Sculptra Aesthetic is a collagen bio-stimulator and is an excellent option for adding volume throughout the entire face and also select areas of the body, such as buttocks and hips. As you age, your body’s collagen production decreases, and you may begin to see wrinkles. Sculptra works to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds as it replaces lost collagen, which can help provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance.
What is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting “fillers” available. It works by initially filling a wrinkle with PLLA micro-particles*. As these microscopic beads biodegrade they stimulate the production of new collagen. Sculptra is suitable for deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds), the lines framing your mouth (marionette lines), and chin wrinkles. Final results do not happen for a number of weeks so it is very appealing to many people because it is more subtle than dermal fillers.
*The active ingredient, L-poly-lactic acid (PLLA), is essentially a synthetic sugar molecule, a biocompatible, biodegradable material which has been used by physicians for decades.
Sculptra is also used for body contouring by promoting collagen growth where it is injected. The most common areas treated include the buttocks and hips. Though Sculptra is widely used for such non-surgical “butt lifts”, it can also be used to improve the appearance of the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Popular uses:
• Fill in areas of the body that have lost volume.
• Improve the appearance of cellulite.
• Lift and enhance the buttocks.
Sculptra is not a permanent solution for the face or body, but the results can last for up to two years.
>>>More info on Sculptra for body contouring
Which conditions can be treated?
Sculptra is commonly used to gradually reduce lines in your face. It can also help soften bony areas of the face such as your cheekbones as its main action is to stimulate collagen production.
Is Sculptra right for me?
If you would like to improve the look of smile lines, marionette lines or chin wrinkles, and other areas of your face where you’ve lost skin volume, without looking like you have “had work done”, Sculptra may be an excellent choice as the effects are gradual. You have more control of your appearance since you can discuss with our expert practitioners the number of injections and the amount used during your visits. Sculptra usually requires three injections over a three to four month period after which results can last for up to two years.
Key benefits include reduced nasolabial folds – “smile lines” and “marionette lines”
How do I prepare for treatment?
Because Sculptra is a synthetic, biocompatible substance made from lactic acid – a natural substance that is present in your body already – there’s no need for allergy pre-testing prior to a Sculptra treatment. However to reduce the risk of bleeding, we suggest that you stop taking anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen a few days before treatment.
What happens during treatment?
On the day of your first Sculptra treatment, we will map the injection sites on your skin and cleanse the area. A topical anesthetic may be applied to help with any discomfort. Please make sure to ask us if you are concerned about pain as we have add-on options such as the PRO-NOX™ Nitrous Oxide System.
Post-treatment downtime?
There is little or no downtime after receiving Sculptra injections. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after your visit. Swelling, bruising, and other side effects are usually mild and subside within a few days. Doing the following will be helpful in speeding your recovery:
• Apply a cold pack to the affected area for a few minutes at a time within the first 24 hours.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure until any redness and swelling has resolved. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during outdoor activities.
How long until I see results?
Immediately after a Sculptra treatment, the area of the face that was injected will appear to be filled, because of the PLLA beads and the water content in the injected gel. (The Sculptra micro-particles are suspended in sterile water for injection). This temporary fullness, along with swelling, will recede within a few days. The true and lasting effects of the Sculptra treatment take several weeks to become evident. Because it takes time for the effects of Sculptra to become apparent, the treatment regimen for Sculptra is generally, “Treat, wait, assess, and retreat as necessary”. On average, two to three injection sessions are needed over a period of a few months.
How long will results last?
Sculptra has longer lasting results when compared to many dermal fillers. Unlike most hyaluronic acid treatments that may last around twelve months, Sculptra can last up to two years. Sculptra treatments last longer because it stimulates your own cells to produce more collagen.
What’s the science?
Collagen biostimulators are used to diminish facial wrinkles by helping to restore the deep, underlying structure of the skin, unlike fillers composed of hyaluronic acid or bovine or porcine collagen, which diminish lines by pushing up the dermis space beneath wrinkles and creases. As a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator, Sculptra Aesthetic is different. It works within the deep dermis of your skin to help revitalize collagen production and help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume.
Your skin produces less collagen starting in your late twenties and by the age of forty many individuals have lost twenty percent of their natural collagen. As the Sculptra microparticles are absorbed, they help stimulate collagen production. Rebuilt collagen strands begin to gradually restore volume and the look of fullness to wrinkles and folds. As the collagen builds the skin becomes stronger and more youthful. The true volume-enhancing results of the treatments become apparent in about four to six weeks.
Can this treatment be used as part of a combo therapy?
Yes! Sculptra is commonly combined with other treatments — neuromodulators such at BOTOX Cosmetic, intense pulsed light, and laser procedures.
