What Is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an injectable biostimulator made of of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It has a liquid consistency and is injected underneath the skin. Once injected, Sculptra® incorporates into the tissues and stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen.
On the other hand, dermal fillers are made of Hyaluronic acid designed to hold its shape in the form of a gel-like substance. Dermal fillers do not stimulate collagen production, but rather are meant to temporarily replace missing volume. The effects of dermal filler are apparent immediately. Whereas the effects of Sculptra® happens gradually since it takes time for the body to build collagen.
Both Dermal filler and Sculptra® are designed to address lost volume, fine lines, folds and wrinkles. Due to the aging process, environmental stressors, and our genetic predisposition, we suffer from loss of collagen at a rate of about 1% annually after the age of 20. Loss of collagen leads to thinning of skin which results in the formation of wrinkles and folds. Collagen is a fibrous protein in the deep dermal layer that gives our skin structural support and helps to maintain shape, moisture, and elasticity of the skin. A healthy supply of collagen is the source of smooth skin and a youthful appearance.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
Sculptra® (PLLA) is a bio-stimulating treatment. Sculptra® works by addressing the underlying cause of aging skin from loss of collagen. Once injected in the face, decollette or buttocks, Sculptra® stimulates the natural growth of new collagen. This leads to restoration of volume over time and a dramatic improvement of the skins texture. Results are natural and become noticeable after 2-4 sessions (based on individual concerns). The effects of Sculptra® can last up to 25 months.
Am I A Good Candidate for Sculptra®?
Good candidates for Sculptra® should have healthy immune systems and no history of keloid scars. Also, you should not have a medical condition that requires you to take blood thinners.
What To Expect with Sculptra® Treatment?
Your provider at Liquid Luxury Aesthetics will ensure your treatment will be performed under sterile precautions with the utmost care and comfort using numbing agents and distracting tools. We make an initial puncture with the trocar needle and use this opening to glide a blunt cannula (similar to IV catheter) to inject the product to the desired areas. After the treatment the client will need to massage the area for five minutes, five times a day for five days. This step is crucial so that biostimulating microparticles get evenly distributed and start stimulating collagen.
How Do I Prepare for Sculptra® Treatment?
We recommend staying well hydrated with ideally 8 glasses of water in a 24 hour period prior to the day of treatment. Please, avoid wearing makeup the day of the treatment. We will cleanse your skin thoroughly prior to the procedure to prevent infection.
Is There Any Downtime With Sculptra®?
You can expect to have mild soreness and swelling at the injection sites for about 1 week until the Sculptra® incorporates into the tissues. Bruising can sometimes occur, but the risk is minimized with the use of ultrasound to avoid vessels and with the use of blunt-tip micro-cannulas for injection.
When Can I Expect Results With Sculptra®?
Subtle results can typically be seen within about 6-8 weeks of Sculptra® injection. Additional sessions may be needed. These results will continue to build as new collagen can take up to 6 months to form.
