Sculptra® Aesthetic is an excellent option for adding volume throughout the entire face. 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.
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.
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 over 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.
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.
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:
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. 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. 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.
*Disclaimer: Individual results may vary; no guarantee of results
Sculptra acts as a bio-activator and extremely powerful collagen stimulator. It stimulates your own collagen, allowing tissue to volumize gradually. Over time, the Poly-L-Lactic Acid dissipates as your own tissue takes its place. Since the product triggers your body to build its own collagen, results are not immediate and can take anywhere from 4-6 months.
If you’re concerned with hollowness and/or loss of volume due to aging, weight loss, etc. you’re most likely a candidate for Sculptra. While most Sculptra patients are middle-aged, men and women as young as 25 and as old as 75 have experienced success from treatment too. Please call for a quick complimentary consultation prior to treatment to be sure that Sculptra is the right treatment for you.
Sunken cheeks and temples are by far the most common areas treated. However, many patients see great benefits from Sculptra when injected in the chin and the jawline too. Even more, many women are choosing to reverse the signs of aging on their chests by having Sculptra injected in their chest wrinkles and folds.
A complimentary 30-minute consultation is required to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. From there, vials are $800 each. For younger patients, we carry single syringe treatments that are $125.00 per syringe.
The general rule of thumb for Sculptra is one vial per decade of life. So if you’re in your 40’s, you will most likely need 4 vials. There are exceptions to this rule depending upon volume loss.