FILLER VS. SCULPTRA
Botox can be an aesthetic and medical lifesaver, and has been used to treat wrinkles, headaches, and even Bell’s Palsy. But in the ever changing world of injectable filler, is it possible that something even better and more effective exists?
The answer is maybe.
First, it’s important to note that there is no one size fits all solution that works for everyone. At Veritas Backstage, we believe firmly in an n=1 approach, meaning we determine what’s best for you based on your own unique aesthetic circumstances and goals (templates and cookie-cutter approaches are absolutely frowned upon).
That said, there is a new product on the market that we are growing increasingly more fond of – A unique filler called Sculptra (aka Sculptra Aesthetic.)
Like other fillers you may be familiar with (Restylane, Juvéderm, etc), Sculptra is an injectable product. UNLIKE other fillers, Sculptra is a collagen stimulator.
Why Collagen is The True Hero
Before we talk about why collagen is so important to the health and appearance of your skin, let’s first outline what healthy skin should look like.
Healthy skin is characterized by these 5 qualities:
- Even skin tone
- Unblemished and discreet pores
- Firmness (perceived skin strength)
- Highly elastic (skin quickly ‘rebounds’ back into place post-movement)
- Highly hydrated (supple glow)
A decrease in the health of your skin (ie: suboptimal performance by your skin in any or all of the 5 qualities above) is what results in the tell tale signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging, etc). But, by boosting or optimizing any of the above qualities, and your skin will, in turn, look and feel better, healthier and rejuvenated.
And guess what – The level of collagen in your body is directly proportional to the rate at which you are helping or hurting the health of your skin.
Collagen is by far the most plentiful protein in your skin and plays a HUGE role in the way your skin looks and ages. In fact, collagen makes up roughly 75-80% of your skin structure, meaning that the more collagen you have, the better your skin can ward off fine lines and wrinkles.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that as collagen diminishes, our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag. As the skin begins to sag, wrinkles that used to appear only briefly with a smile or frown become visible all the time.
After the age of 20, you produce about 1 percent less collagen in your skin each year. In your early 20’s the impact is minimal, but over time (usually after you hit the big 3-0), the compounding effect of this decrease in collagen results in skin that is thinner and more fragile.
This is where skincare products containing collagen, or collagen supplementation can be hugely beneficial. According to the AAD, a recent 8 week study showed that individuals taking a daily collagen peptides supplement saw a noticeable reduction in eye wrinkle depth!
This is encouraging news, and part of the reason why Veritas Backstage began carrying a line of collagen peptide supplements. Sometimes, however, skincare products and supplementation just aren’t enough to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. That’s where Sculptra comes in.
Sculptra to the Rescue!
Sculptra is a unique facial injectable that provides a whole new way to think about and treat aging. The main active ingredient in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid, is designed to help stimulate the production of your body’s own collagen!
Just imagine being able to wave a magic wand and boost your facial structure and volume… That’s the power of Sculptra Aesthetic!
We like to use the analogy of a balloon:
As air or volume is lost, the balloon becomes lax, sags, and wrinkles. But if you fill the balloon back up with air, you’re able to restore the balloon to its desired size and shape.
The same is true when it comes to the face: Volume is the key ingredient in supplying structure to the skin, keeping the skin firm around the cheeks, eyes, jawline and mouth.
Where Can Sculptra Be Used?
We’ve found Sculptra to be beneficial in a number of different applications.
When it comes to your face, Sculptra is fantastic for increasing loss of volume, bringing elasticity back to lax skin, and reversing the hollow appearance of aged temples and cheeks.
To boot, a number of our patients have seen great benefit in injecting Sculptra on their chest to smooth creases and boost elasticity.
And when it comes to contouring and defining the youthful features of your face, Sculptra reigns supreme. From creating defined jawline to accentuating a pronounced chin, Sculptra is an effective option because it’s not simply injecting to fill – it’s working with your body to help it produce more collagen for even greater results.
before/after Sculptra photos:
What Sets Sculptra Apart?
Most dermal fillers on the market are made from hyaluronic acid, and are designed to add immediate volume upon injection. Over time, the product gradually breaks down (in roughly 6 – 12 months), and the increased volume disappears, requiring retreatment.
The effects of Sculptra, on the other hand, appear subtly and gradually over time, extending the life of the treatment to 2 years or more. Sculptra’s unique formulation helps to restore the skin’s inner structure and youthful volume, with long-lasting results.
It’s not uncommon for patients to get the results they seek with only one Sculptra treatment. That said, we find that the majority of our patients respond best to two to three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.
