Sculptra: what it is, what the FDA says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20263 sources checkedHow we write

Sculptra is a brand of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a dermal filler that works differently from most. This page says what the FDA and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, say about it. It does not say whether you should have it.

What it is

The FDA describes poly-L-lactic acid as a biodegradable, biocompatible man-made polymer, used in absorbable stitches and bone screws. It lists PLLA as one of the absorbable (temporary) filler materials, and calls it a long-lasting filler material given in a series of injections over a period of several months.

ASDS says PLLA is known commercially as Sculptra and Sculptra Aesthetic. It calls PLLA a "biostimulatory" filler, meaning it stimulates your own skin to make new collagen. ASDS says that over time the skin breaks the PLLA down into water and carbon dioxide.

The FDA regulates dermal fillers as medical devices.

What it is approved for

ASDS says the FDA has approved Sculptra since 2004 to treat lipoatrophy (thinning of the fat pads in the face) associated with HIV, and approved Sculptra Aesthetic in 2009 for improving the appearance of nasolabial fold contour changes and other facial wrinkles. We did not open FDA's own approval record for these dates. Treating other areas is a decision for you and your provider. The FDA says approved uses are for adults 22 and older.

How it works over time

Most fillers add volume at the time of the injection. The FDA and ASDS describe PLLA differently. The FDA says the effects of PLLA generally become increasingly apparent over several weeks. ASDS says the effects appear gradually over a few months. Both describe a course, not a single visit. The FDA says PLLA is given in a series of injections over several months, and ASDS says multiple sessions are needed, often spaced about one month apart.

How long it lasts

The FDA says the effects of PLLA may last up to 2 years. ASDS says PLLA fillers are temporary, lasting up to two years depending on the person, and that most patients need maintenance treatments to keep the effect.

Risks

The FDA says any filler can cause temporary or permanent side effects, or both. Most, such as swelling and bruising, happen soon after injection and many resolve in days to weeks. Some can appear weeks, months or years later. Common risks the FDA lists include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching and rash. Less common ones include lumps under the skin that may need treatment, infection and allergic reaction. The most serious risk is accidental injection into a blood vessel, which the FDA says is unlikely but can cause tissue death, vision problems including blindness, and stroke.

ASDS says PLLA is not recommended for people with a current oral herpes or similar infection, lupus or another connective tissue disorder, an allergy to any component of Sculptra Aesthetic, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA says the safety of fillers is unknown in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in people under 22, and in people prone to excessive scarring.

Who injects it

The FDA says to work with a licensed health care provider with experience in dermatology or plastic surgery, trained to inject dermal fillers. Which licensed professionals may inject fillers depends on the state. See our guide to who may inject. For a comparison with another long-lasting filler, see Sculptra vs Radiesse.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page. Because Sculptra is given in a course, a quote should say what a course includes. Our cost guide will cover this.

Common questions