What is Sculptra?
This treatment is a clinic favorite. Why? Because it works and results are long-lasting. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that targets fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and other signs of aging due to collagen loss. Sculptra is the first and original FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) facial injectable (biostimulator) that gradually helps restore your skin’s structure and volume. PLLA is absorbed naturally by the body and replaces and restores volume loss and tightens the skin. Sculptra is different from dermal filler and topical treatments because it works with your body to help revitalize the production of collagen, the natural substance that gives your skin resiliency, elasticity, and shape.
How it works
PLLA absorbs into your body a few days after treatment to encourage your cells to produce more collagen. The PLLA particles dissolve and leave behind the collagen that your own body produces, and results last up to two years. Sculptra helps repair the underlying structure of the skin, which adds fullness to the face and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. As opposed to being composed of a naturally occurring gel or particles that exert immediate effects upon injection (dermal filler), Sculptra is a product that creates its filling effect by inducing your body’s natural collagen-production process. It’s like a liquid facelift.
Treatment areas
- Temples
- Cheeks
- Mid face
- Jawline
- Nasolabial folds
- Peri-oral lines (around the mouth)
- Lower face
Results
Results are youthful and natural and last up to two years. Glowing skin starts within. Sculptra gradually helps restore your skin foundation, with results seen as early as 1 month after treatment, revealing natural-looking firmness and improved skin quality. In clinical studies, 95% of patients had improved skin glow 2 years after a Sculptra treatment. The collagen-building process is a journey and does not happen overnight. Patients seeking immediate results are not a candidate for Sculptra.
Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen production: Sculptra works deep within the layers of your skin to stimulate the production of collagen, a vital protein that enhances skin elasticity and volume.
- Glowing skin starts within. Sculptra gradually helps restore your skin foundation, with results seen as early as one month after treatment and lasting up to two years, revealing natural-looking firmness and improved skin quality.
- Targets multiple concerns: Sculptra reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and gives you an overall youthful glow, helping you turn back the clock on aging.
- Natural treatment and natural results. Rejuvenates your skin from within and builds your own collagen.
- Non-invasive treatment: With Sculptra, you can achieve remarkable results without the need for surgical procedures or extensive downtime. It’s a safe and minimally invasive solution to restore collagen and enhance your natural beauty.
Watch the following video to learn more about Sculptra and how it works.
According to studies, patients have seen remarkable improvements up to two years after treatment.
- 88% reported enhanced skin tightness.
- 89% attested to increased firmness.
- 95% witnessed an improved skin glow.
How many treatments are needed?
One vial for each decade of age is needed for optimal results. Two vials can be injected during a treatment, and treatments should be spaced 4 weeks apart. The treatment takes about 1 hour. A yearly maintenance treatment is recommended for continued and optional results.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein in your body that connects tissues. Approximately one third of the proteins found in the body is collagen, which is made up of molecules that are packed together to form long and thin fibers that support each other. It helps keep the skin strong and supple and sustains the renewal of skin cells and replacement of damaged and dead body cells. Approximately 70% of our skin is composed of collagen.
Why is collagen important for youthful-looking skin?
As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases. The cells in our body that produce collagen, called fibroblasts, are no longer able to produce collagen as efficiently as they once did, and existing collagen becomes fragmented, bent, and frayed. Age-related collagen loss weakens the skin’s inner structure, reducing its ability to maintain elasticity and moisture. Gradually, skin loses its youthful bounce and plumpness, leading to lines, wrinkles, and folds, as well as a loss of skin volume and support. Think of collagen as springs in a mattress. Over time, the springs weaken and the mattress on top starts to sag and crease. Similar changes in our skin happen because of intrinsic and extrinsic aging.
See before and after photos here.
Is Sculptra better than fillers?
Sculptra complements the use of dermal filler and neuromodulator products. While Sculptra treats your skin naturally and builds your own collagen – which takes several weeks – dermal filler and neuromodulators provide immediate but temporary results; therefore, these treatments complement each other.
What to expect after a treatment
Sculptra injections are noninvasive, and the healing time is relatively quick compared to other cosmetic treatments. You may be sore, and you could have light bruising at the injection site for a few days or up to two weeks. It’s recommended to take Tylenol for discomfort post-treatment.
Risks and side effects
Swelling, bruising, pain/tenderness, itching, and small nodules underneath your skin, which are rare and typically resolve on their own.
How to prepare for an appointment
- Please arrive to your appointment with clean skin in the injection site free of makeup, creams, and lotions.
- Avoid the use of aspirin, NSAIDS, gingko biloba, garlic supplements, green tea, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids for up to 1-week pre and post injection as they will increase your risk of bruising.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.
- You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (e.g., tretinoin/Retin-A, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone).
- If you have a history of cold sores, take your antiviral medication prior to treatment 3 days before treatment.
Aftercare Instructions
- Some bruising may be visible from one day to two weeks.
- Massage the treated area(s) 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment.
- Take acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any pain/discomfort post-treatment.
- After treatment mild to moderate swelling and redness can occur, which will resolve in 1-7 days.
- You may take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of swelling and bruising.
- Avoid any other treatments in the area for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid exercising or strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after each treatment. You can return to your normal daily activities directly following a treatment.
Schedule your Sculptra treatment today.
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