Just had Sculptra; contemplating Fraxel

horseluvr · 07-22-2007, 11:27 AM

I finally got brave and went to a dermatologist my daughter uses. I had Botox, Sculptra and cosmoplast to try to help the wrinkles around my mouth. The Dr wanted to do Co2 Laser around the mouth but I have a vacation trip coming up and she felt the "down time" would be too much. Besides, I have been scared off the Co2 by reading some of the comments on the "make me heal " board. She does want me to do Fraxel on the full face and says I will only have a day or two of redness and discomfort. I did have a lot of bruising and swelling on my upper lip from the injections but the numbing cream was great and there was no pain when getting the Botox or the Sculptra. I would like to know what I should expect long term from these injections. Since it wasn't the derm's first choice, I guess the results may be disappointing. I would also like to know, from someone who has tried it, if The Fraxel will make a difference because all of this is quite costly!
Is the ActiveFX, the Fractional Laser and Fraxel all different names for the same thing? Thanks for any advice; all ideas are welcomed!

jennifer · 07-25-2007, 06:04 PM

Hi horseluvr
As you might already know Botox will need regular touch-ups every 4 to 6 months & Sculptra has longer term effects, some have seen results last upto 2 years. I have not tried Fraxel but i know friends who have had good results, however if you are considering a vacation its better to put off till you come back, due to harm caused by Sun.

I believe Fractional Laser & Fraxel are same notu sure of ActiveFX

Keep us posted

horseluvr · 07-27-2007, 03:45 PM

Well, I had Fraxel on Wednesday. Got home at 1:00 and the burning sensation had already subsided but I had to rest. I should have put ice on my face then but didn't [I know better now]. The swelling uder my eye kept me home on Thursday and today I went to work and one person did ask "what happened to your eyes?" I can see that there is some change in my skin already but the main reason I started all this, the wrinkles around my lips, are still quite evident.

They are saying I will need more Sculptra to layer onto what I already have but at $700 a syringe, I don't know how much more I can get. I am encouraged by your saying the results last a year or more. Maybe that would be worth it. Thanks for your response.
I guess I know why they take photos the first day: the camparison photos I have seen are not always showing a striking difference but the skin surface is smoother and fresher; I can agree with that after only a couple of days. I do think that people should plan on at least two days of "down time" with Fraxel!

jennifer · 07-27-2007, 05:29 PM

hi horseluvr
Here is the info about Sculptra effects on their website

The effects of Sculptra® are enduring. In a clinical study, effects lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session in most patients. The results from Sculptra® are not immediate; Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Your healthcare provider will see you again in a few weeks to decide if additional injections are needed. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effects.

http://www.sculptra.com/US/aboutscul...ingResults.jsp

mickiedaniels · 01-30-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennifer

hi horseluvr
Here is the info about Sculptra effects on their website

The effects of Sculptra® are enduring. In a clinical study, effects lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session in most patients. The results from Sculptra® are not immediate; Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Your healthcare provider will see you again in a few weeks to decide if additional injections are needed. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effects.

http://www.sculptra.com/US/aboutscul...ingResults.jsp

Thanks for the link jennifer! I think I'd better go with Sculptra too. But I need to work on my bank savings first!

Robert · 01-30-2009, 08:13 PM

For those considering Sculptra.......

It will require 2 to 3 injections, spread apart monthly to see results. The immediate results you see is swelling only. It decreases in 24 hours. It does last longer however, up to 1 year has been my experience. I have to go back annually for a further injection.

For my buck,...I would try a Juvaderm or another longer lasting product that gives immediate results. Some injectables are not suitable for lip area so you may have to add a Restalyn product as an adjunct if you are after lip enhancement. .....Just my 2 cents.

07-22-2007, 11:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
horseluvr Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 11	Just had Sculptra; contemplating Fraxel I finally got brave and went to a dermatologist my daughter uses. I had Botox, Sculptra and cosmoplast to try to help the wrinkles around my mouth. The Dr wanted to do Co2 Laser around the mouth but I have a vacation trip coming up and she felt the "down time" would be too much. Besides, I have been scared off the Co2 by reading some of the comments on the "make me heal " board. She does want me to do Fraxel on the full face and says I will only have a day or two of redness and discomfort. I did have a lot of bruising and swelling on my upper lip from the injections but the numbing cream was great and there was no pain when getting the Botox or the Sculptra. I would like to know what I should expect long term from these injections. Since it wasn't the derm's first choice, I guess the results may be disappointing. I would also like to know, from someone who has tried it, if The Fraxel will make a difference because all of this is quite costly! Is the ActiveFX, the Fractional Laser and Fraxel all different names for the same thing? Thanks for any advice; all ideas are welcomed!

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07-25-2007, 06:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
jennifer Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: miami Posts: 362 My Mood:	Hi horseluvr As you might already know Botox will need regular touch-ups every 4 to 6 months & Sculptra has longer term effects, some have seen results last upto 2 years. I have not tried Fraxel but i know friends who have had good results, however if you are considering a vacation its better to put off till you come back, due to harm caused by Sun. I believe Fractional Laser & Fraxel are same notu sure of ActiveFX Keep us posted

07-27-2007, 03:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
horseluvr Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 11	Well, I had Fraxel on Wednesday. Got home at 1:00 and the burning sensation had already subsided but I had to rest. I should have put ice on my face then but didn't [I know better now]. The swelling uder my eye kept me home on Thursday and today I went to work and one person did ask "what happened to your eyes?" I can see that there is some change in my skin already but the main reason I started all this, the wrinkles around my lips, are still quite evident. They are saying I will need more Sculptra to layer onto what I already have but at $700 a syringe, I don't know how much more I can get. I am encouraged by your saying the results last a year or more. Maybe that would be worth it. Thanks for your response. I guess I know why they take photos the first day: the camparison photos I have seen are not always showing a striking difference but the skin surface is smoother and fresher; I can agree with that after only a couple of days. I do think that people should plan on at least two days of "down time" with Fraxel!

07-27-2007, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
jennifer Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: miami Posts: 362 My Mood:	hi horseluvr Here is the info about Sculptra effects on their website The effects of Sculptra® are enduring. In a clinical study, effects lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session in most patients. The results from Sculptra® are not immediate; Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Your healthcare provider will see you again in a few weeks to decide if additional injections are needed. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effects. http://www.sculptra.com/US/aboutscul...ingResults.jsp

01-30-2009, 08:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
Robert Just browsing Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: san francisco Posts: 82	For those considering Sculptra....... It will require 2 to 3 injections, spread apart monthly to see results. The immediate results you see is swelling only. It decreases in 24 hours. It does last longer however, up to 1 year has been my experience. I have to go back annually for a further injection. For my buck,...I would try a Juvaderm or another longer lasting product that gives immediate results. Some injectables are not suitable for lip area so you may have to add a Restalyn product as an adjunct if you are after lip enhancement. .....Just my 2 cents.