Sculptra, the longer-lasting poly-L-lactic acid filler for nasolabial folds, just received FDA-approval for the improvement of the cheek wrinkles, too. This is exciting news as it expands its range of uses for patients looking to address signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and volume loss.
“When injected, it helps to act as a lattice for and to stimulate your natural collagen and elastin,” says Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias. “It gives beautiful, natural, long-lasting results and is a foundational treatment for anti-aging and cosmetic dermatology.”
Sculptra is made of a biocompatible synthetic polymer that works by stimulating collagen. As we age, our collagen production naturally slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss. Sculptra continues to work gradually over several weeks to months, with optimal results appearing after three to six months.
Previous Indications
“Previously, Sculptra was indicated for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles,” says Washington, D.C. dermatologist Farhaad Riyaz, MD. “With this new approval, it’s the first and original PLLA collagen stimulator to be approved for this specific use.”
Radial Cheek Lines
Brookline, MA dermatologist Papri Sarkar, MD adds that injectors now have have data for clinical results they’ve observed for years. “Here are a few data points: 94 percent of patients saw an improvement in cheek wrinkles at two years. Some of the wrinkles in the cheek area aren’t approved to be treated by any other fillers,” she says. “As we get older, the area under the cheekbone can look gaunt and cause radial cheek lines or ‘smile lines.'”
Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results which can last for up to two years. Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Jennifer Channual, MD says its a good option for those who don’t want to appear overfilled. ”By stimulating collagen, not only do we see volume correction but also improvement in dynamic wrinkle reduction,” she says.
