Sculptra

[Guest guest]

I know that there have been many discussions here about Sculptra, the cost and

the HIV assistance porgrams. I have looked through some of the messages on the

topic but I did not come across information on current cost and if the

Assistance programs are still in place. I am waiting to hear from the Sculptra

people about their Access Program, but I also would like to get up to date info

on any other assistance programs that might be available. My dermatologist

wants $500.00 per session.

PRH

[Guest guest]

While you're calling them out, don't forget to call out greedy sanofi-aventis.

When those of us who were among the first Sculptra (NewFill) patients accessed

NewFill in pre-approval trials, a 2-vial pack cost $450 or thereabouts. RIght

after FDA approval, (on our backs as guinea pigs), they jacked the price up to

$1600 or more per 2-vial pack.

They were never interested in lipoatrophy patients--this was, and always has

been, all about middle-aged women and non-surgical facelifts. If you go down

the path of Sculptra, you're wasting your money. It doesn't last, and when they

stop the patient assistance program, your wasting will come back. Then where

will you be? And you'll pay as much in doctor fees over multiple visits as

getting a permanent solution with PMMA, anyway.

>

>

> > 

> >where is your dermatolgist located?

> >

> >

> >mine wanted $600

> >

> > 

> > 

> >

> >

> >

> >________________________________

> > From: <marblesp1@...>

> >

> >Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:49 PM

> >Subject: Sculptra

> >

> >

> > 

> >I know that there have been many discussions here about Sculptra, the cost

and the HIV assistance porgrams. I have looked through some of the messages on

the topic but I did not come across information on current cost and if the

Assistance programs are still in place. I am waiting to hear from the Sculptra

people about their Access Program, but I also would like to get up to date info

on any other assistance programs that might be available. My dermatologist

wants $500.00 per session.

> >

> >PRH

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Here is my experience with Sculptra and getting help for my facial lypoatrophy: Before the FDA approved the use of "New Fill / Sculptra", there weren't many options, on which I won't elaborate. I heard of a treatment a dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected it into my face. It seemed like it was going to work, at first, but later on it went away and just left internal scarring from the injections, and one leg with veins, and the other with none. Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped and part of my manliness was taken away from me. That procedure cost over $2000. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I started next with the Sculptra injections. The nurse practitioner at my docs office had been through

some training on how to administer Sculptra and so he was doing it for $350 a pop, and I was getting the Sculptra through the patient assistance by the company. I would apply for the Sculptra and then they would ship it to the office, but unfortunately, the nurse practitioner would never let me know if the Sculptra was in or not .. and on my last allotment from the company, he discarded it. Something about the shelf life .. which I think was a bunch of BS. So the Sculptra really didn't last, and it left lumps .. and I still look rather disfigured. I am now trying to see if I can afford to see Dr. Casavantes. I don't know how hard it is to get an appointment, but I have heard he's the one to go to. Which really is a shame that I have to fly all the way to San Diego from Atlanta and cross the border to get treatment. So we're talking round trip airfare, hotel and transportation, and not to mention the cost of the procedure. I am getting use to

having some rather large "indentations" in my face, perhaps it gives me character. I just look kinda haggard and it makes me self conscious. But, you know I have been living with HIV for 25 years and would still like to have a life. So hopefully I will get an appointment soon with Dr.Casavantes ..I hate going alone, but it would cost me too much for a buddy to go with me. From: EddieKsf <eddieksf@...> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:24

PM Subject: Re: Sculptra

and JIm have shamed me into answering..For docs, i use Mark Illeman or Echavez (numbers avail if you can't google/bing them)Last shot from was $300 per vial if you don't do them together ($600 for two, Mark was similar if i remember)

Sorry Jim, but i like sculptra. I've had three series, about 2001, 2005, 2011. Yes it goes away, but i've seen "permanent" which look worse than sculptra, and i've read here about problems with "sagging" and not being able to suck it out... Some of the others are even more expensive.

The patient access program at dermik is really very generous, probably no worse than any other pharma corp in the world. My last two times have been FREE and i don't consider myself poor. The first time was only $400 copay for EACH "kit" of "two vials." I think it still depends on your AGI (adjusted, not gross income, BIG difference)..

