Sculptra for Hip Augmentation

Q: Dr. Eppley, some doctors in the USA do Sculptra. it is FDA approved for hip augmentation and can you do it in my hips to get more volume to my hips? 

A: Sculptra is FDA-approved for use in the face in the United State. specifically for facial lipoatrophy. Using it for hip augmentation is an off-label use but can be done. The key with Sculptra injections, which makes it very different than any other injectable filler other than silicone oil, is that it takes a series of treatments to achieve its maximal effect. This is usually done up to three injection sessions spaced about 6 weeks apart. It is the scar tissue response to the injected PLLA particles which is how it works. If you try and put in too much of it at one time, adverse tissue reactions can occur. (inflammation, nodules) Thus it is a delayed response to the injected material that occurs and not the immediate result that is seen from most injectable fillers or injected fat.

The amount of injected volume of Sculptra (it is mixed into a solution at the time of its use) would be considerably more than that used in the face. As a result its cost would be also higher.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana