With all of the different cosmetic injectables out there, it may be overwhelming to identify the one right for beautiful you. Consider Sculptra, the perfect solution to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and help rejuvenate your appearance. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sculptra.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a dermal injectable that stimulates the body to create more collagen, creating a more youthful, natural, and refreshed appearance. This innovative product is made of synthetic, biocompatible material known as poly-L-lactic acid. The body’s collagen production decreases as we age. This contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas of the face. Sculptra is used to add volume and thicken the skin in the areas of your face that you wish to treat. This FDA approved injectable can be used to smooth and fill many different parts of the face, such as smile lines, the jawline, and hollow temples. Sculptra differs from other dermal fillers, offering natural results instead of an “over-stuffed” appearance. Dr. O’Daniel also utilizes Sculptra to correct atrophic acne scarring that becomes worse with age. He does this by combining the injections with a facelift and following with fractionated resurfacing of the skin.

How Does Sculptra Work?

Sculptra works by increasing the amount of collagen in the treatment areas. It is able to encourage your body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is essential for a youthful appearance. This fibrous protein provides support for the structure of your skin and helps with the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin to retain moisture and elastin is what keeps your skin firm and tight. Unfortunately, as we age our collagen production significantly decreases. Once we reach the age of forty, the average individual has already lost up to twenty percent of their collagen. Sculptra is a solution to this problem as it stimulates your body to naturally produce collagen. After your treatment, collagen production will gradually begin to increase over a few weeks. Due to the gradual creation of collagen, the results appear over the course of a few weeks. Many patients prefer the results of Sculptra injections, as it is not noticeable to others that they have had cosmetic enhancements. Rather they simply appear more refreshed and youthful to others. They also find that the injection can be softer and more natural than other dermal fillers such as, hyaluronic acid fillers.

What Are the Steps of the Sculptra Treatment?

The initial step before having any cosmetic procedure is to consult with a qualified and experienced doctor. During this time, you will discuss with your doctor the results you wish to achieve and they will assess which treatment will be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your unique facial features, contours, and face shape. This is also the time when you can ask your doctor any questions and share any concerns that you have about your upcoming treatment. After your consultation is complete, then your appointment for your Sculptra injections will be scheduled.

The treatment may begin with the application of a topical anesthetic to reduce any discomfort while the Sculptra solution is injected. This step is not required, as Sculptra is injected with such a fine needle that most patients do not feel any discomfort. Then the doctor will inject the treatment areas. The entire process can take fifteen to sixty minutes depending on how many areas you are treating during your session.

What to Expect After Treatment

Once the injections are completed, regular activities may be resumed. Your doctor may instruct you to ice and massage the treatment areas. Some patients experience tenderness, swelling, and redness at the injection sites. These side effects usually begin to subside within the first two to seven days following your treatment. Immediately following injections, you may also notice the treatment areas appear plumper. This is a combination of the poly-L-lactic acid and swelling and will diminish a few days after your injections. Your final, natural, and youthful results will gradually become visible in the weeks following your Sculptra treatment. For many patients, injections are repeated multiple times over the course of a few months for desired results to be accomplished.

In What Areas is Sculptra Used?

Many areas of the face can be treated with Sculptra to give you a more voluminous, radiant, and youthful appearance. Marionette lines, smile lines, and wrinkles around the eyes are common places where Sculptra is used. It can also balance the face by defining the jawline and adding volume to hollow temples and cheeks. It is not recommended to be injected in the sensitive areas under the eyes. By stimulating your body’s collagen production, Sculptra can add volume to the shallow areas of the face and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sculptra?

Sculptra is a great option to help give you a more youthful appearance. These dermal injections are great for men and women. If you are an adult that wants to reduce the signs of aging and are in good health, you may be a good candidate for Sculptra. Visible signs of aging such as hollow cheeks and fine lines are reduced with Sculptra injections. This treatment can also be beneficial to patients who have lost volume in their face due to significant weight loss. The gradual increase of collagen can help add volume to areas of the face that have become hollow as a result of weight loss. Any skin infections or other medical conditions should be discussed with your doctor during your consultation.

How Many Sculptra Treatments Are Needed?

Due to Sculptra triggering your body’s natural collagen production, results are not as drastic as other dermal injections. This is why these treatments are preferred by some patients. This is also why it often takes multiple sessions to get the desired look. For most patients to achieve preferred results it is recommended to receive two to three treatments with at least a six week rest period in between. This allows the body’s collagen production to become visible.

How Long Do Results Last?

Sculptra can last for up to two years after the first session of injections. In order to maintain desired results, it is recommended to repeat injections when reaching the two-year mark. This will help maintain your more youthful appearance. The results of Sculptra last much longer when compared to other dermal fillers.

Are you interested in the youthful effects that Sculptra can have on your appearance? Call our office today and schedule a consultation.