It's definitely worth checking with the program, 866-310-7551, MF 9-5 eastern. ___________ Potrero HillSan Francisco

Re: Sculptra,

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:" Vergel" nelsonvergel

Here are some old directories, Last time I tried to update them, no one respondedI am getting tired of the lack of response from this list to shareinformation

Re: Sculptra

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Jim98122x" jim98122x

They were never interested in lipoatrophy patients--this was, and always has been, all about middle-aged women and non-surgical facelifts. If you go down the path of Sculptra, you're wasting your money. It doesn't last, and when they stop the patient assistance program, your wasting will come back.

[Guest guest]

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc, not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________ Potrero HillSan Francisco

On Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455@...> wrote:

Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped and part of my manliness was taken away from me. That procedure cost over $2000. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

 

I started next with the Sculptra injections. The nurse practitioner at my docs office had been through

some training on how to administer Sculptra and so he was doing it for $350 a pop, and I was getting the Sculptra through the patient assistance by the company. I would apply for the Sculptra and then they would ship it to the office, but unfortunately, the nurse practitioner would never let me know if the Sculptra was in or not .. and on my last allotment from the company, he discarded it. Something about the shelf life .. which I think was a bunch of BS.  So the Sculptra really didn't last, and it left lumps .. and I still look rather disfigured. ...

[Guest guest]

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc, not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________ Potrero HillSan Francisco

On Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455@...> wrote:

Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped and part of my manliness was taken away from me. That procedure cost over $2000. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

 

I started next with the Sculptra injections. The nurse practitioner at my docs office had been through

some training on how to administer Sculptra and so he was doing it for $350 a pop, and I was getting the Sculptra through the patient assistance by the company. I would apply for the Sculptra and then they would ship it to the office, but unfortunately, the nurse practitioner would never let me know if the Sculptra was in or not .. and on my last allotment from the company, he discarded it. Something about the shelf life .. which I think was a bunch of BS.  So the Sculptra really didn't last, and it left lumps .. and I still look rather disfigured. ...

[Guest guest]

One good news, the lumps you got from sculptra will suddenly go away somewhere between one and a half toTwo years.Bad news is Pmma can also give lumpsand it really depends on many thingsincluding how your body reacts to the filler, some people lump more then others.The best way to avoid lumps is to use a cannula and Dr Casavantes does thatbut the entry point will show for a while.As far as Silkon I have used it to finish up since it is a liquid and it actually gave me the most natural resultsand it did not drop, I am told it has to dowith how it is injected.Last some products work better in some area then others and also the severity of facial waste might dictate a product more then another, and repeated use of sculptra will lead tohard collagen build up as it did happen to memaking it hard to inject more fillerI believe that was also temporary asI no longer have that problem.Hope this helpMark BSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 14, 2012, at 6:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455@...> wrote:

Here is my experience with Sculptra and getting help for my facial lypoatrophy: Before the FDA approved the use of "New Fill / Sculptra", there weren't many options, on which I won't elaborate. I heard of a treatment a dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected it into my face. It seemed like it was going to work, at first, but later on it went away and just left internal scarring from the injections, and one leg with veins, and the other with none. Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped and part of my manliness was taken away from me. That procedure cost over $2000. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I started next with the Sculptra injections. The nurse practitioner at my docs office had been through

some training on how to administer Sculptra and so he was doing it for $350 a pop, and I was getting the Sculptra through the patient assistance by the company. I would apply for the Sculptra and then they would ship it to the office, but unfortunately, the nurse practitioner would never let me know if the Sculptra was in or not .. and on my last allotment from the company, he discarded it. Something about the shelf life .. which I think was a bunch of BS. So the Sculptra really didn't last, and it left lumps .. and I still look rather disfigured. I am now trying to see if I can afford to see Dr. Casavantes. I don't know how hard it is to get an appointment, but I have heard he's the one to go to. Which really is a shame that I have to fly all the way to San Diego from Atlanta and cross the border to get treatment. So we're talking round trip airfare, hotel and transportation, and not to mention the cost of the procedure. I am getting use to

having some rather large "indentations" in my face, perhaps it gives me character. I just look kinda haggard and it makes me self conscious. But, you know I have been living with HIV for 25 years and would still like to have a life. So hopefully I will get an appointment soon with Dr.Casavantes ..I hate going alone, but it would cost me too much for a buddy to go with me. From: EddieKsf <eddieksf@...> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:24

PM Subject: Re: Sculptra

and JIm have shamed me into answering..For docs, i use Mark Illeman or Echavez (numbers avail if you can't google/bing them)Last shot from was $300 per vial if you don't do them together ($600 for two, Mark was similar if i remember)

Sorry Jim, but i like sculptra. I've had three series, about 2001, 2005, 2011. Yes it goes away, but i've seen "permanent" which look worse than sculptra, and i've read here about problems with "sagging" and not being able to suck it out... Some of the others are even more expensive.

