Sculptra
Sculptra is not a true facial filler. It is a synthetic biocompatible collagen stimulator. It is made from poly-L- lactic acid which is formulated as a particulate suspension. Polly- L- lactic acid has been used for many years in the manufacturing of surgical suture material. Once injected, your body responds by producing your own collagen, thereby adding volume to the soft tissues of the face. It received its FDA approval in 2009 for cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Sculptra has been FDA approved since 2004 to restore volume to the cheeks of HIV-positive patients resulting from loss of fat in the face. Sculptra has been used in Europe since 1999.Since Sculptra is not a facial filler and it works by stimulating your own collagen. The results are not immediate. It takes 6 weeks or more to evaluate your volume enhancement after injection. It can be used on the entire face, except for injections around the mouth and around the eyes. Sculptra may be used to enhance a particular region of the face or can be used over the entire face. I find it works best when used for patients that have a deflated or drawn appearance. The results of sculptra are evaluated at six weeks, at that time it is determined whether an additional treatment is needed. If a second treatment is performed the patient is re-evaluated at six weeks, and a third treatment may be necessary. It is recommended to limit the injection volume to two vials and space them six weeks apart if needed. As a general rule older patients will require more product and more treatments. The estimated amount of sculptra needed and the number of treatments should be discussed with you at the time of your consultation. Other facial fillers can be used with Sculptra however I recommend waiting at least two weeks after Sculptra injections before combining other facial fillers.
Possible side effects are, but not limited to, redness, bruising, needle stick marks, itching or swelling. Lumps or nodules can develop which may take months to dissolve or disappear. It should not be used around the mouth or around the eyes. You should be instructed to massage the face with an ointment like aquaphor, five times a day, for 5 minutes, for five days. Facial massage may help minimize lumps or nodules that may develop post injection.
As with any cosmetic procedure, a well thought out aesthetic plan is required in order to obtain an optimal cosmetic result. Once Sculptra produces collagen the results may last two years or more. The longevity and outcome of the product can vary from patient to patient. The product is usually injected deep above the facial bone or in the deep layers of the skin in a fanlike fashion. The goal is to spread the particulate solution deep within the soft tissues to allow collagen stimulation and volume restoration.
Sculptra is long lasting and therefore must be injected correctly by a well-trained qualified physician.
Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.