Dermal fillers are an excellent way to add volume to the face, treat fine lines and wrinkles, and even add contours. With the popularity of dermal fillers rising, you may wonder which filler is best for you, especially because there are different filler types.
Some are designed for immediate results, while others, like the biostimulator Sculptra, are skilled at adding lasting volume to the face. Today, we’ll discuss Restylane vs. Sculptra so you can better understand the difference between them and learn more about what’s best for your needs.
How Restylane Works and What It Treats
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that provides volume to the skin and gives it a hydrated, plump look. It can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and enhance facial contours. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is injected into your target treatment areas.
Popular treatment areas for Restylane include the lines around the mouth, nose, and lips, as well as the cheeks, lips, and undereye area for enhanced volume.
Restylane offers several dermal fillers specially formulated for different areas of the face and different treatment concerns. Whether you’re looking to address moderate to severe lines around the mouth and nose, add volume to the cheeks, or fill out the undereye area, Restylane has a filler that suits your needs. The results of Restylane filler treatment can last up to six months.
How Sculptra Works and What It Treats
Sculptra is a biostimulator that uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to encourage the production of new collagen. Unlike Restylane, Sculptra works gradually over time, addressing volume loss and enhancing facial contours by promoting the body’s natural collagen production. Sculptra is very effective for treating deeper lines and wrinkles and restoring lost volume.
While the initial effects may take time to become visible, the results pf this biostimulator treatment can last for up to two years or more. The longer-lasting results make Sculptra an appealing option for those needing more than what an HA filler like Restylane can offer.
By stimulating collagen production, Sculptra enhances facial volume and improves skin texture and elasticity, leading to a more youthful appearance over time.
Key Differences Between Restylane and Sculptra and the Benefits of Each
The primary difference between Restylane and Sculptra is how they’re made and how they work. Restylane provides more immediate results, while Sculptra is a biostimulator that produces collagen and enhances volume over time.
Restylane may be your preferred choice if you’re looking for quicker results. However, Sculptra offers a long-term solution as it gradually improves the skin’s structure and firmness.
Here are some other key differences to help guide your choice.
- Overall Longevity: Sculptra lasts up to two years, sometimes longer, and Restylane can last up to six months.
- Treatment Purpose: Restylane is perfect for contouring the face and immediately enhancing specific facial areas. Sculptra is intended for long-term volume restoration and collagen renewal.
- Permanence: Restylane can be more easily adjusted and customized if you don’t like your results after the first treatment. There’s less customizability with Sculptra treatments, which are longer-lasting and intended for overall volume restoration.
While these two treatments have several differences, they’re both made of biocompatible materials, so they’re safe for your body and pose an extremely low risk of causing allergic reactions.
Ideal Candidates for Restylane vs. Sculptra
Ideal candidates for Restylane are those who seek more immediate results and have specific areas of concern, such as fine lines or volume loss in the cheeks or lips. If you want to enhance your facial aesthetics without surgery, Restylane is perfect at any age.
Biostimulator treatment with Sculptra is best for those who have experienced significant volume loss. It can be very beneficial for those who want to address deeper wrinkles and restore facial fullness in the long term.
Common FAQ
Just how immediate are the results of Restylane?
After a Restylane treatment, you should notice changes right away. However, it will take up to two weeks for the results to be fully apparent.
How do the results and longevity of Sculptra compare to Restylane?
Restylane offers immediate results that can last up to six months. In contrast, Sculptra’s results develop gradually over several months. However, Sculptra can last up to two years. It’s important to factor in treatment goals when choosing between the two treatments.
If you’re specifically looking to use dermal fillers to plump the cheeks or enhance the shape of your lips, a biostimulator like Sculptra won’t be the right fit. Your provider can help you explore which option is best for your needs.
How do Sculptra and Restylane improve the volume and appearance of the face?
Both Sculptra and Restylane enhance facial volume, but they do so in different ways. Restylane delivers hyaluronic acid directly, providing instant volume and hydration. Sculptra, on the other hand, stimulates collagen production over time, leading to gradual volume restoration and improved skin texture. This difference is crucial: Sculptra provides more holistic volume enhancement, while Restylane can provide more targeted results.
Does either treatment have side effects?
Both Restylane and Sculptra are generally well-tolerated, but side effects can occur. Common side effects of Restylane include swelling and redness. Bruising can occur, especially if you participate in high-intensity activities.
Sculptra may cause similar initial reactions, but since it stimulates collagen production, patients may experience delayed effects, such as tenderness or lumps under the skin. Your provider will explain what to expect and what’s normal regarding side effects.
Restore Lost Volume with Sculptra at The Aesthetic Edit
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, long-lasting solution to deep wrinkles and lost volume, it’s time to schedule your Sculptra consultation with our team at The Aesthetic Edit. Our skilled providers are here to guide you on your journey to enhancing your natural beauty and feeling radiant. Schedule your Sculptra appointment today at The Aesthetic Edit.
