Sculptra or Radiesse?

[BRAlphaMaster]

Hi,

 

I've discovered to be poz almost 10 years ago (so I was probably poz much longer) with a cd4 count of 18 and a huge viral load, at that time I started on meds.

I feel like it's about time for me to start taking care of my face, it's nothing urgent but I might be getting some hints of the 'aids face'.

I was wondering if anyone here that IS poz tried Radiesse or Sculptra and how was the experience with it? 

 

Best,

BRAlphaMaster

Edited April 16, 2022 by BRAlphaMaster

[ellentonboy]

Well I guess this thread had my name written on it, so I'll be honest and here I go.  I have been receiving Sculptra from my HIV Specialist, who was certified by the company to do the injection, for years.  I had ten (10!) treatments of Sculptra over about an eight year period.  Since I was on disability the company only charged a nominal fee for the actual syringe of the product, when my doctor included his portion I was paying $350.00 out of my pocket, of course no insurance for something like this  At the time, I had between 25 and 50 T cells, and a viral load of over a million.  I can say this, Sculptra improved my appearance for maybe two months.  After that, my face would begin to look like I was ill.  You would notice it if you walked by a car window, or a window in a store front.  I actually went to my dermatologist and mentioned I was having the procedures, and she told me they had to reimburse some clients who were not ill, that Sculptra didn't work.  Though I was never social with any of my doctor's other patients I can tell you I was not pleased with the results after about a month or two.  Now, to be honest, I wasn't taking my meds as directed.  That was why my viral load was so high and T cells were so low.   Secondly, I partied maybe three weekends out of the month, so maybe 12 days out of 30 I was doing t.  None of that helped my situation.

My doctor did these procedures over about that eight year period and he had clients lined up around the door, usually on Thursday evenings.  I realized after about eight years I was throwing my money away because I had no plans on discontinue partying.  I did look fine until the first weekend I partied and by say Tuesday morning my face did begin to show signs I was ill.  

Then a few years back my doctor approached me with the idea of doing Radiesse.  Now this was going to be $750 a procedure, a lot of needles in your face but hey, I am used to needles, so not an issue for me.  I will say this, Radiuses lasts longer and the effects of the treatment are immediate and your entire face feels fuller, you look healthier.   I know $750 is a lot of money for many of us, but it is well worth it.

So if I knew from the beginning I wouldn't have wasted my time with Sculptra (My doctor called me "Prince Sculptra" because I had it so many times), and went right to Radiesse.  It may be more expensive but it lasts up to two years, at least in my situation.  Remember I had an extremely high viral load and very few T cells so it made the difference!  Go with Radiesse.

 

 

[BRAlphaMaster]

33 minutes ago, ellentonboy said:

Thanks for letting me know, my cd4 is already more than 350 but I feel I'm already showing signs of the continuous treatment, I'll check my options with Radiesse. If you are the guy from your profile pic you do look great yourself so it's definitely working for you

 

[ellentonboy]

16 hours ago, BRAlphaMaster said:

 

Yes that is me, that was probably after three or four of the Skulptra treatments, but my T cells were low and the viral count was high.  Once you start to party your face seems to pay the price.  I would stick to Radiesse, I had that when my T cells were in the 150 to 200 level and it does last up to two years.  It is more effective and in the end, cheaper.