Sculptra is a revolutionary dermal filler that is rapidly growing in popularity. Once Sculptra’s revolutionary PLLA microparticles are injected into the skin, they encourage the body’s fibroblasts, which are cells that make collagen, to make more of the skin-strengthening collagen fibers that are lost with age. With Sculptra, you can slowly get rid of skin flaws, which makes your skin smoother and fuller.
Can I get Sculptra injections?
Sculptra is meant to fix facial wrinkles that aren’t too deep, like nasolabial folds, lack of contour, chin wrinkles, and even marionette lines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Sculptra to treat facial lipoatrophy in people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections.
How is Sculptra injected?
A licensed medical professional is the only one who can use Sculptra in a treatment session. During the pre-treatment consultation, the patient can review their face’s current status. Photographic documentation can also be performed, as it is a good way to keep track of things over time. Next, the patient’s medical history is looked at to make sure they are not allergic to any of Sculptra’s ingredients. Patients shouldn’t get Sculptra injections if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of getting hypertrophic scars.
First, Sculptra needs to be reconstituted with sterile water. Next, patients must prepare for their treatment by taking off their makeup. Then, the injector will clean the places where the injections will be given according to antiseptic standards. It’s important to figure out if a topical or local anesthetic is needed and proceed appropriately. For the best results, the reconstituted Sculptra suspension should be injected in small amounts using a very fine needle and a “cross-hatching” technique.
Sculptra aftercare methods
After a Sculptra treatment, the area(s) that were addressed should be gently massaged to make sure the filler is evenly distributed along the facial contours. Patients can also put ice packs on any spots that are swollen for a short time. Until the swelling and redness go away, patients should stay away from extreme temperatures, UV lamps, and direct sunlight.
Are the results from Sculptra immediate?
No, Sculptra doesn’t provide instant results. Most of the time, results are seen over a period of time. It can take up to six months to see the full effects of Sculptra injections. This happens because the PLLA microparticles injected help trigger new collagen fibers to grow. If a person has lost a lot of facial fat, they may also need two to three rounds of injections, four to six weeks apart, to trigger sufficient collagen fiber growth.
How Long Does Sculptra last?
The effects of Sculptra on the skin can last for about two years. Sculptra’s unique method of function makes it possible for results to last for a long time. The injected PLLA microparticles don’t just temporarily hold up the collapsed skin structure; they also help collagen fibers grow, which gives the skin more volume and fullness. This means that even though the Sculptra itself breaks down in the skin after a few months, the new collagen fibers that it helped make keep the skin-plumping effects long after the Sculptra is gone. The exact length of time depends on the person’s body, how much Sculptra was injected, and how it was injected.
Does Sculptra come with an Anesthetic Agent?
No, Sculptra does not have a painkiller, such as lidocaine, pre-mixed in with it. Since this is the case, local or topical anesthetics can be put on the injection sites, especially for patients with very sensitive skin and/or low pain tolerance.