There are lots of different injectables in my practice. Some relax muscle movement to soften wrinkles, some dissolve fat cells, and others add volume. And within the volumizing category alone? I have 18–20 options in my toolbox! Most are hyaluronic acid–based, while others bring some extra special qualities to the party. So how do I choose the right one? It depends on several things—your anatomy, your goals, and yes…your patience.
Generally speaking, my younger patients tend to want volume in a specific area—lips, cheeks, that sort of thing—and they usually want to see results now. In those cases, hyaluronic acid fillers are a fantastic choice. My more mature clients, however, are often looking for improvement of the bigger picture: global enhancement, better skin quality, reduced laxity through subtle volumization, and a little love for the outer edges of the face (think peanut temples or hollowing in front of the ears). While instant results are always fun, sometimes it’s worth waiting 4–6 months for healthier, younger-looking skin that lasts. Chasing volume alone with hyaluronic acid can require many syringes—and may ignore the real issue: tissue laxity.
Enter Sculptra—a “filler” that’s really in a category of its own. Made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), Sculptra acts as a biostimulant, meaning it stimulates your own collagen production. It starts as a powder, then gets reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and a bit of lidocaine before being injected under the skin or along the bone. I personally love using a cannula to deliver this magic liquid—it lowers (though doesn’t eliminate) the risk of bruising, though in some areas a needle still reigns supreme.
You’ll look fuller right away—but don’t be fooled. That’s just the liquid. Over the next few days, the water is absorbed, leaving the PLLA behind. That’s when the real magic begins. Your skin gets the memo and starts building its very own collagen matrix. Your homework? Massage the treated area 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. This helps evenly distribute those tiny particles so when the water disappears, you’re left with a perfectly even sprinkle of collagen-stimulating pixie dust. Collagen forms over the following weeks and continues to reorganize and improve over time. This is a tool for skin laxity, not just volume replacement.
A solid facial treatment plan typically includes 2 vials x 2 sessions, spaced about 8 weeks apart. Then comes the hardest part—waiting. Put on your patient panties and let the magic happen. Results are subtle, natural, and long-lasting, though durability varies depending on how your body produces and breaks down collagen. And while the face is a popular target, Sculptra isn’t limited to it (off-label). You’ll find some impressive before-and-afters on sculptra.com. Just remember: a healthy immune system is key for optimal results.
You may hear whispers online about the “Sculptra Glow.” When injected more superficially, many patients report brighter, healthier-looking skin overall—and honestly, who wouldn’t want that as a bonus?
Sculptra isn’t for those needing a quick fix before an event. It is for people who want a strong foundation before building the house. My favorite areas to treat include the temples, cheekbones, preauricular space (in front of the ears), jawline, and nasolabial folds. No-go zones? Around the eyes and directly around the lips—those muscles move too much and can lead to product clumping and results no one asked for.
At the time of this writing, Sculptra is $900 per vial. Downtime is typically a couple of days of swelling and possibly bruising—though if you’re like me, you’re back at it the next day. This treatment is available at any of our locations with Teri at the helm. Want more personalized intel? Book a virtual consultation and we’ll talk it through, openly and honestly. ✨
Stimulate with Sculptra!
There are lots of different injectables in my practice. Some relax muscle movement to soften wrinkles, some dissolve fat cells, and others add volume. And within the volumizing category alone? I have 18–20 options in my toolbox! Most are hyaluronic acid–based, while others bring some extra special qualities to the party. So how do I choose the right one? It depends on several things—your anatomy, your goals, and yes…your patience.
Generally speaking, my younger patients tend to want volume in a specific area—lips, cheeks, that sort of thing—and they usually want to see results now. In those cases, hyaluronic acid fillers are a fantastic choice. My more mature clients, however, are often looking for improvement of the bigger picture: global enhancement, better skin quality, reduced laxity through subtle volumization, and a little love for the outer edges of the face (think peanut temples or hollowing in front of the ears). While instant results are always fun, sometimes it’s worth waiting 4–6 months for healthier, younger-looking skin that lasts. Chasing volume alone with hyaluronic acid can require many syringes—and may ignore the real issue: tissue laxity.
Enter Sculptra—a “filler” that’s really in a category of its own. Made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), Sculptra acts as a biostimulant, meaning it stimulates your own collagen production. It starts as a powder, then gets reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and a bit of lidocaine before being injected under the skin or along the bone. I personally love using a cannula to deliver this magic liquid—it lowers (though doesn’t eliminate) the risk of bruising, though in some areas a needle still reigns supreme.
You’ll look fuller right away—but don’t be fooled. That’s just the liquid. Over the next few days, the water is absorbed, leaving the PLLA behind. That’s when the real magic begins. Your skin gets the memo and starts building its very own collagen matrix. Your homework? Massage the treated area 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. This helps evenly distribute those tiny particles so when the water disappears, you’re left with a perfectly even sprinkle of collagen-stimulating pixie dust. Collagen forms over the following weeks and continues to reorganize and improve over time. This is a tool for skin laxity, not just volume replacement.
A solid facial treatment plan typically includes 2 vials x 2 sessions, spaced about 8 weeks apart. Then comes the hardest part—waiting. Put on your patient panties and let the magic happen. Results are subtle, natural, and long-lasting, though durability varies depending on how your body produces and breaks down collagen. And while the face is a popular target, Sculptra isn’t limited to it (off-label). You’ll find some impressive before-and-afters on sculptra.com. Just remember: a healthy immune system is key for optimal results.
You may hear whispers online about the “Sculptra Glow.” When injected more superficially, many patients report brighter, healthier-looking skin overall—and honestly, who wouldn’t want that as a bonus?
Sculptra isn’t for those needing a quick fix before an event. It is for people who want a strong foundation before building the house. My favorite areas to treat include the temples, cheekbones, preauricular space (in front of the ears), jawline, and nasolabial folds. No-go zones? Around the eyes and directly around the lips—those muscles move too much and can lead to product clumping and results no one asked for.
At the time of this writing, Sculptra is $900 per vial. Downtime is typically a couple of days of swelling and possibly bruising—though if you’re like me, you’re back at it the next day. This treatment is available at any of our locations with Teri at the helm. Want more personalized intel? Book a virtual consultation and we’ll talk it through, openly and honestly. ✨