A. Technically, Liquid Face Lift is a term coined to advertise combination injectables to improve the aging face non-surgically. While the term is new, the concept is not. For most patients, it means Botox or Dysport to relax key muscles that pull the face down and combine that with a variety of fillers (usually Sculptra and Restylane or Juvederm) to lift folds and fill in areas of fat atrophy. The result does NOT duplicate a surgical face lift, but it can result in a softening of a gaunt appearance, improved lines and folds, decreased sagging and an overall more youthful appearance.
Q. I have heard that Sculptra can cause lots of lumps under the skin. I know you are a frequent lecturer about Sculptra and I was wondering why there are posts on the internet about this problem with Sculptra?
A. I was on the first advisory board for Dermik when they were bringing this product from Europe to the United States. I was sent to Geneva in 2004 to learn the injection technique so I could become one of the first clinical instructors in the US for this new type of "filler".
Let me set the record straight: all dermal fillers pose a risk of lumps. Restylane and Juvederm lumps can be dissolved by hyaluronidase. Radiesse and Sculptra lumps cannot be dissolved and they can take 1-2 years to resolve. Fortunately, most lumps are palpable but not visible. There are 2 reasons why lumps seem to be reported on the internet more with Sculptra. One is that over a decade ago in Europe they initially were injecting Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) in a too concentrated form and too superficially. We now inject a different reconstitution product and we inject it deeper. Secondly in 2005 and 2006, there were doctors trying to teach all kinds on non-cosmetic providers who had little to no knowledge about the skin. These providers were responsible for most of the complications reported. A few years later, Sanofi (and now Valeant) began to distribute Sculptra and they have wisely limited its sale and the training only to physicians who are board certified in a core aesthetic field (like dermatology and plastic surgery). Complications have plummeted, but unfortunately the bad stories are still on the internet. There are doctors who are not board certified who were "grandfathered" in and still can buy Sculptra, so please do your homework and confirm they are board certified in an appropriate field.
More Sculptra Related Questions
- Sculptra Fillers in New Orleans - How Long Before Sculptra Dissipates Completely?
- Sculptra Treatments New Orleans - My doctor told me that I can't be injected now with Sculptra because I have been recently injected with Juvederm. My doctor told I have to wait about 5 months, because of some kind of interaction between both fillers. I didn't really understand what he was trying to say. Can you tell me more about this, because it seems like a lot of people are injected with both. Or is my doctor maybe too cautious?
- Sculptra Effects New Orleans - I read in New Beauty about "revolumizing" the face. That sounds like it might make you look fat. Who needs to have this done?
- New Orleans Sculptra Treatment - I have heard of the "Liquid Face Lift". What is it? Who is a good candidate?
Back to Sculptra Home Page
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
