- What is it?
- The Sculptra injection has been used throughout Europe since 1999 to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, and sunken eyes. Sculptra was recently introduced in the United States and has been climbing in popularity. Initially approved for facial wasting in people with HIV — the AIDS Virus — this filler has since received approval from the FDA for the treatment of deep nasolabial folds (smile lines) and other facial wrinkles.
The Sculptra filler provides up to 80 percent improvement in the treated areas. It produces results that are fully evident in three to six treatment sessions and lasts up to two years.
- The Sculptra injection has been used throughout Europe since 1999 to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, and sunken eyes. Sculptra was recently introduced in the United States and has been climbing in popularity. Initially approved for facial wasting in people with HIV — the AIDS Virus — this filler has since received approval from the FDA for the treatment of deep nasolabial folds (smile lines) and other facial wrinkles.
- The Sculptra Procedure
-
The Sculptra procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, typically for patients aged 35 to 60. It is most often performed with the use of a topical numbing cream and possibly a local anesthetic. Patients may experience minimal discomfort from the needle injection. The procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes. Patients return home within minutes after the procedure.
Sculptra is a synthetic Poly-L-lactic acid material. The material has been commonly used in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue implants. A natural form of Poly-L-lactic acid is produced in our muscles during exercise. The material works to gradually produce increasing thickness of the skin. The material is biocompatible and can be dissolved by the body.
-
The Sculptra procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, typically for patients aged 35 to 60. It is most often performed with the use of a topical numbing cream and possibly a local anesthetic. Patients may experience minimal discomfort from the needle injection. The procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes. Patients return home within minutes after the procedure.
- Step One
- The doctor may select numerous injection points for each area to be treated.
- Step Two
- The doctor will identify the correct amount of Sculptra for the procedure.
- Step Three
- The Sculptra filler is then injected beneath the skin, under the dermis and subcutis layer.
- Step Four
-
Patients will be advised to apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. Patients will also be instructed to massage the area to help promote even distribution of the material.
Results gradually become evident over the course of a few weeks. Since Sculptra’s results are temporary (up to two years), treatments have to be repeated in future years to maintain the benefit.
-
Patients will be advised to apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. Patients will also be instructed to massage the area to help promote even distribution of the material.
- Recovery after Sculptra
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately; however, patients are advised to stay out of the sun. Touchup treatments may be required up to six times every six weeks to achieve an optimal result. If you experience unmanageable pain or symptoms that are progressive or abnormal, report it to the doctor immediately.