The patient access program at dermik is really very generous, probably no worse than any other pharma corp in the world. My last two times have been FREE and i don't consider myself poor. The first time was only $400 copay for EACH "kit" of "two vials." I think it still depends on your AGI (adjusted, not gross income, BIG difference)..

It's definitely worth checking with the program, 866-310-7551, MF 9-5 eastern. ___________ Potrero HillSan Francisco

Re: Sculptra,

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:" Vergel" nelsonvergel

Here are some old directories, Last time I tried to update them, no one respondedI am getting tired of the lack of response from this list to shareinformation

Re: Sculptra

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Jim98122x" jim98122x

They were never interested in lipoatrophy patients--this was, and always has been, all about middle-aged women and non-surgical facelifts. If you go down the path of Sculptra, you're wasting your money. It doesn't last, and when they stop the patient assistance program, your wasting will come back.

=

[Guest guest]

One good news, the lumps you got from sculptra will suddenly go away somewhere between one and a half toTwo years.Bad news is Pmma can also give lumpsand it really depends on many thingsincluding how your body reacts to the filler, some people lump more then others.The best way to avoid lumps is to use a cannula and Dr Casavantes does thatbut the entry point will show for a while.As far as Silkon I have used it to finish up since it is a liquid and it actually gave me the most natural resultsand it did not drop, I am told it has to dowith how it is injected.Last some products work better in some area then others and also the severity of facial waste might dictate a product more then another, and repeated use of sculptra will lead tohard collagen build up as it did happen to memaking it hard to inject more fillerI believe that was also temporary asI no longer have that problem.Hope this helpMark BSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 14, 2012, at 6:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455@...> wrote:

Here is my experience with Sculptra and getting help for my facial lypoatrophy: Before the FDA approved the use of "New Fill / Sculptra", there weren't many options, on which I won't elaborate. I heard of a treatment a dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected it into my face. It seemed like it was going to work, at first, but later on it went away and just left internal scarring from the injections, and one leg with veins, and the other with none. Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped and part of my manliness was taken away from me. That procedure cost over $2000. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I started next with the Sculptra injections. The nurse practitioner at my docs office had been through

some training on how to administer Sculptra and so he was doing it for $350 a pop, and I was getting the Sculptra through the patient assistance by the company. I would apply for the Sculptra and then they would ship it to the office, but unfortunately, the nurse practitioner would never let me know if the Sculptra was in or not .. and on my last allotment from the company, he discarded it. Something about the shelf life .. which I think was a bunch of BS. So the Sculptra really didn't last, and it left lumps .. and I still look rather disfigured. I am now trying to see if I can afford to see Dr. Casavantes. I don't know how hard it is to get an appointment, but I have heard he's the one to go to. Which really is a shame that I have to fly all the way to San Diego from Atlanta and cross the border to get treatment. So we're talking round trip airfare, hotel and transportation, and not to mention the cost of the procedure. I am getting use to

having some rather large "indentations" in my face, perhaps it gives me character. I just look kinda haggard and it makes me self conscious. But, you know I have been living with HIV for 25 years and would still like to have a life. So hopefully I will get an appointment soon with Dr.Casavantes ..I hate going alone, but it would cost me too much for a buddy to go with me. From: EddieKsf <eddieksf@...> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:24

PM Subject: Re: Sculptra

and JIm have shamed me into answering..For docs, i use Mark Illeman or Echavez (numbers avail if you can't google/bing them)Last shot from was $300 per vial if you don't do them together ($600 for two, Mark was similar if i remember)

Sorry Jim, but i like sculptra. I've had three series, about 2001, 2005, 2011. Yes it goes away, but i've seen "permanent" which look worse than sculptra, and i've read here about problems with "sagging" and not being able to suck it out... Some of the others are even more expensive.

