Sculptra or Juvederm: Which Is Better?

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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Dermal fillers have rapidly become the non-invasive choice for many people who want to experience the benefits of plastic surgery and fight the signs of aging. There’s a lot of reasons for this: the ease of application, the relative lack of side effects, and drastically reduced the time needed for recovery. So the question isn’t “what” dermal filler – it’s “which one works better for me?”

For example, what are the differences between Sculptra and Juvederm? Aside from their core ingredients, the biggest difference between the two is the areas of the face in which they’re applied. Knowing this difference can help you and your dermatologist make a more accurate call on which filler is needed, so you get better results. 

Sculptra vs Juvederm Injection: What’s The Difference?

Sculptra and Juvederm are both dermal fillers that can lift up areas on the face, but they differ a bit with their active ingredients. Here’s a table summarizing the differences between the two products:

JuvedermSculptra
Active ingredient is hyaluronic acidActive ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid
Lasts for 6 months to 1 yearLasts from 1 year to 2 years
Designed for use on the faceCan be applied almost anywhere on the body
Immediate resultsResults may take longer

Results-wise, Sculptra holds the advantage over Juvederm with its longevity, though Juvederm offers more immediate results. Both of these treatments can be used to address common skin problems like acne scars and pockmarks, though they use different methods to add volume to the face. They’re far more permanent than other injectables like Botox, and have other benefits that extend beyond just rejuvenating skin.

But one thing is for certain: while these two dermal fillers are different, these differences don’t necessarily make one better or worse than the other. Because each person reacts to dermal fillers differently, results will always vary from patient to patient. The important thing to remember here is that you should always consult with your dermatologist before choosing one of these fillers.

When To Choose Sculptra For Facial Wrinkles

Sculptra is a relatively new dermal filler that uses polylactic acid as its primary ingredient. This acid is well-known for its ability to stimulate collagen production in the body. Collagen is an essential protein that gives your skin the structure and texture it needs and is an important building block for having healthy skin.

Unlike most dermal fillers, Sculptra can be used almost anywhere on the skin and body. While it can fill in areas with the initial injection, the majority of the changes after Sculptra treatments occur a few weeks after the initial injection. By increasing the amount of collagen production, effectively conditions your body to start rejuvenating the skin on its own.

Side effects of Sculptra are relatively mild and go away within a few days of the procedure. While some swelling, bruising, lumps, or bumps are to be expected, the body should be able to adapt and heal from the procedure fairly quickly.

This is also why the effects of Sculptra last for such a long time compared to Juvederm. Because the body itself is actively working to increase collagen production, it’s an excellent way to add more substance to sunken areas of the face without using too much filler material. However, it’s also for this reason why it doesn’t show immediate results compared to Juvederm – collagen production needs time to fully activate.

When To Use Juvederm For Facial Wrinkles

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that’s primarily used on the face. It can treat wrinkles, marionette lines, laugh lines, and other fine lines on the face. With plenty of varieties to treat specific areas, it’s one of the more versatile facial fillers available on the market right now.

Hyaluronic acid is a crucial component in the body, as it’s primarily responsible for keeping the skin hydrated. This allows it to better resist the wear and tear it experiences daily, and can even boost its regenerative properties if you get injured. High levels of hyaluronic acid can help add more volume to the nose, cheeks, and chin. It can treat acne scars and manage other skin conditions over time.

Juvederm’s side effects are also relatively mild, but the injection itself has to be handled carefully to avoid the filler material from being injected into a vein. This is especially crucial if the treatment area is around sensitive spots like the underside of the eyes.

However, since the body is extremely biocompatible with hyaluronic acid, you’ll need regular treatments and reapplications of Juvederm for the best results. It’s also highly dependent on the location where you inject it. For example, it’s more likely that you’ll need a reapplication of Juvederm if it’s around the lips or mouth since you move those areas frequently and make them more prone to wrinkles.

Effective Results Using Dermal Fillers At Ethos Spa NJ

While Sculptra and Juvederm have the same goal of helping the skin regain lost volume, structure, and improving its appearance, their methods of action differ. These differences can be the key for patients deciding what treatment works best for the results that they want, and which one your dermatologist will be using on you. The better filler works best with what you want, and you can only figure that out with a consultation with your dermatologist.

At Ethos Spa, we pride ourselves on our outstanding record of using dermal fillers for the best results. We make sure that all our clients are satisfied with the results of their treatment. Aside from top-notch customer service, we also use the latest in cosmetic medicine and beauty treatments so you’re always at the forefront of what being beautiful can look like. For more information about us and our treatments, visit our website today.

Read more: What Is The Best Injectable Filler For Marionette Lines?

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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