How is Sculptra different than Juvederm?

Today’s facial fillers offer an effective alternative for men and women who want to reduce or erase some of the signs of aging, including wrinkles and lost volume. With the right treatment regimen and a skilled injector, patients can enjoy many of the same benefits of a traditional facelift – but without the cost, incisions or downtime that go hand-in-hand with surgical procedures. Still, not every filler is created equal, and it’s important for patients to understand the differences between products so they can learn why one treatment may be a better option than another for their needs.

Sculptra® vs. Juvederm®

Today, Sculptra® and Juvederm® are two of the most popular facial fillers, and while they can both produce great results, there are some important differences between them:

  • The first and most critical difference is what they’re made of. Juvederm® is composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that helps skin retain moisture so it looks and feels plumper. Sculptra® uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a gel derived from natural products that works to promote the development of collagen, one of the most important building blocks of skin. Collagen forms a supportive scaffolding for skin that helps it maintain resiliency and firmness.
  • The next difference is how they’re used. While both products can be used to treat different areas of the face, Juvederm® is primarily used to fill in wrinkles and “plump up” lips that appear too thin. Sculptra® can also be used to address wrinkles, but it’s often used to restore volume in the cheek area, creating a more youthful profile while gently lifting sagging tissues of the lower face.
  • Finally, while Juvederm® results are immediately apparent, they last anywhere from six to nine months before a re-treatment is necessary. The effects of Sculptra® can take longer to appear as collagen is rebuilt, but the final results can last two years or even longer.

Ready to learn more?

Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine offers an array of filler options so both men and women can enjoy all the benefits of a “liquid facelift.” Schedule a consultation today!

PRP Injections for wrinkles?

Dermal fillers and injectables like BOTOX and Dysport can do wonders to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, but what if you want something to treat other signs of aging, like changes in skin tone and texture that can leave your face looking worn and tired? If that sounds appealing to you, PRP injection could be a good solution.

What is PRP?

Blood is composed of many elements, including red and white blood cells, plasma (the liquid portion of blood) and platelets. Platelets in turn contain important growth factors that help skin heal after being damaged. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, an enriched blood product that’s made from your own blood and contains five times – or more – the normal number of platelets.

In PRP injections, a sample of your own blood is processed to concentrate the number of platelets. Then this concentrated product is reinjected throughout the face to promote a natural healing response that helps reduce the damage caused by aging, restructuring skin so it looks and feels more resilient. If that treatment sounds familiar, you might know it by its “other” name – the vampire facial – made popular after celebrity Kim Kardashian went public with her own treatments a few years ago.

Once PRP is injected into your skin, it stimulates the production of collagen to form a stronger scaffolding for skin to reverse damage and reduce laxity that contributes to wrinkles and changes in texture. One of the main advantages of PRP injection is that because it uses your own blood, there’s no risk of allergic reactions that can occur with other types of injectables.

PRP injections use very thin needles so discomfort is minimized, and treatments take under a half hour to complete. Afterwards, your skin may appear pinkish or sunburned for two or three days. You should begin to see initial results in about a month as new collagen forms.

Learn more.

Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine is a top-ranked provider of PRP cosmetic dermatology treatments for men and women. To learn if PRP is right for you, schedule an evaluation today.