The patient access program at dermik is really very generous, probably no worse than any other pharma corp in the world. My last two times have been FREE and i don't consider myself poor. The first time was only $400 copay for EACH "kit" of "two vials." I think it still depends on your AGI (adjusted, not gross income, BIG difference)..

It's definitely worth checking with the program, 866-310-7551, MF 9-5 eastern. ___________ Potrero HillSan Francisco

Re: Sculptra,

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:" Vergel" nelsonvergel

Here are some old directories, Last time I tried to update them, no one respondedI am getting tired of the lack of response from this list to shareinformation

Re: Sculptra

Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Jim98122x" jim98122x

They were never interested in lipoatrophy patients--this was, and always has been, all about middle-aged women and non-surgical facelifts. If you go down the path of Sculptra, you're wasting your money. It doesn't last, and when they stop the patient assistance program, your wasting will come back.

=

[Guest guest]

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA .. From: R. <johnrsf94114@...> "eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>;

" " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AM Subject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined. There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to

New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen. If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco

has.************************************************************************************Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

************************************************************************************

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

************************************************************************************

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

Are you saying, my friend TucChico, that you and your partner both got all this done in Rio and the cost of your trip and the procedure was about 6 grand? Did I read this right? How did you pull scheduling together to arrive on time for your appointment on the same day? I know everyone is tired reading about my issue with this but I am trying to get as much information as possible. I am not sure I can afford a return trip to Rio. I don't know, I am pretty strapped financially. I have to say though, you really have lifted my spirits. Oh my god, to go to Rio and make it a vacation as well, and to see all those beautiful men... what a dream. It's so nice to know there are guys out there who are willing to be helpful. So big hug to you and your partner, I really appreciate your advice. Thank you. From: "TucChico@..." <TucChico@...> blueeyes9455@...; johnrsf94114@...; eddieksf@...; Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:37 AM Subject: Re: Re: Sculptra

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

************************************************************************************

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

Are you saying, my friend TucChico, that you and your partner both got all this done in Rio and the cost of your trip and the procedure was about 6 grand? Did I read this right? How did you pull scheduling together to arrive on time for your appointment on the same day? I know everyone is tired reading about my issue with this but I am trying to get as much information as possible. I am not sure I can afford a return trip to Rio. I don't know, I am pretty strapped financially. I have to say though, you really have lifted my spirits. Oh my god, to go to Rio and make it a vacation as well, and to see all those beautiful men... what a dream. It's so nice to know there are guys out there who are willing to be helpful. So big hug to you and your partner, I really appreciate your advice. Thank you. From: "TucChico@..." <TucChico@...> blueeyes9455@...; johnrsf94114@...; eddieksf@...; Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:37 AM Subject: Re: Re: Sculptra

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

************************************************************************************

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

that is correct. Here is what I did. I booked our appointment with Dr. Serra for when my partner was on Christmas vacation from work. I got rt tickets fom Tucson to Miami for under 400 dollars. I then went online and got tickets from Miami to Rio de Janiero Brasil on AVIANCA airlines again right around 400-450 rt. I emailed the HOTEL ARPOADOR in Rio and got my room booked it had double beds but that's ok. You can get a room overlooking the Ocean but ours didn't, the cost of the room for 15 days was 990.00 dollars US and that included all tips to service people. They even provide laundry service and they iron everything even your briefs. Breakfast is until 10:30 in the morning and its free. Have breakfast out on the patio its right on the beach. I got street food for lunch and dinner. But their street food is really good small restaurants right on the sidewalks in the general area. We would buy a whole roasted chicken for 5 bucks for dinner and eat it with bread and other goodies that we bought at the small local market.The Arpoador is on Ipanema Beach and the girls do go walking there. We took in tourist attractions as we saw fit but did lay out on the beach a lot and just walked.

I scheduled everything about 6 months ahead that keeps you way ahead of the money game. We did work off of 2 credit cards plus the cash we had with us. This also allows you to save for your flight out. Our flight from Miami to Riio was an overnight flight. We arrived around 8 a.m. and our appointments were like for 11 a.m. and my stomach was all a flutter it would not come fast enough. Maybe if you had a friend that needed filling you could room together and split the cost of the room each room is occupancy of up to 3 other rooms its just 2 but a grand for 2 weeks divided by 2 or 3 is pennies per day.

