Sculptra restores deep facial lines, creases, and wrinkles in the mid-to-low face in a way that lasts for a very long time and looks completely natural. It is a delicate, non-invasive anti-aging procedure that revitalizes youthful skin by utilizing the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This post will provide information on how Sculptra works, what it treats, its benefits, side effects, and more.
WHAT IS SCULPTRA?
Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved injectable that helps replace lost collagen over time. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body and is used to provide a foundation of support for tissue.
The FDA initially gave it the go-ahead in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy in HIV-positive individuals. Deep folds and indentations on the face, sunken cheeks, and facial fat loss are all signs of lipoatrophy. To repair wrinkles and folds on the face and give the skin a more youthful appearance, the FDA authorized Sculptra Aesthetic in 2014.
Although Sculptra is safe and effective, it should not be used by anyone who has an allergy to any of its ingredients or suffers from a medical condition that can result in abnormal scarring.
How Sculptra Works
Sculptra Aesthetic, a collagen stimulator, targets the root cause of aging—the loss of collagen—rather than just the symptoms. It assists the body’s proteins in restoring the volume and structure of the skin. Collagen synthesis quickens as injectable microparticles are absorbed.
Poly-L-lactic acid serves as Sculptra’s primary component (PLLA). It is categorized as a collagen stimulator and offers long-lasting benefits that appear natural.
Poly-L-lactic acid is injected deep into the treatment area, stimulating new collagen growth before being absorbed by the body. Collagen supports skin structure and smooths wrinkles. It is created from a synthetic material that is biocompatible and biodegradable and works for most people.
Through the gradual restoration of facial volume and the appearance of fullness to creases and folds, PLLA helps regenerate collagen strands. An improved collagen production makes the skin appear softer and younger.
Hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture and keeps the skin hydrated, is a primary component of many different fillers on the market. One of the main distinctions between Sculptra and other injectable gel fillers available on the market is that Sculptra focuses more on promoting collagen synthesis and less on actually “filling” the face.
In other words, Sculptra stimulates the face to produce more collagen to fill itself up.
What Conditions Does Sculptra Treat?
Clinically authorized to treat smile lines, various wrinkles around the mouth and nose, and chin wrinkles, Sculptra is used to reduce facial wrinkles and folds.
There are various off-label uses for Sculptra, including:
- Non-invasive butt-lifting or buttock augmentation
- Cellulite reduction
- Chest, elbow, and knee wrinkle reduction
Sculptra can reduce superficial to deep wrinkles and creases in many areas of the face, including the following:
- Smile lines
- Marionette lines
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Midface
- Jaw
- Temples
It is not advised to apply Sculptra on the lips or the eyes.
How the Procedure Goes
You must disclose your complete medical history, including any medical issues and allergies, at your initial consultation with a qualified physician.
Your doctor will map the injection sites on your skin and clean the region before you get Sculptra injections. A topical anesthetic to help you deal with the injection pricks is optional. Then, your doctor injects Sculptra into your skin several times with tiny needles; the injections have to reach deep into the dermis to connect with the collagen fibers.
The process takes only a few minutes to an hour, similar to other fillers and injectables. The quantity and size of the places you want to treat determine how long your session will last.
After the procedure, you should be able to resume your regular activities right away. Any particular instructions will be given to you by your physician. Although the number of sessions and injections per session will vary, clinical studies have shown that the poly-L-lactic acid filler can produce results that last two years after three treatments.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
For Sculptra, no specific preparation is necessary. Your doctor might advise you to cease taking NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen a few days before treatment to lower the chance of bleeding.
Avoid irritating the treatment region before getting Sculptra, such as tweezing, waxing, or bleaching. Stop using some vitamins, blood thinners, and alcohol one week before.
The Effects of Sculptra
Because Sculptra is a “slow and steady” process that begins working after a series of treatments, the effects look natural. The full results of Sculptra may not be seen for a few weeks. The results can remain for up to two years.
Potential Side Effects
You should expect to experience some swelling and bruising around the treated site. Other typical adverse effects include:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Slight pain
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Skin bumps
Skin discoloration and under-the-skin tumors can appear in some individuals. According to a 2015 study, Sculptra-related nodule formation was reported to occur 7–9% of the time. The injection depth of Sculptra is relevant; you can’t underestimate the significance of hiring a trained, certified, and experienced expert.
People with a history of uneven scarring or those allergic to Sculptra’s components shouldn’t use it. The injection of Sculptra at the site of skin lesions, acne, cysts, rashes, or other skin inflammation is highly discouraged.
After receiving Sculptra injections, most patients can resume their regular activities immediately. Most of the time, side effects like moderate swelling, bruising, and others go away quickly. The steps listed below will hasten your recovery:
- Within the first 24 hours, apply a cold pack to the affected area.
- After receiving treatment, massage the site five times daily for five days for 15 minutes.
- Stay away from direct sunlight and tanning booths until any redness and swelling have subsided.
Get the Most Out of Sculptra with Refresh Aesthetics
Only a qualified healthcare professional should administer Sculptra to lower the risk of problems and guarantee results that seem natural. You can schedule a free consultation with Refresh Aesthetics if you have more questions about Sculptra and whether it suits you.
