Sculptra
is a FDA-approved injectable that naturally replaces lost collagen for up to 2 years (after series of injections)
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator that helps restore skin’s underlying structures to soften lines and wrinkles and give back volume. When this PLLA is injected, the micro-particles are absorbed & begin to stimulate collagen growth. This process helps to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
FAQ's
How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra is a PLLA (like a dissolvable suture) form of injectable that is injected into the dermis to help stimulate your body’s own collagen production in order to diminish lines/wrinkles and restore volume. Over a few weeks you will notice a softer, more youthful appearance that can last up to 2 years.
What are the targeted areas for Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable for many facial areas such as smile lines, mid-lower face, neck region, and even body parts such as a non-surgical buttock lift, cellulite correction, and crepey skin that can be found on arms and above knee caps. Some of the areas mentioned are considered “off-label”, meaning they haven’t been submitted for clearance by the FDA. However, Sculptra is knows to be a safe and effective drug when used correctly by a licensed medical provider.
Photo credit: Hinsdale Vein and Laser
What are the risks included with Sculptra?
With any medical treatment, there are risks involved with Sculptra. Some of these risks include:
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Skin discoloration
- Nodules
- It cannot be immediately dissolved like HA fillers
What is a Sculptra appointment like?
During your initial consultation with a trained medical professional, you will be asked to complete a health history form to ensure you do not have any contraindications that would put you at high risk. Once you and the provider have talked about aesthetic goals and expectations, they will assess your anatomy and finalize their injection plan. With aseptic technique, the injections will begin, and will be the quickest part of the appointment (ranging from 15-30 min depending on what all is getting injected). Once the injections are complete, your provider will go over any post care instructions and schedule a follow up appointment to ensure everything is going well. You will be able to return to normal activities with slight swelling and tenderness in the areas treated.
How should I prepare for Sculptra?
There are no special preparation requirements before a Sculptra procedure. However, your provider may suggest the following:
- Avoid alcohol a few days prior to treatment
- Avoid blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, fish oils, and garlic
- Stop using retinol or other skincare actives a few days before treatment
- Come to your appointment fresh-faced without makeup
- Avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent getting sunburned
- Wear loose clothing to treatment if treating body areas
- Avoid intense exercising 24-48 hours after injections
- Avoid touching the area 24 hours post injections
Is there downtime with Sculptra?
Like mentioned above, downtime is typically minimal after Sculptra injections. There is potential for swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness in the treated areas after. However, this is just social downtime. Icing the area can help alleviate any discomfort and you’ll be instructed to massage the treated areas often. Avoid excessive exercise, alcohol, blood thinners (unless directed from your provider) and touching the area. Your provider will give you more specific after care instructions to follow, as well. Be sure to contact your provider ASAP if you notice any worsening pain or unusual reactions.
When will I see the results from Sculptra?
The results from Sculptra are gradual and may take 3-6 weeks to appear and usually requires 3 sessions. This is because the PLLA is working over time to build collagen and elastin fibers naturally, whereas HA dermal filler results are immediate (because they act as a volume restorer, not a collagen builder). Keep in mind, Sculptra can have long-term results (up to 2 years) and HA filler lasts around 8-12 months. See image below for client gradual results over 18 weeks and 27 weeks from 1st treatment.
Photo Credit: Taylor Plastic Surgery
How do you know Sculptra is working?
The collagen regrowth process takes time and is gradual. Even though your treated areas may look instantly plump after treatment, it will return back to normal (the way it looked before injections) soon after. We recommend to trust the process and if results are not starting to show after 2-4 weeks after your 3rd treatment to contact your provider and go in for a follow up appointment to ensure everything is going as planned.
Should I massage after Sculptra?
Each provider will have their own individualized post care instructions, but typically you will want to massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for a few days post injections. Using mild pressure all along the injection sites with a smooth massage motion. Areas may be a little tender, to be expected.
How much does Scupltra cost?
On U.S average, one vial of Sculptra is around $700-800 but most treatments take multiple vials. Keep in mind, you are not only paying for product, but also for the provider and their technique. It is recommended to have a consultation before getting treatment to ensure you are comfortable with the provider, and have a better understanding about the treatment in general. This is also a good time to discuss budget. To learn more about our pricing click the button below.
Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?
Appropriate Sculptra candidates are those who are looking for a more natural way to restore volume and soften lines/wrinkles. Some other attributes include:
- Sagging skin
- Lines/wrinkles around mid-face and mouth
- Turkey neck
- Cellulite
- Buttock lift
- Crepey skin
What is Sculptra for a butt lift?
Sculptra is used as an alternative cosmetic buttock lift procedure, or Brazilian butt lift (BBL), that enhances the curvature, fullness, and quality of skin in the buttock without undergoing surgery. Once Sculptra is injected into the skin, it works by stimulating the body’s collagen production, which in turn gives back structure and lost volume. This works great for cellulite in the buttock area, too. See image below for a buttock cellulite treatment before and after using Sculptra.
Photo Credit: Skin Perfect Brothers
Who is not a good candidate for Sculptra?
Reasons people may not be an appropriate candidate for Sculptra include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Active skin rashes or outbreaks
- Prone to Keloid/Hypertrophic scarring
- Autoimmune issues that are not under control
- People seeking immediate results
How many Sculptra treatments are needed?
Typically, a series of 3 Scupltra treatments, one month apart, are needed for optimal results. This varies based on each individual and their concerns and desired aesthetic goals. It is always recommended to schedule a consultation to understand your personal treatment plan!
What are the side effects of Sculptra?
Potentials side affects accompanied by Sculptra injections include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Tenderness
- Lumps
How long does Sculptra last?
The final results from Sculptra last a minimum of 2 years, however some individuals have seen results lasting up to 5 years. This can also be variant based on what areas are being treated.
Is Sculptra a filler?
Seemingly like a filler, Sculptra is different than traditional HA dermal fillers like Versa, Juvederm, and Restylane. Specifically, Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that helps trigger the body’s natural biological process of collagen growth. Scupltra does not “fill the face”, instead it gradually stimulates collagen production that naturally renews the skin from loss of volume, wrinkles, and even cellulite. This treatment does take time, and is not an instant result like HA fillers.
Photo Credit: Hadden and Gunn Plastic Surgery
Is Sculptra safe?
Sculptra was approved by the FDA in 2004 and is a very safe and effective collagen stimulatory product. In general, if you have tolerated and are comfortable receiving sutures (stitches) after an injury, then you would likely feel ok getting Sculptra since it is made from the same material as sutures. Of course, it is not recommended for anyone who has allergies to the ingredients or any contraindications for the treatment itself. It is best to see a trusted medical provider for a consultation to ensure you are a candidate.
Is Sculptra better than normal fillers?
Overall, this is a discussion best done with a provider. Typically though, Sculptra is a gradual and more long-term solution to help restore facial volume, plump lines/wrinkles, lift loose skin, and reduce cellulite. Sculptra is a more appropriate option for certain body parts versus normal HA filler. Those individuals who are seeking immediate results that are not long term are better suited for normal fillers. Keep in mind that no treatment is a one-size-fits-all, and your concerns may be different than other individuals. It is best to speak with a licensed professional who has your best interest at heart!
Elite Medical & Aesthetics is a premier Med Spa in Lone Tree, CO that takes a holistic approach for natural results. We are proud to have an all nursing staff with NPs and RNs with safety as our #1 priority.