Security is tight there, you see soldiers(handsome) on the streets and cops(handsome) everywhere they are there to take care of tourists since that is the # 1 money maker for Rio. If you are out of your room after 8 or 9 you ring to be let in to the hotel. There are computers in the lobby and they work off of money cards but its cheap. Your fill on your face is based on the amount of Lipo you have but the man is a genius with a needle. here is his webpage read out

The Clínica Márcio Serra is a reference for the treatment of the skin manifestations related with HIV infection. Dr. Serra’s studies in lipodystrophy are known worldwide and he is one of the pioneers in treating facial atrophy in Brazil, and is one of the consultants in lipodystrophy for the Brazilian National Program in STD/Aids. Nowadays he has been developing treatment for body atrophy related with lipodystrophy, especially augmentation of the buttocks, hands, arms and legs with polymethylmethacrylate. Beside the treatment of skin diseases in HIV and non-HIV patients, our clinic offers series of treatment in dermatology surgery and cosmiatric dermatology as: chemical and surgical peelings, permanent and temporary facial fillers for wrinkles and facial folds, prolonged depilation, botullin toxin, and rejuvenation treatment with IPL, etc. Nowadays, our team of dermatologists counts with a multi-disciplinary staff in our clinic, involving endocrinologist, sports medicine doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and others professionals familiarized with clinical and metabolic aspects of lipodystrophy syndrome trying to provide the best treatment to our patients.

go to Marcio Serra Rio De Janiero Brasil on google and you can contact him thru his internet site. He is a good and genuine man. You will be impressed and a miracle will happen with you when you get it done. You literally remove 20-30 years off your face. It was so good with us both that people did not notice our faces were filled they just said your vacation really let you de-stress or another one was you must have changed your hair there is something different but you look great. I had the face of an 80 year old man and when he was done I was back to looking like the 50 year old I was. My passport picture shows a different man than the one who came back from Rio.

FRANK

The Hotel

Hotel Arpoador Inn has built a tradition of associating a top location to a friendly atmosphere and very reasonable rates since it opened its doors in 1974. This charming inn has 50 rooms distributed along 6 floors. All rooms have front-desk controlled air-conditioning and are furnished with a two door closet with private safety box, a set of twin beds or a double bed (please specify), color TV with cable channels, and a small refrigerator. Bathrooms are compact and clean.A delicious self-serve breakfast buffet is served until 10:30 at the restaurant on the ground floor, street level to the beach. It can also be served in your room for a small charge (until noon). The hotel has a façade overlooking Rua Francisco Bhering - the coconut tree lined street along Arpoador Beach. This street is open for pedestrians and residents only. Deluxe rooms are on this side of the buildingand have been redecorated on July 2000, and the main attraction is the postcard view to the beaches of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon! Open your window at night and go to sleep to the gentle sound of surf breaking! Deluxe rooms are a bigger than standard apartments, and have roomier three-door closets. There are superior rooms on the other side of the building, facing Rua Francisco Otaviano. They have a side view to the beach, Standard rooms are a real bargain, and should always be booked a few months ahead. When you book 6 or more rooms you may ask for special group discounts ! Arpoador Inn at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro , Brasil , has upgraded its facilities. All apartments - have new furnishings and fixtures , and the lobby / reception area have also been refurbished and dining room now serves delicious brazilian cuisine and seafood.Nearby parking 200 meters.

The Hotel

Hotel Arpoador Inn has built a tradition of associating a top location to a friendly atmosphere and very reasonable rates since it opened its doors in 1974. This charming inn has 50 rooms distributed along 6 floors. All rooms have front-desk controlled air-conditioning and are furnished with a two door closet with private safety box, a set of twin beds or a double bed (please specify), color TV with cable channels, and a small refrigerator. Bathrooms are compact and clean.A delicious self-serve breakfast buffet is served until 10:30 at the restaurant on the ground floor, street level to the beach. It can also be served in your room for a small charge (until noon). The hotel has a façade overlooking Rua Francisco Bhering - the coconut tree lined street along Arpoador Beach. This street is open for pedestrians and residents only. Deluxe rooms are on this side of the buildingand have been redecorated on July 2000, and the main attraction is the postcard view to the beaches of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon! Open your window at night and go to sleep to the gentle sound of surf breaking! Deluxe rooms are a bigger than standard apartments, and have roomier three-door closets. There are superior rooms on the other side of the building, facing Rua Francisco Otaviano. They have a side view to the beach, Standard rooms are a real bargain, and should always be booked a few months ahead. When you book 6 or more rooms you may ask for special group discounts ! Arpoador Inn at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro , Brasil , has upgraded its facilities. All apartments - have new furnishings and fixtures , and the lobby / reception area have also been refurbished and dining room now serves delicious brazilian cuisine and seafood.Nearby parking 200 meters.

