Sculptra filler: how does it work differently from hyaluronic acid filler?
Although it is often called Sculptra filler, unlike hyaluronic acid filler, in which the injected material fills volume, Sculptra works by having poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) induce collagen production so that volume builds up over weeks to months. As a result, when changes appear, the number of sessions, and how it can be reversed all differ, and Radiesse is regarded as a material that combines properties of both.
How is Sculptra filler different from hyaluronic acid filler?
| Category | Hyaluronic acid filler | Sculptra | Radiesse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) | Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) |
| How it works | The injected material directly fills volume | Gradually fills by inducing collagen production | The gel creates initial volume and induces collagen production |
| When changes appear | Right after injection | Gradually over 4 to 6 weeks | Right after injection and over the following weeks |
| Sessions | Usually 1 session, depending on the area | 3 or more sessions at 1-month intervals | Decided by area and condition |
| Reversal | Can be dissolved with an enzyme | No enzyme to dissolve it | No enzyme to dissolve it |
Even for the same goal of restoring volume, we mainly consider hyaluronic acid filler for the bridge of the nose or the chin, where shape needs to be created immediately, and materials that induce collagen production for the temples or side cheeks, where a wide area is hollow overall. Which to use is decided during consultation based on the extent and depth of hollowness and your schedule.
How are Radiesse and Sculptra different?
Radiesse has fine calcium-based particles mixed into a gel, so right after injection the gel creates a certain amount of volume, and after the gel is absorbed, collagen forms around the remaining particles. With Sculptra, the volume seen right after injection decreases within a few days as fluid is absorbed, and then builds up again over several weeks as collagen forms.
Neither material can be dissolved with an enzyme like hyaluronic acid filler, so the injection amount and location are carefully decided from the start, and the product is injected over several sessions.
Care and precautions after Sculptra filler treatment
At our Suwon clinic, numbing cream is applied for about 20 to 40 minutes before Sculptra treatment, and the treatment itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
After treatment, gently massage several times a day for a few days to prevent clumping, and for 2 to 3 weeks avoid positions that press on the treated area, meridian massage, and ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments. Bruising, swelling, and a foreign-body sensation usually ease within 1 to 2 weeks, but in rare cases a blocked blood vessel can cause changes in skin color or severe pain, so if you notice such symptoms, please contact the clinic right away.
Radiesse in Suwon: how does a calcium-based ingredient build collagen?
View Sculptra Treatment Information
FAQ
Q. Is one session of Sculptra filler enough?
A. Sculptra works by building up collagen reactions, so it is usually given in 3 or more sessions at 1-month intervals. Injecting a large amount at once increases the risk of clumping and nodules, so the number of sessions and amount are divided according to the extent and depth of hollowness.
Q. Are Sculptra and hyaluronic acid filler sometimes used together?
A. We sometimes plan them together, using hyaluronic acid filler for spots where shape needs to be set right away and Sculptra for a widely hollow base. Whether to inject them on the same day or on separate dates is decided during consultation based on the treatment areas, swelling, and recovery schedule.
Q. Are there areas where Sculptra filler is not used?
A. The red part of the lips and areas around the eyes such as between the eyebrows have thin skin and a lot of movement, making nodules likely, so Sculptra is not used there. It is mainly used in widely hollow areas such as the temples and side cheeks, and the areas are decided through examination.
This content is provided as general treatment information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a medical professional to decide whether and how to proceed with a treatment.