Originally designed to remove deep wrinkles and creases by adding filler to your face, Sculptra® is now useful in other areas. People are turning to this filler to contour and add shape to different parts of their body, and in particular, the Sculptra® butt lift is becoming popular. This non-surgical procedure consists of virtually painless injections that add volume to your buttocks.
What Is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved biostimulator for the face and is made of tiny particles of poly l-lactic acid (PLLA). When injected under the skin, your body actually encapsulates each PLLA particle with your own collagen, and that process builds volume over several weeks. For the most striking results, patients generally schedule several injection sessions over the course of 2 to 3 months. A typical patient will need about 6 to 10 vials per session for perky posterior projection and volume, or 2 – 4 vials if we are treating cellulite dimples. This collagen that your body makes may last for up to 5 years. Patients will receive periodic maintenance treatments to keep their taut curvy figure.
Sculptra® Versus Brazilian Butt Lifts
Sculptra® is an ideal alternative for people who don’t have enough extra fat to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). A BBL is a surgical procedure involving liposuction and fat augmentation which is difficult if you are thin without extra fat to transfer from one area to another. Also a BBL procedure usually needs to be done in a hospital or surgical setting, and it typically requires a two to three week recuperation period. In spite of all that effort, BBL results are not guaranteed. In contrast, with regular maintenance, Sculptra® lets you enjoy a beautiful, full and round buttock for the rest of your life.
On average, most experts agree the Sculptra® butt lift lasts two to three years, but some patients notice continued collagen production for well over five years. However, you may want to plan on touch-up injections to prolong the life of your treatment.
The Process
The process begins with a consultation during which you and Dr. Roche can decide if Sculptra® is right for you. During your first treatment session, Dr. Roche carefully marks where the injections should go. Generally, that’s at the top and sides of the buttocks. Then, to ensure you’re comfortable, a topical numbing agent will be applied prior to Dr. Roche injecting a very small amount of local anesthesia into your skin. Because the procedure is virtually painless, that’s all you need.
Next, you will lie on a table while the injections are administered. Usually, a very thin needle or a cannula is used. This minimizes both pain and bruising. The amount of Sculptra® you need varies based on your objectives. Depending on how much you use and if we are creating volume or filling in cellulite dimples, the process can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
If you’ve ever had Botox or other fillers, you may be aware that manipulating your skin after these procedures is generally discouraged. However, with Sculptra®, you will be instructed to massage the area several times a day to help to distribute the filler evenly throughout the area. Although you can return to work and resume most activities as usual, you should plan to limit strenuous activity for the first day or two after the procedure.
Benefits of Sculptra®
The Sculptra® butt lift has fundamentally changed the way butt lift procedures are done. The micro-invasive injections are just below the skin, making it great for lean people who don’t have extra fat to transfer from one area to another. Additionally, Sculptra® stimulates your body’s own collagen production process, which in turn strengthens the structure of the gluteal area.
The procedure provides many benefits including the following:
- Non-surgical, relatively non-invasive solution
- No downtime
- Natural looking fullness
- Results lasting five to seven years
- Minimal side effects from the procedure
To learn more or to set up a consultation, contact us today. At the Elizabeth Roche, M.D. MedSpa, we provide a variety of treatments to help you become the best version of yourself.