In a message dated 7/18/2012 4:32:40 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

Are you saying, my friend TucChico, that you and your partner both got all this done in Rio and the cost of your trip and the procedure was about 6 grand? Did I read this right? How did you pull scheduling together to arrive on time for your appointment on the same day? I know everyone is tired reading about my issue with this but I am trying to get as much information as possible. I am not sure I can afford a return trip to Rio. I don't know, I am pretty strapped financially. I have to say though, you really have lifted my spirits. Oh my god, to go to Rio and make it a vacation as well, and to see all those beautiful men... what a dream. It's so nice to know there are guys out there who are willing to be helpful. So big hug to you and your partner, I really appreciate your advice. Thank you.

From: "TucChico@..." <TucChico@...>blueeyes9455@...; johnrsf94114@...; eddieksf@...; Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:37 AMSubject: Re: Re: Sculptra

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

************************************************************************************

Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

that is correct. Here is what I did. I booked our appointment with Dr. Serra for when my partner was on Christmas vacation from work. I got rt tickets fom Tucson to Miami for under 400 dollars. I then went online and got tickets from Miami to Rio de Janiero Brasil on AVIANCA airlines again right around 400-450 rt. I emailed the HOTEL ARPOADOR in Rio and got my room booked it had double beds but that's ok. You can get a room overlooking the Ocean but ours didn't, the cost of the room for 15 days was 990.00 dollars US and that included all tips to service people. They even provide laundry service and they iron everything even your briefs. Breakfast is until 10:30 in the morning and its free. Have breakfast out on the patio its right on the beach. I got street food for lunch and dinner. But their street food is really good small restaurants right on the sidewalks in the general area. We would buy a whole roasted chicken for 5 bucks for dinner and eat it with bread and other goodies that we bought at the small local market.The Arpoador is on Ipanema Beach and the girls do go walking there. We took in tourist attractions as we saw fit but did lay out on the beach a lot and just walked.

I scheduled everything about 6 months ahead that keeps you way ahead of the money game. We did work off of 2 credit cards plus the cash we had with us. This also allows you to save for your flight out. Our flight from Miami to Riio was an overnight flight. We arrived around 8 a.m. and our appointments were like for 11 a.m. and my stomach was all a flutter it would not come fast enough. Maybe if you had a friend that needed filling you could room together and split the cost of the room each room is occupancy of up to 3 other rooms its just 2 but a grand for 2 weeks divided by 2 or 3 is pennies per day.

Security is tight there, you see soldiers(handsome) on the streets and cops(handsome) everywhere they are there to take care of tourists since that is the # 1 money maker for Rio. If you are out of your room after 8 or 9 you ring to be let in to the hotel. There are computers in the lobby and they work off of money cards but its cheap. Your fill on your face is based on the amount of Lipo you have but the man is a genius with a needle. here is his webpage read out

The Clínica Márcio Serra is a reference for the treatment of the skin manifestations related with HIV infection. Dr. Serra’s studies in lipodystrophy are known worldwide and he is one of the pioneers in treating facial atrophy in Brazil, and is one of the consultants in lipodystrophy for the Brazilian National Program in STD/Aids. Nowadays he has been developing treatment for body atrophy related with lipodystrophy, especially augmentation of the buttocks, hands, arms and legs with polymethylmethacrylate. Beside the treatment of skin diseases in HIV and non-HIV patients, our clinic offers series of treatment in dermatology surgery and cosmiatric dermatology as: chemical and surgical peelings, permanent and temporary facial fillers for wrinkles and facial folds, prolonged depilation, botullin toxin, and rejuvenation treatment with IPL, etc. Nowadays, our team of dermatologists counts with a multi-disciplinary staff in our clinic, involving endocrinologist, sports medicine doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and others professionals familiarized with clinical and metabolic aspects of lipodystrophy syndrome trying to provide the best treatment to our patients.

go to Marcio Serra Rio De Janiero Brasil on google and you can contact him thru his internet site. He is a good and genuine man. You will be impressed and a miracle will happen with you when you get it done. You literally remove 20-30 years off your face. It was so good with us both that people did not notice our faces were filled they just said your vacation really let you de-stress or another one was you must have changed your hair there is something different but you look great. I had the face of an 80 year old man and when he was done I was back to looking like the 50 year old I was. My passport picture shows a different man than the one who came back from Rio.

