Sculptra is an injectable product intended to restore and correct the signs of facial fat loss. It is designed to help correct skin depressions, such as creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, hollow eye rings, degenerative skin aging, and facial lipoatrophy. Sculptra is a unique collagen stimulating treatment, ideal for sagging, wrinkled, aging skin, and can produce a remarkable non surgical facial filling. New collagen production appears slowly and gradually over a period of months, for a natural, healthy, fuller look.
How is Sculptra made?
It is made with poly-L-lactic, a biocompatible (does not harm the body), biodegradable,synthetic polymer from the alphahydroxy- acid family. Poly-L-Lactic acid has been used medically for many years in dissolvable stiches and does not require pre-treatment skin testing for allergies. It has been approved by the FDA for restoration and/or correction of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with HIV. Sculptra therapy has been performed since 1999 in more than 30 countries.
How long will the desired benefits from my Sculptra treatment last and how many treatments will I need?
Depending on the area and condition treated, the volume of Sculptra used and the injection technique, the effect of a treatement with Sculptra may last from 1 to 2 years, but in some cases the duration of the effect can be shorter or in some instances longer. Most areas treated will require 2 to 4 sessions, usually at 3-6 weeks intervals, for optimal correction. In order to maintain the desired degree of correction, intermittent “touch up” treatments are needed. After each injection session, tissue volume in the treated are will gradually build up over the following weeks and months, as your body produces new collagen. A series of treatment with Sculptra will fill in and recontour areas where underlying supportive collagen and fat tissue have diminished with age or have been damaged.
What are possible side effects related to Sculptra?
Side effects may include delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated areas. Generally the bumps are not visible and only noticed when pressing on the treated areas. Other side effects could include bleeding, tenderness, redness, bruising or swelling.
Who is a candidate for Sculptra treatment?
Healthy adults who do not show any contraindication to receiving Sculptra injections are the most common candidates. The facial defects may benefit from Sculptra treatment include Lipoatrophy (excessive fat loss), Wrinkles, Facial lines, Creases, Furrows, Marionette lines (that pull down the corners of the mouth), Nasolabial folds or depressions, Hollows and Depressions.
When will I see results?
The true results of Sculptra treatment take weeks or months to fully manifest themselves. A period of four to six weeks is a good estimate of how long the effects of Sculptra treatment take to become apparent.
Is there downtime following Sculptra treatment?
Sculptra treatment involves minimal downtime. Patients are generally able to resume their normal daily activities as soon as their treatment is complete, though some choose to wait for any swelling or redness to fade.
How long will Sculptra results last?
Sculptra results are very long-lasting — up to two years or more.
