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Sculptra is today’s modern approach to skin rejuvenation. It is an injectable cosmetic filler that practitioners can use to restore facial volume loss brought about by unwanted illness or inevitable aging. It contains poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates collagen production. In addition, it can be used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds to give a more youthful appearance. Sculptra is also used to treat facial fat loss or lipoatrophy in people with HIV.
Today, let us discover more about Sculptra, how it works, and what it can do for your skin.
What is Sculptra?
As an injectable, Sculptra is a dermal filler that has been around since 1999. The FDA first approved it in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy in people living with HIV. Lipoatrophy causes facial fat loss, resulting in sunken cheeks, deep folds, and indentations on the face. In 2014, the FDA approved Sculptra for wrinkles and folded treatment, especially those on the face, to give a younger-looking appearance.
Sculptra’s main ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), classified as a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results lasting up to two (2) years. It is safe and effective; however, Sculptra is not highly recommended for patients with allergies to any of its ingredients or for those with medical conditions that cause irregular scarring.
Sculptra is commonly used for the following:
- Butt Lift. A lift to your buttocks by using Sculptra means an injection to take care of cellulite.
- Cellulite Elimination. Sculptra injections in areas where Cellulite is prevalent help to minimize Cellulite.
- Décolleté. One of the first areas that show your age is the décolleté. Sculptra triggers collagen production to rejuvenate your décolleté. You can see change in about three to four (3-4) months.
- Face. Sculptra encourages collagen production in your temples and cheeks to increase volume. Results will be visible in three to four months.
- Skin Tightening. Sculptra activates collagen production in the face, elbows, knees, or abdomen, which improves texture and tone over time. You will see visible results after three to four months.
Additionally, Sculptra treatment triggers collagen persistently over time. Therefore, the results of these treatments will be visible for up to three (3) years.
How Sculptra Works
Aging brings with it wrinkles, fine lines, and creases. However, you do not need to live with these facial issues. Sculptra offers an FDA-approved skin rejuvenator and an alternative to invasive plastic surgery.
In addition, this procedure helps rebuild the skin’s underlying structure and gives you a full-face rejuvenation that looks young and natural. Sculptra will have your friends and family wondering if you have found the fountain of youth since Sculptra works slowly and naturally.
This injectable is administered into the skin, eventually diminishing facial wrinkles. Sculptra contains PLLA, which acts as a collagen stimulator, helping to restore fullness to facial wrinkles and folds gradually. This step results in the skin’s softer and younger-looking appearance. Although there may be immediate and noticeable results, it can take a few months to see the full effects of your treatment.
You and your practitioner will work out and determine how many treatment sessions you’ll need to achieve optimal results. On average, an effective regimen consists of three (3) injections spread out over three or four months.
The Sculptra Procedure
During your initial consultation with your doctor or healthcare provider, they will ask you to provide your complete medical history, which includes all your medical conditions and allergies, if any.
On the day of your Sculptra treatment, practitioners usually map injection sites on your skin, then cleanse the targeted area. Topical anesthetics may be applied to help alleviate any potential discomfort. Then, they will inject your skin with multiple small injections.
After your Sculptra treatment, you should be up and running again, able to return to your normal activities right after treatment. Also, practitioners will advise you of any special instructions.
Common Targeted Areas for Sculptra
As used in diminishing facial wrinkles and folds, Sculptra has been clinically proven to treat smile lines and other wrinkles around the nose and mouth, as well as chin wrinkles. This procedure has many off label uses, including:
- correction of cellulite
- correction of the chest, elbow, and knee wrinkles
- non-surgical butt lift or buttock augmentation
Furthermore, Sculptra has become quite a popular choice for people looking to bulk up their current appearance. Nowadays, Sculptra is also being used to create definition and the look of extra muscle mass on the:
- biceps
- glutes
- pectorals
- thighs
- triceps
However, Sculptra is not recommended for use on the eyes or the lips.
Potential Risks and Possible Side Effects
After your Sculptra treatment, you can expect some swelling and bruising at the injection site. Other common side effects include the following:
- bleeding
- bumps
- itching
- pain
- redness
- tenderness
Some patients may develop lumps under the skin and skin discoloration. This event appears concerning the injection depth, highlighting the importance of finding a qualified professional.
Those with a history of irregular scarring or anyone allergic to the ingredients of Sculptra shouldn’t use Sculptra. Practitioners shouldn’t use it at the site of skin sores, acne, cysts, rashes, or other skin inflammation.
What to Expect After the Sculptra Procedure
After their Sculptra treatment, most patients can already return to their normal activities. Swelling, bruising, and other side effects gradually fade within a few days. Doing the following will help speed up your recovery:
- Place cold packs over the affected area for a few minutes within the first 24 hours.
- After treatment, massage the area for five days for five minutes at a time, five times a day.
- Refrain from excessive exposure to sunlight or too much use of tanning beds until any redness and swelling have resolved.
Moreover, results from Sculptra are gradual, and it may take a few weeks before seeing the full effects of this treatment. Typically, results last up to two (2) years.
Preparations for Sculptra
Across the board, no special preparation is required for Sculptra. Suppose you want to reduce the risk of bleeding. In that case, your doctor may ask that you stop taking NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen a few days before treatment.
Other Similar Treatments
As an injectable by nature, Sculptra falls under dermal fillers. Several FDA-approved dermal fillers are available, but unlike other fillers that push up the space just below wrinkles and folds for immediate results, Sculptra stimulates collagen production.
The results appear gradually as your collagen production increases, lasting up to two years.
Final Thoughts on Sculptra
Sculptra is an effective treatment if you want skin rejuvenation. Consult your trusted skincare expert before deciding if Sculptra is the skin treatment for your issues and concerns.
If you want to experience Sculptra for yourself, our great friends at Central Oregon Aesthetics can help you today. Visit them now!