FRANK

The Hotel

Hotel Arpoador Inn has built a tradition of associating a top location to a friendly atmosphere and very reasonable rates since it opened its doors in 1974. This charming inn has 50 rooms distributed along 6 floors. All rooms have front-desk controlled air-conditioning and are furnished with a two door closet with private safety box, a set of twin beds or a double bed (please specify), color TV with cable channels, and a small refrigerator. Bathrooms are compact and clean.A delicious self-serve breakfast buffet is served until 10:30 at the restaurant on the ground floor, street level to the beach. It can also be served in your room for a small charge (until noon). The hotel has a façade overlooking Rua Francisco Bhering - the coconut tree lined street along Arpoador Beach. This street is open for pedestrians and residents only. Deluxe rooms are on this side of the buildingand have been redecorated on July 2000, and the main attraction is the postcard view to the beaches of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon! Open your window at night and go to sleep to the gentle sound of surf breaking! Deluxe rooms are a bigger than standard apartments, and have roomier three-door closets. There are superior rooms on the other side of the building, facing Rua Francisco Otaviano. They have a side view to the beach, Standard rooms are a real bargain, and should always be booked a few months ahead. When you book 6 or more rooms you may ask for special group discounts ! Arpoador Inn at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro , Brasil , has upgraded its facilities. All apartments - have new furnishings and fixtures , and the lobby / reception area have also been refurbished and dining room now serves delicious brazilian cuisine and seafood.Nearby parking 200 meters.

The Hotel

Hotel Arpoador Inn has built a tradition of associating a top location to a friendly atmosphere and very reasonable rates since it opened its doors in 1974. This charming inn has 50 rooms distributed along 6 floors. All rooms have front-desk controlled air-conditioning and are furnished with a two door closet with private safety box, a set of twin beds or a double bed (please specify), color TV with cable channels, and a small refrigerator. Bathrooms are compact and clean.A delicious self-serve breakfast buffet is served until 10:30 at the restaurant on the ground floor, street level to the beach. It can also be served in your room for a small charge (until noon). The hotel has a façade overlooking Rua Francisco Bhering - the coconut tree lined street along Arpoador Beach. This street is open for pedestrians and residents only. Deluxe rooms are on this side of the buildingand have been redecorated on July 2000, and the main attraction is the postcard view to the beaches of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon! Open your window at night and go to sleep to the gentle sound of surf breaking! Deluxe rooms are a bigger than standard apartments, and have roomier three-door closets. There are superior rooms on the other side of the building, facing Rua Francisco Otaviano. They have a side view to the beach, Standard rooms are a real bargain, and should always be booked a few months ahead. When you book 6 or more rooms you may ask for special group discounts ! Arpoador Inn at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro , Brasil , has upgraded its facilities. All apartments - have new furnishings and fixtures , and the lobby / reception area have also been refurbished and dining room now serves delicious brazilian cuisine and seafood.Nearby parking 200 meters.

In a message dated 7/18/2012 4:32:40 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

Are you saying, my friend TucChico, that you and your partner both got all this done in Rio and the cost of your trip and the procedure was about 6 grand? Did I read this right? How did you pull scheduling together to arrive on time for your appointment on the same day? I know everyone is tired reading about my issue with this but I am trying to get as much information as possible. I am not sure I can afford a return trip to Rio. I don't know, I am pretty strapped financially. I have to say though, you really have lifted my spirits. Oh my god, to go to Rio and make it a vacation as well, and to see all those beautiful men... what a dream. It's so nice to know there are guys out there who are willing to be helpful. So big hug to you and your partner, I really appreciate your advice. Thank you.

