Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to stimulate collagen production and restore facial volume lost due to aging. Made from poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra works gradually over several months, providing a natural-looking enhancement to facial features. Unlike traditional fillers, which offer immediate results, Sculptra encourages the body to produce its own collagen, leading to a more youthful and refreshed appearance that can last for up to two years. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing deep facial wrinkles, folds, and hollow areas, helping individuals achieve a smoother and more contoured look.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is a unique injectable treatment that stimulates your body’s natural collagen production to restore lost volume and smooth out wrinkles over time. Unlike traditional fillers, which add volume directly, Sculptra works gradually by encouraging your skin to produce its own collagen, providing a more youthful, natural-looking result that improves over a period of weeks and months.
The main ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that has been used safely in medical devices for years. When injected into the skin, Sculptra creates a scaffold under the skin that stimulates collagen growth, helping to plump and lift areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging or other factors.
The Benefits of Sculptra
- Long-lasting results: Sculptra's effects can last up to 2 years, offering a durable option for volume restoration.
- Gradual, natural improvement: The results develop subtly over time, avoiding an overdone or sudden change, for a refreshed and more youthful appearance.
- Addresses volume loss: Sculptra is particularly effective for restoring volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline, which can hollow or sag as we age.
- Collagen stimulation: By promoting your body’s own collagen production, Sculptra provides long-term skin improvement, making it a great option for those seeking more natural, sustainable results.
- Minimal downtime: Sculptra requires little recovery time, with most people returning to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Sculptra is ideal for those looking to restore volume, improve skin texture, and achieve a more youthful appearance without the need for surgery. It’s a versatile, effective option that provides subtle, lasting results with minimal disruption to your routine.
Where is Sculptra used?
The most common areas of the face Dr. Henstrom uses Sculptra to add lost volume to include the cheeks, temples, marionette lines, chin wrinkles and other areas of depletion. Unlike HA fillers that plump by drawing moisture to the injected area, collagen is stimulated over time to fill and correct. Hyperdilute Sculptra can be used to soften horizontal neck lines. Sculptra is also very different from neuromodulators, such as Botox, which weaken the muscle from contracting and therefore work best for forehead lines, between the brows, and to smooth crow’s feet lines around the eyes. Often times, Sculptra in combination with Botox is recommended by our injectors for full facial rejuvenation.
Sculptra Before and After Results
Sculptra Pre and Post Treatment Care
For the best results, we recommend consulting with your aesthetic provider at Utah Facial Plastics to develop a personalized skincare regimen tailored to your needs. Post-injectable products are specifically designed to support healing, reduce inflammation, and optimize the longevity of your results. Visit our office or online store for future product purchases that will further enhance and support your treatment outcomes.
Sculptra® FAQ's
An initial consultation with a Utah Facial Plastics provider will be needed to determine if Sculptra is right for you. Different dermal filler options will be discussed and presented to you to determine which option is best in your particular situation. In many cases, Sculptra may be recommended as the best option to restore volume loss in the cheeks and temple areas while other injectables may be recommended to other areas of the face for full facial rejuvenation.
After your first Sculptra treatment session, natural looking results appear gradually over the next few weeks. An appointment will be made to return for a second session 4-6 weeks thereafter with a third and sometimes a fourth session recommended for maximum results.
Numbing cream is applied topically prior to treatment to minimize pain and discomfort.
UFP injectors will provide you with specific post-treatment instructions with each session. You will need to massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times per day for 5 days. An ice pack is given immediately after treatment to apply for the first few minutes after treatment to help reduce swelling. Redness and slight swelling is common but typically resides within a few days thereafter.
Bruising is always a risk with any injectable. It’s important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and Vitamin E for approximately 3 days prior to treatment to help reduce the chance of bruising. It’s also important to avoid excess sun exposure after treatment until initial swelling as resolved. Patients are typically able to return to work and resume normal activities immediately following treatment.
As mentioned above, collagen production is stimulated gradually with noticeable results typically in the first 2 sessions. We may recommend 3-4 treatments with results continuing to improve with each treatment and typically lasting approximately 2 years.
To extend longevity, it’s recommended patients return for annual Sculptra injections to maintain collagen growth.
Sculptra is a dermal filler that is distinct from other types of dermal fillers due to its composition and mechanism of action. Here are some key differences between Sculptra and other dermal fillers:
- Composition:
- Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic acid): Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which is a synthetic, biocompatible material. This substance stimulates collagen production in the skin, leading to a gradual and natural-looking improvement in volume and firmness.
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Many other dermal fillers, such as those made with hyaluronic acid (HA), provide immediate volume by attracting and holding water molecules. Examples include Juvederm and Restylane.
- Mechanism of Action:
- Sculptra: Instead of providing immediate results by adding volume with a gel-like substance, Sculptra works by stimulating the body's own collagen production. This leads to a gradual and subtle improvement in facial volume over time.
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: HA fillers work by instantly adding volume to the treated area. They plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles by filling the space beneath the skin.
- Treatment Duration:
- Sculptra: The effects of Sculptra are not immediate, and multiple sessions are usually required over a few months. The results can last up to two years or more.
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Results from HA fillers are immediate and can last anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the specific filler used and the individual's metabolism.
- Areas of Application:
- Sculptra: It is often used for overall facial rejuvenation, particularly in areas with volume loss, such as the cheeks and temples.
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These fillers are versatile and can be used in various areas, including lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and under the eyes.
- Patient Profile:
- Sculptra: It may be more suitable for individuals looking for a gradual and natural-looking improvement in facial volume and contour.
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These are suitable for individuals seeking immediate results and a quick fix for specific areas of concern.
It's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced 7injector to determine the most appropriate dermal filler for your specific needs and desired outcomes. The choice between Sculptra and other dermal fillers depends on individual preferences, treatment goals, and the expertise of the practitioner.
Sculptra, like any cosmetic procedure, can have potential side effects. It's crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider before undergoing the treatment. Common side effects of Sculptra may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness and discomfort
- Lumps or nodules ( massaging by your provider helps to minimize this risk)
- Itching or skin discoloration
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
It's important to note that Sculptra injections should only be administered by trained and qualified healthcare professionals. Adhering to post-treatment care instructions and attending follow-up appointments is crucial to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible results.
If you experience any unexpected or severe side effects after Sculptra treatment, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, individual responses to treatments can vary, so discussing your medical history and any concerns with your provider beforehand is key to a safe and successful outcome.
Contact Our Specialists Today!
Call 801.776.2220 for more information or BOOK ONLINE at UFP Aesthetics Layton or Draper, Utah with one of our experienced nurse injectors too see if Sculptra is right for you.