Q. I just heard that the FDA approved Sculptra for facial injections. Which product do you think is better, Sculptra or Botox?

A. Yes, Sculptra recently received FDA approval for augmentation of soft-tissue defects in the facial area. But Botox and Sculptra are entirely different injection types.

Botox and Dysport (another type of botulism on the market) are agents used to improve the appearance of wrinkles by weakening and/or paralyzing the facial muscles. Both of these agents are reversible and work for approximately three to four months.

Sculptra is a facial filler, and works by filling in defects (such as wrinkles and facial hollows) by stimulating your own body to produce collagen. It has been used primarily for patients who have had large-volume loss due to HIV facial atrophy. Over the past few years, Sculptra has also been used, off label, for cosmetic purposes to fill in loss of fat in the face and to fill nasal labial folds. Sculptra may last beyond a year before another injection is needed.

Each agent has benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor before you pursue any injections. As always, make sure you go to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist for your treatments.

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