What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a sterile suspension of Poly-L-Lactic acid, which is a biocompatible (does not harm the body), synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy acid family (fruit acids). Poly-L-Lactic acid has been used medically for many years in dissolvable stitches. Sculptra is designed to help correct skin depressions, such as creases, wrinkles, folds and to correct the volume loss associated with skin aging and facial lipoatrophy (loss of fat). Sculptra has been used since 1999 in more than 150,000 patients in more than 30 countries, primarily for cosmetic use.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Sculptra?
Ideal candidates for Sculptra have overall facial volume loss that can be related to aging, low percentage body fat, or as a side effect of medication used for HIV. Other good candidates have loss of collagen leading to increased skin laxity and wrinkling in areas like the cheeks, neck, chest, even the knees, elbows, and buttocks.
What are the benefits of Sculptra over other fillers?
1. Slow collagen building over time.
2. Natural result with less chance of looking “overdone”.
3. Longer duration than hyaluronic acid fillers.
4. Ability to address overall facial volume more economically over the long-term
How is Sculptra different from other fillers?
Sculptra is a collagen stimulating injectable. It is not an immediate skin plumper like the hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g. Restylane, Juvederm). It’s unique mechanism of action contributes to its delayed, natural results and prolonged duration of effect.
Which areas can be treated with Sculptra?
On the face, the commonly treated areas are the cheeks, temples, jawline, and areas in front of the ears. Next most common areas are the neck and chest for laxity and wrinkling. Less common areas include wrinkled skin above the knees, elbows, and abdomen, and in the buttocks for augmentation.
How long does Sculptra last?
Depending on the area and condition treated, the volume of Sculptra used in the injection, the effect of a treatment with Sculptra may last from 1 to 2+ years, but in some cases the duration of the effect can be shorter or longer.
How do I know how many treatments I will need?
Most areas of treatment will require 2 to 3 sessions at 1 to 3-month intervals for optimal correction. Because individual response to Sculptra may vary, the exact number of treatments sessions required cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired degree of correction, intermittent “touch-up” treatment every year or so is recommended.
What will I experience after my Sculptra injection?
After the injection, some common injection-related reactions probably will occur. These may include swelling, redness, pain, itching, bruising, discoloration and tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve spontaneously, usually within 1 to 15 days after injection. Because Sculptra is injected in a solution containing water, there will be an initial swelling (edema) that will be noticeable for at least several hours and perhaps up to several days. This effect is temporary and does not affect the long-term tissue response.
What is the chance of getting nodules under the skin after Sculptra injection like I’ve read about online?
One possible delayed side effect is small bumps under the skin, termed micro-nodules, which may be felt in the areas of treatment. Usually, these bumps are not visible and may only be felt when pressing on the skin. Micro-nodules tend to occur within the first 6 to 12 months after the treatment and usually do not require treatment. Visible bumps may occur rarely, and they be associated with redness, tenderness, skin discoloration or textural alteration. These bumps, which may be termed granuloma, may or may not require treatment, including, but not limited to, injection or excision. In the most recent 2021 review using current methods of Sculptra injection, nodules occurred in only 0.4% of patients treated (approximately 1 out of 200 patients).