Botox for Marionette Lines? Nope. Choose a Filler Instead

Hi, Dr. Pickart.  I was talking with someone about getting rid of marionette lines, and she was given Botox for that area.  Does that sound right to you?

Anyway, I was going to tell her about Sculptra.  Do you think that 1 vial may be enough for that area?

-Janet F.

Dear Janet,

Actually, the best treatment for marionette lines is NOT Botox.  I do sometimes use Botox to turn up the corners of the mouth, but Botox has NO EFFECT on the marionette lines themselves.
 
I would recommend a filler for marionette lines.  Sculptra is my favorite because it lasts the longest (at least 2-4 years).
 
Regarding how much Sculptra, it depends upon...

• the depth of the marionette lines - Shallow will obviously require less than deep.
• the patient's response to Sculptra - Younger patients respond more vigorously, with more collagen production, compared to older patients.

So, how many vials?  A young patient with mild folds and with a vigorous response to Sculptra might need just 1 vial.  However, an older patient with deeper lines and with less brisk collagen production might need 3-6 vials.  Make sense?
 
Sincerely,
Mike Pickart