Dermal fillers are consistently one of the most-requested cosmetic treatments in the country. American aestheticians perform more than 1.8 million dermal filler procedures each year, and it’s easy to see why this minimally invasive treatment is so popular.
Fillers tackle loss of volume, which is a top cause of aging skin. As we age, we lose fat on our faces. Skin begins to sag, and lines and wrinkles form. Fillers add volume to your skin, giving you a smoother and more youthful complexion.
If you’re thinking about trying dermal fillers, options like Juvéderm® or Restylane® might come to mind. Daniel Moghadam, MD, and our team at Modern Aesthetica offer these popular instant fillers, but we also specialize in a different type of filler: Sculptra®.
While instant fillers and Sculptra restore lost facial volume and enhance your appearance, they’re quite different in their composition, application, and results. Here’s what you need to know.
Sculptra is a dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic substance biocompatible with the human body. Our aesthetic team injects Sculptra into the deeper layers of your skin, where it stimulates your body’s natural collagen production.
Collagen is a key ingredient of healthy skin, which your skin produces less of as you age. Less collagen contributes to fine lines and wrinkles. Sculptra triggers collagen production, gradually restoring volume to your skin over time.
On the other hand, instant fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that’s found in your body. It attracts moisture and helps your skin retain volume.
Our aestheticians inject these fillers just like Sculptra, but the effects are immediate. Hyaluronic acid immediately adds volume to fill in lines and wrinkles, but unlike Sculptra, it doesn’t stimulate collagen production, and the effects gradually wear off.
Sculptra and instant fillers have unique benefits. As facial aesthetic specialists, Dr. Moghadam and our team can help you decide which treatment is best for you. We examine your face, review your medical history, and discuss your goals for treatment.
One of the main differences between Sculptra and instant fillers is when you see results and how long they last. Instant fillers deliver instant results, and the effects typically last between six and 12 months. Sculptra takes about four to six weeks to begin working, and effects can last two years or more.
Instant fillers address fine lines and wrinkles and add volume to cheeks and lips. But if you have deep wrinkles and facial hollows, Sculptra may be a better choice for you. We inject Sculptra deeper into your skin, and the poly-L-lactic acid can produce a more natural-looking result over time.
Both Sculptra and instant fillers are effective cosmetic treatments, so which one is right for you? Sculptra is a longer-lasting, more natural-looking option that stimulates collagen production, while instant fillers provide immediate results but have a shorter duration.
Learn what Sculptra can do for you with a personalized consultation at Modern Aesthetica. Call our Santa Monica, California, office at 310-975-3866 or request an appointment online today.
