Sculptra

Sculptra Aesthetic is used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, areas of excessive fat loss, hollows and depressions. Areas that can be treated include the temples, nasolabial folds, cheeks, chin and mid-face. Sculptra is not used around the eyes or around the mouth.

There are people that work out and are in great shape; their bodies are physially fit but their slim physique leaves little fullness or fat on their face. This is the ideal patient for Sculptra® Aesthetic. Exercise may actually increase the response to this product and we encourage this starting the day after the procedure. This treatment can also be a nice temporizing, stepping stone prior to a face lift. Sculptra Aesthetic is not recommended in pregnant or nursing women, or patients with poor medical health. It is also not ideal in smokers.

Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. We will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more injections.

We will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra you will need at each session. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.

Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session or more. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

During your consult, we will assist you in developing an individualized treatment plan that best suits your cosmetic goals. Sculptra® Aesthetic is administered through multiple tiny injections into the skin. To assist in your comfort during the procedure, local anesthetic may be applied to the area to be treated, as well as ice following your procedure. Massage to the areas and exercise are critical to the success of the product.

You should remove any make up prior to treatment and the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic. We will use a very fine needle and make multiple injections in small amounts. An ice pack is applied to help reduce swelling, and the area is thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.

Following the procedure, the injection site may feel overly full. Temporary swelling, redness, discoloration, or itching may be experienced at the injection site and usually lasts less than a week. A risk of infection also exists as with any injection procedure. Placing an icepack over the swollen area may control any swelling. For 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and sun or heat exposure. You may need 3 to 5 treatments which build upon each other and initially you may not see much response until the second or third treatments.

Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra Aesthetic is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body — and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches. Side effects reported include injection site pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Small bumps under the skin that can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area may also occur. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported. Other side effects may include the delayed development of non-visible, small bumps under the skin sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area.

No skin test is required prior to use.