Complain about a product or service

New Injection Drug Smooths Out Wrinkles

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

August 19, 2005

Dr. Henry Fishman • New This Week • Previous Topics • About Henry Fishman • Radio Features

Wrinkles and lines, begone! A new injection drug called Sculptra can help reduce sagging and wrinkling of the face.

The FDA has approved Sculptra to treat facial skin atrophy and thinning in HIV patients, but dermatologists and plastic surgeons are using it off-label in non-HIV patients to provide fuller cheeks and softer lines between the nose and lips.

Sculptra is a "volumizer" -- it provides a little material under the skin to stretch it out a bit, stimulates collagen growth and smooths the skin. It cannot be used to plump up the lips.

Patients typically need one to three injections at around $500 a pop. Sculptra lasts for about two years, far longer than the most popular cosmetic filler, Restylane, which lasts six to nine months.

Sculptra is usually pretty safe but can cause rare problems like allergies, infections or worse.

And so, if vain you must be, find a god dermatologist or plastic surgeon and ask about Sculptra, the latest fountain of youth.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.