Why Are Sculptra Injections Not Permanent?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Why is Sculptra not permanent although it stimulates the growth of the body´s own tissue? Is there a certain percentage of the augmentation effect, that can be considered permanent?

A:  Sculptra creates its collagen effect through the implantation of small polmyer crystals known as PLA. This is a well known slowly dissolving polymer material. Its implantation causes collagen tissue to form around it as a reaction to the implanted material. This scar tissue will only persist as long as the PLA crystals persist. Once they are broken down and absorbed, the surrounding collagen tissue fades away. On a much larger scale think of the collagenous capsule that forms around a breast implant. Once the breast implant is removed, the capsule will eventually be largely absorbed. This explains why there is no permanent effect to Sculptra injections. It is long lasting for sure but not permanent unless treatments are eventually repeated.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana