Sculptra is a bio-stimulatory aesthetic injectable designed to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. With this, facial wrinkles are smoothened and skin tightness is improved. It helps rejuvenate your skin’s collagen and can last up to two years. This treatment works gradually and enhances the skin’s texture over time. Around 90% of patients showed aesthetic improvement for up to two years and had improved skin tightness and firmness after the treatment. The unique formulation of Sculptra helps rebuild the skin’s foundation, giving you a youthful and refreshed look.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a dermal filler formulated with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a compound that triggers the body’s natural collagen production. Poly-L-lactic acid is the same material that dissolvable stitches are made of. Sculptra comes as a powder-like substance made of PLLA and is then mixed with sterile water to make it into an injectable product.
It is injected underneath the skin to improve skin laxity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, creating volume to certain areas, and contouring areas of the skin.
Sculptra was the first FDA approved PLLA collagen stimulator. It is approved to be used to reduce facial wrinkles by producing collagen when injected into the cheeks. In addition to the approved area, the product can be injected “off-label” into other facial areas such as the temples and neck as well as the buttocks.
How Sculptra Works
Given that Sculptra is a biostimulator injection, it helps stimulate cells known as fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin. This slows down the aging process. Biostimulators can also reduce pigmentation by improving the body’s cellular functions. It works in the deeper layers of the skin to further produce younger and smoother skin.
Sculptra works differently than other fillers because it creates volume slowly over time. It may take one month to see the changes. A typical patient may need 3 treatment sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. The results can last up to two years.
Treatment Process
If you are looking to book an appointment for Sculptra injections, here are a few pre-treatment recommendations:
- Reach out for a consultation: Meet with our office staff to discuss your goals and expectations to discuss if Sculptra is right for you.
- Avoid certain medications: If coming in for the injection, some medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Aleve, should be avoided for at least a week before your appointment. Alcohol should also be avoided for 7 days prior to treatment before treatment. Avoiding these substances help reduce the risk of a bruise.
- Avoid herbal supplements: It is recommended to stay away from herbal supplements, such as garlic, vitamin E, Omega-3 capsules, and Ginkgo Biloba as these also can increase your risk of bruising if you are taking them.
- Avoid Retinol and exfoliating acids: Avoiding these products will lessen your chance of irritation and redness. It is recommended to stop using these products at least three days before treatment and three days after.
- Limit sun exposure: one week before the procedure, avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds. Sun exposure may cause irritated or sunburned skin which is not ideal for injections.
- Come to your appointment with a clean face: On the day of treatment, come to the office without make-up, lotion, creams, or gels on the treatment area for a better outcome.
These pre-treatment instructions are designed to minimize the risks and enhance the effectiveness of Sculptra injections. Always follow the specific instructions given by our office and staff.
During Treatment
First, the area of the skin is thoroughly cleaned. If the patient prefers, our staff will give you a topical anesthetic to numb the area of treatment to reduce any pain or discomfort.
We will then inject the Sculptra into the dermal layer of the skin with a small, fine needle. This is where most of the skin’s collagen is located. There will be multiple injections to spread the product evenly.
Patients may feel mild discomfort and will feel mild pressure or pinch-like sensations during the treatment process.
Post Treatment
Patients may experience some tenderness, redness, and swelling at the site of the injection, which will subside within two to seven days. The area of injection may also be more plump than usual. Here are some post-care instructions to follow:
- Massage treatment area 5x5x5: To help distribute Sculptra evenly, you must massage the areas that have been injected for the next 5 days, 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time. This will prevent the development of any hard nodules from forming, which rarely can happen when the product accumulates in an area. Using arnica gel or cream is helpful as it reduces swelling and bruising.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: For better results, avoid any activities that will cause you to moderately sweat for 24 hours.
- Apply cold packs: You may apply cold packs to the treatment area to help with swelling, but avoid any direct contact with ice on the skin.
- Use gentle cleansers for 24 hours: Patients are recommended to use gentle cleansers and light washing for 24 hours after getting treatment.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water is important for keeping the skin looking and feeling healthy.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure: If you’re going to be exposed to the sun, make sure to apply SPF, but try your best to avoid sun exposure for a few days after treatment.
- Be patient: Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production, so visible results will show after several weeks to months after the procedure.
- Follow-up appointments: Keep any follow-up appointments with your provider to determine to see the before and after photos and to determine if any additional treatments are necessary to achieve your desired look.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sculptra?
Those looking to improve the following skin concerns would be good candidates for this treatment:
- Sagging Skin
- Fine Lines
- Wrinkles
- Volume Loss
- Facial Contouring
- Cellulite
- Acne Scars
- Overall Skin Texture
You must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this treatment. It is important to consult with our office to see which treatment would be most beneficial for you.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding would not be a candidate for this treatment. If you have any severe skin issues, such as outbreaks, rashes, or redness, it would be better to wait until those concerns reduce or subside before considering this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to see results?
Results may be visible right after treatment, but it can take several weeks to see the full results develop.
- What are the side effects of Sculptra?
Some side effects can include pain, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching, lumps, and swelling.
- How many treatments will I need?
Usually, two to three treatment sessions over the course of a few months are recommended. The number of treatment sessions will depend on your baseline skin condition, facial volume and other factors that our aesthetic professionals will discuss with you during the consultation.
- How soon after treatment can I wear makeup?
To prevent the risk of infection, make-up should not be worn over the injection sites for 24 hours. Be sure to consult with our office about this after treatment.
- How long does an appointment take?
Depending on the size of the treatment area, it can vary around 30-40 minutes.
- How long does Sculptra last?
In general for most patients, Sculptra lasts two to three years if the skin is managed well.
Please call our office at 201-505-1020 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding Sculptra.