From: "TucChico@..." <TucChico@...>blueeyes9455@...; johnrsf94114@...; eddieksf@...; Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:37 AMSubject: Re: Re: Sculptra

I went to Rio to get the PMMA and I still look good today. No migration and a smooth face. I could probably use a small touch up but he told me that when I got it done. Yes one touch up in over 5 years. Was there pain of course there was. They numb the face but it does not work on all of us. It did not work with me. But I did grin and bear it and when I was all done I literally cried my eyes out. The change was STUNNING and IMMEDIATE after hearing about Sculptra and all the hoopla no one told me that PMMA is IMMEDIATE. Don't mess around with stuff that you need to fill over and over again. Unless you are made of money.

Do I want to go back to Rio and get a touch up sure I do. They wanted 14 grand for my partner and I in Tijuana plus travel,room ect. We flew to Rio out of Tucson to Miami and on to Rio rt. Stayed at a hotel on the beach for 2 weeks in Dec. which is their summer got filled the same day as arrival. Went back the day before we came home got a touch up and it was all for less than 6 grand. And the hotel had a Continental breakfast and it was right on the beach about 1/4 of a mile from the Famous Rio Gay Beach. There is no comparison for the money paid out and of course the people there are lovely and the country itself is gorgeous. Dr. Serra and Rio first choice hands down. And the men at the Gay Beach were lets say to hard to find words for them. We actually went to the beach the day of our fills. That's how confident we were. When we arrived we walked into the Drs. office head down when we left man no more hiding the face we were face up and looking the world in the eyes again. A miracle in less than an hour in Dr. Serras chair gave me the lift emotionally that I needed to go on living. Lets face it who wants to approach life looking like a dying cadaver even when our health is great as mine was.

One can hesitate all they want but to be truthful I went for broke and I see my face now and I have the inner craving to live until I am 90. Ok off my soapbox. I send much love. Just don't wait too long the mental fight and the mirror fright will bring you down and you need a pick me up to live another 20+ years. FRANK

In a message dated 7/17/2012 7:38:53 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, blueeyes9455@... writes:

, I was wondering about this statement in your post: "If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list.''

Is there a list? This is why I have been deliberating about making the trip to TJ. Just how bad can things go wrong with PMMA. Let's be real here. For me, the injections of Sculptra were terribly painful. Even when my nurse practitioner gave me an injection to numb the pain. One session, he just simply let that procedure go, and was injecting with nothing to lessen the pain. I just need to know the worst case scenario with PMMA ..

From: R. <johnrsf94114@...>"eddieksf@..." <eddieksf@...>; " " < > Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 11:47 AMSubject: Re: Sculptra

I had five kits (two vials per kit) of New-Fill (Sculptra's name before it was approved) injected by Dr. Echavez in San Francisco more than ten years ago. I had fairly severe lipoatrophy before the treatments. While Dr. Echavez's before/after photos showed some difference, neither I nor my partner really noticed any significant difference. I did develop nodules, as no one told me to massage the injection sites after injections. When Dr. Echavez suggested I have more New-fill injected, I declined.

There are a few possibilities as to why New-Fill/Sculptra didn't work for me. The most likely is that my lipoatrophy was so severe that it would have required more injections/material than I was willing to endure and pay for. It may also be that Dr. Echavez's technique has improved since then, as other list member have obviously benefitted from his work. Or it may be that my body did not respond to New-Fill the way it was supposed to by producing collagen.

If I were starting over again today with severe lipoatrophy, I'd probably get PMMA from Casavantes in TJ or Serra in Rio. But all permanent fillers have risks that one can learn about by reading list archives or posing a question to this list. With milder lipoatrophy, Sculptra is definitely worth trying, if you can afford the multiple sessions and periodic touch-ups required. If you happen to live in or near San Francisco, Mark Illeman or Echavez are good options. If not, there are many doctors all over the country trained to inject Sculptra who can probably do a good job as well.

Perhaps list members in other parts of the country can respond to 's plea to rate providers of lipoatrophy treatments, as Eddie K from San Francisco has.

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Sorry BlueEyes, but i think at least in my experience, you got a bad doc,not that sculptra is bad...ps, Illeman and Echavez are San Francisco___________Potrero HillSan FranciscoOn Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM, JB <blueeyes9455> wrote:> Here is my experience with Sculptra ... I heard of a treatment a> dermatologist here in Atlanta was doing, whereby 'she' took vein material> from my leg and put it into a blender and emulsified it and then injected> it into my face......Not at all happy about it, I feel like I was duped andSent from my iPad