When you were born, were you blessed with many beautiful physical attributes — all except for a bodacious booty? Or maybe age and gravity have depleted your once-pert tushy, that once looked great in your favorite pair of yoga pants. Many of us have scoured online for information on butt enhancement options, but the concept of surgery just seems overwhelming. Surgical butt implants are an option, or even fat grafting – but what if you don’t have enough fat to harvest for grafting?
But there’s a new option that is rapidly gaining notoriety – the non-surgical Sculptra butt lift, and it may just be what you’ve been looking for.
Sculptra, which has been used since 1999 for facial contouring, falls into the general ‘filler’ category. However, unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that function by adding volume, Sculptra induces your own collagen to grow. Injected Sculptra triggers an inflammatory response in your body, so that your collagen is called upon to heal that inflammation. The result is an increase in overall volume, and as this collagen boost firms the buttocks and improves the skin quality. And unlike other options, except for some minor soreness, the Sculptra butt lift has no downtime.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a polymer that is synthetically derived from natural components (poly-L-lactic acid) and is a fully biocompatible substance, which means it does not harm the body.
Where is it injected?
Sculptra is injected deep, below the surface of the skin in the area that has suffered fat loss. Depending on where the deficits are, the lift is created by injecting high up on the buttocks and on the top of the butt cheeks. By adding volume to these areas of the buttocks, the rest of the buttocks and the skin is lifted.
How does it feel?
Patients report that they feel very little-to-no discomfort at all during the injections.
How much Sculptra is needed?
Everyone’s needs and wishes are different but most will need 3 treatments, using 3-6 vials per treatment performed roughly every 2-3 months. This is the time it takes for the collagen to begin growing and results to become visible.
How long does it last?
Clinical studies reveal results lasting up to 2 years, and if yearly touch-up treatments are performed, the results can be maintained for many years. The act of using the cannula under the skin also creates some long-lasting minor scar tissue, which actually provides extra scaffolding to support the enhancement. For more on how long Sculptra treatments last, check out our article How Long Does Sculptra Last?
What does it cost?
Each vial of Sculptra can range from $800 to $1000 but some clinics may offer a price package for treatments that use multiple vials making it more affordable.
What can you expect after the treatment?
Although you will see an immediate volume replacement and lift, this is actually swelling from the initial injection. Expect some of this to dissipate in the first week as the liquid is absorbed, and starts to take effect. You’ll need to be patient for a few months until your actual treatment results become visible. It’s important to remember that your results will not be as dramatic as a surgical lift but most patients are very happy with their newfound (or restored), more perky butt.
Some minor bruising, redness and soreness may occur but should subside naturally within a few days. It is important for you to continue the ‘5-5-5’ aftercare steps: Massage the area 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days. This massaging breaks down any small lumps that can form from the collagen clumping around the injected product. If these don’t go away even with massaging, they will usually break down on their own as the effects of the Sculptra fades.
Can it be used on the thighs as well?
More great news – Sculptra can be used in other areas of the body to fill in indentations and smooth and tighten skin, including the treatment of cellulite. As with any cosmetic injectables, make sure you have an experienced injector with a proven track record of successful treatments.
The Bottom Line
There’s no denying a perky bottom can round out the perfect pair of jeans or yoga pants. And for some of us, no amount of squats or lunges can create that desired look. But with a Sculptra butt lift procedure, patients can round out their rump without the need for invasive surgery. With just a series of simple injections, this treatment can deliver head-turning results that last for years. Licensed medical professionals can buy Sculptra online at Health Supplies Plus.