surgery. ... more Problems with Sculptra.Posted in Sculptra, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Oct 03, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1) DR Irwin I lost weight I was reccommended sculptra by a doctor I trusted she didnt tell me about side affects she injected sculptra under my eyes I have lumps nodules its been 12months volume is too much under eyes and temples its not depleting the doctor who disfigued me has no duty of care she doesnt want to deal with it how long before this goes back to my normal self I had erbium laser for nodules didnt help. the doctor who did this dr angela richardson in kenmore brisbane clinic called cozmetics. I hope you can give me advise
I'll be back to you on this. I'm working with the company, Sanofi Aventis, to try to find a resource for you. Dr.... more
Why don't you use sculptra in the lips?Posted in Sculptra, Lips, Fillers, 2010 on Sep 11, 2010 | Permalink Why don't you use sculptra in the lips. I would like to have my lips made a bit fuller but really don't want to spend 400 every 6 months.
Sculptra becomes bumpy in or around the lips where the muscles around the lips are strong. The same can be true around the eyes. Lumpy lips is not a good look! Dr.... more
Which treatment should I have next?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sun Damage, Skin Care, Sculptra, Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
In what order would one consider the following treatments in your clinic:
*Thermage
*Fraxel or recommended laser tx.
*Sculptra
I'm 51 and have had Botox, Restylane, and some Laser treatments over the past 4 years with good results. I'm considering these other treatments down the line, so to speak!!
Thanks!!
Your question brings up two good issues: customization and maintenance. First, the answer to your question really depends on your particular skin. I think it would be bad medicine to... more What about the filler Selphyl. Is it the best filler?Posted in Selphyl, Sculptra, Fillers, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink What about the filler Selphyl. Is it the best filler? How long do the effects last and is there downtime?
I'm not recommending Selphyl at this time. There are two issues with any new filler: safety and how well does it work? I think it's pretty clear that Selphyl is safe as long as blood... more I have had bad experiences with several fillers. What can I use around my mouth?Posted in Sculptra, Restylane, Lips, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Jowlsjawline, Jowls and Jawline, Fillers, Chin Lines, Cheeks, 2010 on Aug 13, 2010 | Permalink I have marionette lines around my mouth. It is due to volume loss in my chin. I had a bad experience with Restylane, (massive swelling after the procedure that scared me into a visit to the ER). Would Artefill be a more permanent option? I also had fat put into this area but it only lasted about 3 months. Could a laser tighten the skin in this area to get rid of it. It is not to bad I am 50.
I wish I could say your situation is unusual but I've heard many similar stories! Let's start at the beginning and think through this. I want you to go back to the mirror because most of... more Last June I had a Sculptra injection in my right cheek area. In about 3 months I developed a line of noticeable nodules. My doctor said to apply heat and massage the area. This did not help. I returned to his office and he injected a solution of steroids into the nodules. In about a week and a half, the entire section of the Sculptra became enlarged, swollen, and painful. He then treated me for an infection with oral antibiotics. He wants to do another injection of steroids, but I am becoming concerned because the area has hardened and the nodules are increasing. Can you suggest an alternative process?
This is difficult because I really don't know what happened. You didn't mention if the Sculptra was massaged well by the doctor at the time of the injections and then by you once or... more
Can Sculptra be used to treat hollowing around the eyes?
The company that makes it, Sanofi Aventis, does not recommend it's use around the eye area at this time because visible Sculptra bumps are more likely to occur there. They occur more... more
Differences between Sculptra and Restylane?Posted in Sculptra, Restylane, 2010 on Jun 12, 2010 | Permalink Dear Dr. I
I was wondering if you can briefly give me the differences (excluding cost and how long it lasts) between Sculptra and Restylane. I have had Restylane shots in the past for the smile lines and around my mouth. I am in my late 30's. Thank you for your helpful site!!!
This is tough because there are a lot of differences. Can you write back and be more specific with your questions? I just updated the Sculptra article on SkinTour and the new updated... more
What is a good solution for deep marionette lines around the mouth?Posted in Sculptra, Fillers, Acne on Jun 12, 2010 | Permalink I am 45 and have a deep marionette line on one side of my mouth that is about ½ inch in length. I had Sculptra injected and while it did soften the line it is still very noticable. Is there anything else I can have done that will help improve this?
I'm always fascinated by how asymmetric we all are. It sounds like the line is just on the one side. Usually the side of the face with more lines is the "sleep side" where we spend more... more Dr Irwin:
I love you web site. It has answered many of my questions. Regarding Sculptra, it is suggested that a person with rheumatoid arthritis should not use Sculptra. Why not?
Thank you for your help.
DLW
Thank you! The two doctors who have done the most treatments in the world are Dr. Danny Vleggar in Switzerland and Dr. Bauer in Italy. In their series of greater than 10,000 treatments,... more
What is the best filler for hollow cheeks?Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers, 2010 on May 13, 2010 | Permalink What is the best filler for hollow checks? I am 57 and have good skin, but I see some hollowing in the middle of my upper center of my cheeks. I have a full face, but not fat. I do Thermage and it works great for me so far. I tred Radiesse, but I agree with your opinion that it looks a little wooden when smiling. It has worn off some since I tried it last year.
