What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an injectable non-harmful biocompatiple polymer used to restore lost volume to areas of the face. It contains tiny bead-like particles of poly-L-lactic acid which is a biodegradable polymer found in the alpha-hydroxy-acid family. Sculptra® was approved by the FDA in 2009 for cosmetic purposes and is considered to be the longest lasting volume restorer on the market today.
Sculptra is injected under the skin to correct deep wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial fold (lines from the nose to the lip), marionette lines (lines from the lip to the chin), and the deep forehead lines that run both horizontally and vertically. In some cases, Sculptra® can also be used to fill in depressions in the skin that were caused by scars.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
Sculptra® comes in the form of a powder and needs to be mixed with sterile water to create the Sculptra® solution and is applied by injecting the solution under the skin. When Sculptra® is injected under the skin, it helps stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a naturally found protein that helps to give our skin volume and structure. Sun damage and aging cause collagen to break down and this is the main contributor to the formation of wrinkles and folds. When injected, Sculptra® works to fill in those visible lines and folds and helps to restore collagen. The result of this treatment is skin with a more youthful-looking firmness and glow.
Results from Sculptra® are immediately seen as more volume will be present from your very first treatment. This new volume will be temporary though as the true results begin to take place as the water is absorbed and active ingredients in Sculptra® begin to stimulate the new collagen growth. Most of Dr. Jacono’s patients achieve the best aesthetic results after two to three Sculptra® treatments that are spread out in four to six-week intervals. One of the advantages to Sculptra® versus dermal fillers is that the results from Sculptra® last much longer than any filler available today. In some cases, results have lasted up to two years.
Areas that J Spa Medial Spa treats with Sculptra® Include:
- hollow cheeks
- chin wrinkles
- smile lines (between the nose and the lip)
- scarring
- marionette lines
What to Expect After Sculptra® Treatments?
In some cases, patients have experienced some slight swelling, redness, bruising, and itching at the injection site. There is no real downtime with Sculptra® and patients can return immediately to their daily activities. However, use of aspirin and vigorous exercising should be avoided for the first few days following your treatment. It is also advised that patients massage the treatment area regularly during the first week to help prevent small little lumps underneath the skin.
During your consultation with Dr. Jacono, he will discuss in detail your goals and desired results. This will allow him to determine if you are a good candidate for Sculptra® or a series of non-invasive treatments to help deliver upon your aesthetic goals. Combined with Ulthera, Dr. Jacono can create enough volume and facial rejuvenation to accomplish a non-surgical facelift. Dr. Jacono refers to this treatment as a liquid facelift.
Am I a Candidate for Sculptra®?
Men and women over the age of 18 who are in relatively good health are typically good candidates for Sculptra® injections. Women who are pregnant and patients who are taking anti-inflammatory meds, or suffering from a skin infection are not good candidates for this treatment.
To schedule your Sculptra® consultation to see if you are a good fit for this facial rejuvenation, contact our offices today or call us direct at 516-773-2424 to schedule your appointment.
Sculptra FAQs
Which areas does Sculptra Aesthetic treat?
Sculptra Aesthetic is used to correct shallow to deep facial lines and folds. It can be used in smile lines, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles.
Does this replace using Botox?
No, because it does not relax the muscles that cause the lines.
How many treatments are required?
Patients typically require 2–3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
How soon will I see results?
The results appear gradually over a period of a few months.
How long will Sculptra last?
Sculptra can last up to two years.
How soon after treatment can I wear makeup?
You can wear makeup once the initial redness and swelling go down which occurs usually later on the treatment day.
Is Sculptra Aesthetic safe?
For people with a healthy immune system, Sculptra is safe.
Are there any adverse side effects?
You may experience redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness or pain at the incision site.