Sculptra vs. Ultherapy: which one is right for you?

Sculptra and Ultherapy are two of the most popular ways to restore firmness without surgery. Both help your skin make its own collagen, so the results look natural, but they work in different ways. Here is how to tell which one fits what you want to improve.

How each one works

Sculptra® is an injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid. It is placed in the deep layer of the skin, where it stimulates new collagen and gradually restores lost volume and firmness.

Ultherapy® is an FDA-cleared micro-focused ultrasound treatment. It reaches the deep layers of the skin without needles or incisions and stimulates collagen and elastin to tighten and lift.

Side by side

	Sculptra®	Ultherapy®
Best for	Volume loss and overall firmness	Mild to moderate laxity, jawline, brow and neck
How it is done	Injections	Ultrasound, no needles
Sessions	1 to 4, typically 3, 3 to 4 weeks apart	Usually 1, with maintenance every 6 months
Results	Gradual over several weeks	Gradual, full result at about 3 months
How long it lasts	Up to 25 months after the last session, in studies	About 1 year
Price (MXN)	$13,000 per session	From $13,000, depending on the areas

Which one should you choose?

If your face has lost volume and looks tired or hollow, Sculptra is usually the better fit. If the skin is starting to sag along the jawline, brow or neck, Ultherapy is often the better choice. Many patients combine both for a more complete result.

The right answer depends on your skin, your age and your goals, so the doctor recommends the plan at your medical evaluation ($500 MXN, credited to your treatment if you go ahead).

See our collagen boosters page and our Ultherapy page, or book your evaluation.