If you have only mild to moderate hollows, then try the more robust forms of hyaluronic acid like Juvederm Ultra Plus or Perlane. These should last 6-9 months the first time and slightly... more
Combining treatments - what works best?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fraxel laser on Apr 29, 2010 | Permalink You discuss how long to wait after an injection to have Thermage or Fraxel, but is there any problem with having Thermage or Fraxel first and then an injection like Sculptra or Juvederm later? How long do you have to wait?
This is a hot topic right now because there is a synergistic aspect to combining various treatments well. The problem is that there are virtually no studies at all on combining treatments... more
When Juvederm doesn't seem to be working.Posted in Sculptra, Radiesse, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Fillers on Apr 29, 2010 | Permalink Your site is a wealth of information, Doctor Irwin. I am 48, and have the typical sagging because the collagen in my cheeks bones is being lost. Therefore, I have double parenthesis down between my nose and mouth on the sides. I have had Juvederm, and the first time loved it, but the next time with the same doctor, had weird results. It is as if the filler just shifted where the sags were. So, I sought out a new doctor, and still was not happy with Juvederm. Now, it is time to do something about these sags I mention, and even another doctor recommends Juvederm. A consult with another spa mentioned anti-aging bio-therapeutic treatments. I am so overwhelmed, but want to fix my face. Your website is great. Do you have a suggestion. That is a lot to ask, as there is so much out there. Thank you.
Thank you!! It really helps to know your age but I wish I knew your facial structure as well. So let's talk a little about the causes of those deep lines from the nose to the mouth. In... more Is there a way to avoid bruising with Sculptra?Posted in Sculptra on Apr 18, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (2) Hi, Dr. Irwin:
I had Sculptra injections and am scheduled to return Monday for my next treatment, but I am VERY nervous about having it done again. I had the most outrageous bruising -- from mid-chin below the mouth all the way up my jawline to the ear. Impossible to cover with makeup...what are my alternatives besides forgetting the whole thing?
Sonja
There are two parts to bruising with Sculptra. What the patient (you) does and what the doctor does. You hopefully were told to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen/Advil, naproxyn/Aleve, etc and all... more When can Thermage be done after Sculptra?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra on Mar 16, 2010 | Permalink About 4 months ago I completed a Sculptra series and loved the results. My dermatologist initially recommended Thermage followed by Sculptra but I could not afford both at the time and opted for Sculptra. I can now consider Thermage or a laser skin tightening series but am concerned about effects it may have on the Sculptra. Are you aware of any problems with Sculptra followed by skin tightening or laser treatment? Thank you. Rhonda. There is no study that I know of on this. But I do have considerable experience over the past five years with both products. I have my patients wait until 6 months after the last... more
Dear Dr. Irwin,
I am 41 years old and I am scheduled for Sculptra treatment in a couple of weeks with a top plastic surgeon in my area (Pittsburgh, PA). He recommmended Sculptra to adress volume loss in my cheeks and lower face. You are the only site that does not recommend Sculptra for those with Lupus. Could you please elaborate on the reasons? I have mild systemic lupus and I am currently on Plaquenil (200mg/day). I have been treated with Botox, Juvederm, and an upper and lower bhlepharoplasty in the past and have had no problems. The plastic surgeon knows I have lupus but did not tell me Sculptra would be a bad choice for me. I am now very concerned and ready to cancel my appointment! Please help me make the right decision! Thank you, Christina The two doctors with the most experience world wide with Sculptra, Dr. Vleggar in Switzerland and Dr. Bauer in Italy, have noted that patients with autoimmune diseases, especially if the... more
With a tight budget, which is better Sculptra or Thermage?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sculptra on Mar 09, 2010 | Permalink I am 50 yrs old, I feel like I'm 30 but when I look in the mirror, I see differently. My face has always been thin and over the past 2-3 years I have developed this loose skin starting to sag under my chin - I am so self conscious of it. I was told that I should consider Thermage and Sculptra - right now I cannot afford both procedures, which one would you recommend to help with the sagging. Thanks so much! If you are a low body weight person, loss of volume is probably more your issue, soI would definately vote for Sculptra (with the understanding that you'll need 2-3 treatments over a 6... more Sagging Cheeks and Sculptra, Thermage, FraxelPosted in Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, Sculptra on May 12, 2009 | Permalink QUESTION 1: I am in my mid/late 30s and have a thin face. I've noticed that the skin around my cheeks has lost collagen (not the lines around the nose...they are more around my mouth and cheeks when I smile. Lately they have started to sag a little).I have read articles on fraxel, but then read about thermage on your site -- which one is better for producting collagen? Will they really life the muscles around the mouth? QUESTION 4: I see you recommend several anti-oxidants. I would love to purchase one, but I want to make sure that I am getting one that is "stable". I read an article on Vitamin C creams at one point, and the article said it is very difficult to produce (and purchase) a Vitamin C cream that is stable, as the base chemical tends to decompose/break-down easily. The article said that this can actually damage your skin more than it helps it. After I read that, I tossed out all of my Vitamin C creams (they weren't any of the products you mentioned and b/c they were less expensive, I was worried they were not good). Is this true about Vitamin C? And, my big question: if we order this stuff online, is there a chance that the creams were exposed to temperature flucuations/heat that may have damaged the product? Erica - On the first one, you don't tell me your city, but if you live near someone who does a good job with Sculptra, that might be the best choice for someone with your facial type. ... more |
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