Sculptra, an injection that stimulates skin cells to make collagen, was approved by the FDA in July to treat facial wrinkles.

The drug was approved for use in HIV-associated lipoatrophy in 2004. The results of Sculptra may take several months and a series of injections to appear.

Our Miami Beach team was involved in research trials that began in 2003 that led to Sculptra's approval. In these trials, 117 people received Sculptra injections to improve wrinkles between the nose and mouth -- called the nasolabial folds. Sculptra was found to last 25 months in patients in the trial.

As with all injections, Sculptra has possible but uncommon side effects. Injections can cause small and medium-sized bumps called papules and nodules that are rock-hard and cannot be easily removed. In most cases they are not visible. It is unknown what causes the Sculptra bumps, but they seem to occur in areas with more movement such as around the eyes and at the corners of the mouth.

Sculptra requires a series of treatments to achieve desired results. In the study, an average of three treatments at three-week intervals were required.

Sculptra is best used in the cheek area to treat gaunt or thin faces. For large areas such as the cheekbones or for extremely wrinkled skin, Sculptra is a good option. It should not be used in areas that move a lot such as around the eyes, the frown lines or the lower corner of the mouth because these areas are more likely to develop bumps. Most people require four to five treatment sessions costing between $800 to $3,000 a session, depending on how much volume is needed.

Although in the short-term Sculptra costs more than Restylane and Juvederm fillers, over the long term it may be cheaper because of how long the results lasts. I have many patients who have been treated with Sculptra and still have good results three years later.

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