Sculptra
Sculptra®Aesthetic?
Sculptra®Aesthetic is a new facial injectable treatment indicated for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people. It works gradually to replace collagen that is lost during the aging process. Sculptra®Aesthetic contains poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA. It is biocompatible, which means it will not harm your body. PLLA has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches and medical implants, and has been used cosmetically in Europe since 1999. Sculptra®Aesthetic is known as a biostimulator as it stimulates the growth of your own natural collagen to gradually replace lost collagen and gives you natural-looking results that last up to 2 years.
FAQ’s about Sculptra®Aesthetic
How does Sculptra®Aesthetic work?
Sculptra®Aesthetic replaces collagen, restores volume, and refines lines. Sculptra®Aesthetic, an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), targets the underlying causes of the signs of facial aging. It can give you noticeable results that emerge subtly and can last for up to 2 years
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the main component of Sculptra®Aesthetic, comes from dissolvable sutures. It works within the deep dermis to replace lost collagen. As collagen is replaced, it provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness by correcting your shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. This results in correcting these facial wrinkles and folds that can help provide a more refined appearance which can last up to 2 years.
What are the advantages of Sculptra®Aesthetic?
Because SculptraA®esthetic uses poly-L-Lactic acid, it has a biostimulatory effect to jumpstart the body’s natural collagen production within the tissues that allows the body to restore volume most efficiently and with longer duration than traditional HA fillers. This creates a very naturally appearing result. Also, because it is stimulating new collagen it also gives a boost to the skin tone and a softening of fine wrinkles. This is known as the “Sculptra glow” effect. Another advantage of SculptraA®esthetic is the fact it is not a HA filler. There are some patients who have been accustomed to using HA fillers and over time they can look “doughy” or “puffy” and even overfilled. When using SculptraA®esthetic properly, there is less risk of this happening.
What are the disadvantages of Sculptra®Aesthetic?
Because SculptraA®esthetic uses poly-L-Lactic acid, the results do take time and if you want immediate results then this is not the right product for you. Also, because SculptraA®esthetic uses poly-L-Lactic acid, there is no antidote that can be injected like hyaluronidase for HA fillers to dissolve it so basically you are stuck with it until it naturally goes away on its own.
Are the results from Sculptra®Aesthetic immediate?
No. Because SculptraA®esthetic targets the underlying causes of the signs of facial aging, it can give you noticeable results that emerge subtly and can last for up to 2 years. Some visible improvements can be seen within the first few weeks of treatment, but the Sculptra Aesthetic regimen is designed to deliver its unique effects over the course of a few months.
How quickly can my patients return to their daily activities?
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities following treatment.
How many treatments are required? An average number of treatment sessions of Sculptra®Aesthetic is 3-6 isessions over several months. The sessions are spread out this way because Sculptra®Aesthetic gradually replaces lost collagen to restore a natural-looking appearance that can last up to 2 years. The time between injection sessions gives Sculptra®Aesthetic enough time to work so that your doctor can fine-tune your follow-up treatment.
Are skin tests required before treatment with Sculptra®Aesthetic?
No, skin testing is not required prior to use.
How long do treatment effects last?
Sculptra®Aesthetic creates results that can last up to 2 years.
When will my patients be able to apply make-up after treatment?
Make-up may be applied a few hours after treatment if no complications are present (for example, open wounds or bleeding).
What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra®Aesthetic?
Side effects of SculptraA®esthetic may include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported. In a key clinical study the numbers of small and larger lumps were low and most resolved without treatment.
Who should not use Sculptra®Aesthetic?
You should not use Sculptra®Aesthetic if you are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Sculptra®Aesthetic should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area and should not be injected into the red area of the lip. Use in the skin near the eyes is not recommended.
Is Sculptra®Aesthetic safe?
Yes. Sculptra®Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States, and has been used safely worldwide since 1999. In 2023, the FDA approved its use for the correction of fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek area because of its ability to help stimulate natural collagen production and to improve the skin quality for up to 2 years. This result is often referred to by doctors as the “Sculptra Glow” effect.
How long has Sculptra®Aesthetic been on the market?
Sculptra has been safely used worldwide since 1999, in over 150,000 patients, under the trade names New-Fill™ and Sculptra. In 2004, the FDA initially approved it to treat severe fat loss in HIV patients and then in 2009, the FDA granted approval in the U.S. for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people. In 2023, the FDA approved its use for the correction of fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek area because of its ability to help stimulate natural collagen production and to improve the skin quality for up to 2 years. This result is often referred to by doctors as the “Sculptra Glow” effect.
Can Sculptra®Aesthetic be used anywhere else other than the face? Sculptra®Aesthetic is being used off label to help reduce cellulite and for a non surgical butt lift which was popularized in Brazil. For the buttock area, it can lessen dimples, lift the butt up to a certain degree, and make the buttock appear more round and full.
What is the cost of Sculptra®Aesthetic?
The cost of Sculptra®Aesthetic is determined by the number of vials that are needed. Dr Tang can discuss the cost at your complimentary consultation as the number of vials is based upon the overall concerns, goals of the treatment, severity of the problem, age, gender, and other factors.
Where can I find the best Sculptra®Aesthetic treatment near me?
At Rejuve. We have been using Sculptra since 2007 and have vast experience in a multitude of areas and concerns. We are located in the San Jose Bay Area serving the greater Bay Area such as San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Carlos to Santa Cruz and Monterey and the local communities of Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, Cupertino, and Morgan Hill. Please call our office at 408-740-5320 or contact our office here.
Sculptra Facial Treatment
The injected volume immediately fills the depressed area.
Within a few days, water absorption and reduction of edema result in a return to baseline depression.
…which is followed by a progressive increase in volume.
Sculptra Hand Treatment
A natural, soft increase in dermal thickness begins to take shape within several weeks of injection.
Within weeks after the Sculptra® injection, dermal thickness continues to expand. Larger volume defects may require further treatment.
…which is followed by a progressive increase in volume.
