Sculptra®

Sculptra® aesthetic filler replaces lost collagen and corrects facial wrinkles that can develop around the cheeks and mouth. It works gradually over time to stimulate your skin’s own natural collagen for a more youthful-looking appearance.

BOTOX® and other fillers are popular choices for reversing the common signs of aging or dramatic weight loss. But, sometimes these options are not enough. Thankfully, Sculptra® can serve as an effective alternative.

Sculptra® is an FDA-approved, synthetic injectable filler made up of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). After the PLLA is injected into the tissue it will gradually reabsorb as the body naturally places a scaffold of new collagen into the treated area. This new collagen formation provides for a fuller, smoother and more youthful appearance that can last up to 2 years after 3-6 treatments at 4 week intervals.

By stimulating collagen, it allows tissue to volumize on its own, gradually. This creates a more natural facial adjustment and triggers your body to build its own collagen to take the place of the Poly-L-lactic acid.

Sculptra® is not just a solution for those wanting to look younger by removing wrinkles and facial lines. While it is true that collagen production decreases as your body ages, many patients get Sculptra® filler for their face to simply help create a fuller and overall healthier look. With Sculptra®, skin will look smooth, natural, and revitalized.

 

The most common areas treated Sculptra® are hollowed or sunken cheeks and temples. Many patients also see impressive benefits from Sculptra® when injected in the chin or the jawline as well. Sculptra® can even be used to correct chest wrinkles and folds.

Fortunately, there’s no downtime, but some side effects do exist. Side effects to Sculptra® are typically short term and injection-related. They can include redness, swelling, itching, bruising, tenderness, pain or bleeding. In rare instances, clinical studies have found that bumps can arise in the injection area within a year of receiving treatment, possibly due to overcorrection. Proper preparation and execution of the procedure will help to lessen the likelihood of side effects.

Only one vial is needed per decade of life to keep your skin invigorated and youthful. When proper skincare is practiced after the procedure, including strict sunscreen use and general sun avoidance, the results will last longer than for patients who do not practice proper aftercare. Sculptra® is not ideal for patients wanting to see results as they walk out the door after their procedure. Results generally take 4-6 months, but will last 2-3 years once completed.

If you’re looking to revitalize your cheeks, temples, or jawline, Sculptra® may be the right choice for you. Let your collagen work for you and naturally boost your facial appearance.

 

Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems as a single regimen for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles in which deep dermal grid pattern (cross-hatch) injection technique is appropriate.

Sculptra Aesthetic should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant, lactating, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.

As with any injectables, avoid using anti-inflammatories for two weeks because it increases the risk of bruising. These include fish oil, omega-3, flax seed, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, tumeric, cinnamon, and others. Never stop a medically indicated anti-inflammatory without consulting your physician. Any anti-inflammatory use in a 14 day span can result in more bleeding and bruising.

Sculptra Aesthetic has unique injection requirements and should only be used by a trained physician. Contour deficiencies should not be overcorrected because they are expected to gradually improve after treatment.

Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction or embolic phenomena. Use at the site of skin sores, cysts, pimples, rashes, hives or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected into the red area (vermillion) of the lip or in the peri-orbital area.

The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and lumps. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported.

Sculptra Aesthetic is available only through a licensed practitioner.