Sculptra Treatment

Sculptra® is a type of dermal filler, which is a cosmetic procedure to smooth fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Sculptra is a gel-like substance made of poly-L-lactic acid. A healthcare provider will inject this filler underneath your skin where you want a fuller or smoother appearance. Poly-L-lactic acid is a collagen stimulator that absorbs into your body a few days after treatment to encourage your cells to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein in your skin, as well as in your connective tissues, bones and cartilage, that provides structure, support and strength.

Before a dermal filler procedure, you’ll meet with a healthcare provider who specializes in fillers. They’ll perform a consultation to learn more about you, including your:

• Overall health and if you have any allergies.
• Goals for the procedure.
• Current medications, vitamins or supplements you take.
• History of similar cosmetic procedures (if applicable).
• During this consultation, your provider may:
• Evaluate whether or not you’re healthy enough for the procedure.
• Discuss types of fillers, including Sculptra.
• Take photographs to compare how your skin looks before and after treatment.
• Explain the risks, potential side effects or complications that could happen.
• Schedule a date for the procedure.
• Answer any questions you might have about the procedure.

Dermal fillers using Sculptra are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures that you’ll receive during an office visit. You’ll be awake during the procedure. The steps of a Sculptra injection include:

• Your provider will clean the area of skin where you’ll get an injection.
• They may give you a topical anesthetic to numb the area of your skin so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
• They’ll inject filler underneath your skin with a small needle. You may feel some pressure but you shouldn’t feel pain.

When your provider completes the Sculptra injection, you’re free to go about your normal activities without interruption. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days. Immediately after the injection, you’ll have noticeable results where your skin will look plump or full. There may be bruising or swelling at the injection site that will go away after a couple of days. If you feel sore, you can take over-the-counter NSAIDs as advised by your provider.

Yes, Sculptra is a safe form of dermal filler. It’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved. Your healthcare provider will advise you on whether you’re a candidate for the procedure based on your current health status and goals. It may not be an effective procedure if you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the filler’s components or if you have trouble healing after an injury.

Advantages of getting a Sculptra dermal filler include:

• It reduces fine lines or deep wrinkles.
• It’s safe and FDA-approved.
• It improves your appearance to meet your cosmetic goals.
• It replenishes collagen production in your skin.

As with all cosmetic procedures, there are risks or side effects that could happen, but they’re rare. The risks of Sculptra include:

• Swelling.
• Bruising
• Skin discoloration.
• Pain or discomfort.
• Itching.
• Bumps or lumps underneath your skin.

Sculptra injections are noninvasive procedures, and the healing time is relatively quick compared to other cosmetic treatments. You may notice immediate results after treatment. Your skin might be sore and you could have light bruising at the injection site for a couple of days. Avoid exercising or strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after the injection. You’ll be well enough to go back to your normal activities immediately after the procedure.

If you have bruising that lasts longer than a week or severe pain at your injection site that doesn’t resolve by taking over-the-counter NSAIDs, contact your healthcare provider.

You might choose to get Sculptra injected into areas of your body where you have lines and wrinkles that you want smoothed out. The most common areas of Sculptra injections include:

• Buttocks
• Hips

You might be interested in cosmetic dermal fillers using Sculptra if you want to:

• Reduce deep wrinkles.
• Elevate recessed areas of skin.
• Redefine or soften contours.
• Treat fat loss (lipoatrophy) caused by HIV.