What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable biostimulator that is used to improve volume in the lower face and other areas. It is made by Galderma, one of the largest aesthetics-focused companies in the world. It was first approved to correct facial fat loss connected to a medical condition, and since 2009 has been used in cosmetics for smile lines and other facial wrinkles.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra’s key ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). When injected, Sculptra’s PLLA microparticles are absorbed by the body and induce collagen production. Rebuilt collagen strands fortify the internal structure of the skin to lift and reshape facial contours and fill out wrinkles and fine lines.
Poly-L-lactic acid has been used in dissolvable stitches and other medical implants for decades, and it breaks down safely in the body. As the body absorbs the microparticles, the PLLA signals fibroblast cells to produce new collagen.
How Is Sculptra Different From Dermal Fillers?
There are many kinds of dermal fillers and anti-aging injectables to choose from. Many popular dermal fillers, such as those that are hyaluronic acid-based, diminish lines by “pushing up” the space beneath wrinkles and creases. Results are apparent immediately upon injection. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator, meaning it diminishes facial wrinkles by revitalizing your body’s natural collagen production mechanism to restore the deep, underlying structure of your skin. Results from treatment with Sculptra appear gradually over a period of several months. Dermal fillers should not be confused with injectables like Botox and Dysport, which soften wrinkles by temporarily stopping facial muscles from contracting.
What Does Sculptra Treat?
Sculptra helps replace collagen to restore facial volume lost due to aging or illness. It is formulated to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, particularly in the lower region of the face, including:
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Chin
- Hollowness in the cheeks
- Temples
Sculptra is not used in the lips or the delicate skin directly under the eyes.
The Sculptra Treatment Series
Sculptra involves two or three sessions spaced about six to twelve weeks apart, with the exact number depending on how much collagen has been lost. Each session builds on the results from the last treatment, adding a little more collagen so the correction develops evenly. Because your skin keeps producing collagen after the final visit, the volume in your face continues to improve for several months once the series is complete. If you have an event on your calendar, plan to begin your series months ahead so your collagen has time to build.
What Are the Benefits of Sculptra?
- Gradual, Natural Change: Because the improvement comes from your own collagen, there is no sudden shift in how you look. Friends will notice that you look rested without knowing why.
- Long-Lasting Results: A completed Sculptra series can last up to two years, which is longer than most hyaluronic acid fillers. The staying power comes from the network of new collagen your body builds.
- Treats the Cause of Volume Loss: Sculptra rebuilds the deep structure that thins with age so the whole area looks supported.
- Full-Face Balance: Restoring the cheeks and jawline together keeps your proportions looking like you.
- Same-Day Return to Activity: Most patients go back to their normal routine right after an appointment, with only brief redness or swelling at the injection sites.
Is Sculptra Right for You?
If you are concerned with facial wrinkles or loss of facial volume due to aging, illness or weight loss, you may be a good candidate for Sculptra injections. Patients interested in injectables of any kind should be in good general health, prepared to follow all post-treatment instructions and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
Sculptra is a better fit for gradual restoration than for a quick fix before a weekend event, since the collagen needs time to build. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for anyone with an active skin infection at the planned injection site.
What to Expect From Sculptra Treatment
How Should I Prepare for Sculptra?
In the two weeks before your appointment, your injector may ask you to pause medications and supplements that thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E, since these raise the chance of bruising. Refraining from drinking alcohol for a day or two beforehand helps for the same reason. Come to your session with clean skin and no makeup on the treatment area, and let your provider know about any cold sores or recent dental work. Drinking water in the days leading up to treatment keeps your skin in good condition for injection.
What Happens During Sculptra Treatment?
During your initial consultation, your injector will discuss your aesthetic goals and conduct a facial analysis. The results of this consultation will determine if Sculptra is right for you, how many injections you will need and where they will be placed to achieve your goals. Your provider will mark these points on your skin to create a guide for injection, then use a fine needle and cannula to administer the Sculptra to the targeted area.
The treatment is minimally invasive and involves little discomfort for most patients. A local or topical anesthetic may be applied first to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. When the injections are complete, the treated area will be massaged to distribute the product evenly.
What Is Recovery Like After Sculptra?
For the first five days, massage the treated areas for about five minutes five times a day, a routine often called the rule of fives that helps the product settle evenly and lowers the risk of small bumps forming under the skin. You can also apply a cool compress during the first 24 hours to ease any swelling or tenderness. Stay out of direct sun and skip saunas and vigorous exercise for a day or two, since heat and heavy blood flow can worsen temporary redness. Sleeping on your back the first night helps avoid pressure on freshly treated areas.
How Can I Maintain My Sculptra Results?
New collagen behaves like the collagen you were born with, so certain lifestyle habits can affect how long Sculptra results last. Daily sunscreen does the most to preserve them, because ultraviolet light breaks down collagen faster than almost anything else. A consistent skincare routine built around retinoids and antioxidants supports ongoing collagen turnover, and our providers can match medical-grade products to your skin at U Laser Med Spa. You should also stay hydrated and avoid smoking, and you can book maintenance sessions after a year or two.
