What is Sculptra?

Sculptra® isn’t like dermal fillers that instantly add volume. Fillers such as Juvéderm instantly add volume when injected, as their hyaluronic acid in the formulation immediately binds with nearby water molecules.

Sculptra® is different. It doesn’t provide immediate results. As described above, Sculptra® is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which works within the skin to replace lost collagen. Sculptra® is the first facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time as collagen is replaced. This makes for a natural-looking appearance that improves over time, not an instant change as with other fillers. Sculptra® is injected in three sessions over three to four months for the best results. These results can then last for two years!

Sculptra® is well-tolerated and has been approved by the FDA. This long-lasting filler is effective for treating fairly deep lines and creases, and it has few restrictions. If you have the typical lines that form around the mouth and from the nose to the mouth, Sculptra® is a great, long-lasting solution.

Really, the only patients who cannot have Sculptra® are those with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

The doctor will select numerous injection points to be treated as well as choose the amount of Sculptra® to be used for the procedure. Before the injections, the areas of treatment can be numbed with a topical anesthetic cream or local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The filler is then injected into the deeper layers of the skin. After the procedure, patients may be advised to apply ice to minimize swelling and massage the area to help promote distribution.

Sculptra’s results are not immediate. They become evident over the course of a few weeks and may last up to two years. Initially repeat injections about 4-6 weeks apart are necessary for a substantial plumping effect. The injections are then often repeated in future years to maintain the contoured look. Similar facial fillers include Juvéderm and Radiesse.

The enhancement of Sculptra® is achieved in the comfort of the doctor’s office. Most patients are able to return to normal activities following treatment, and makeup can be applied within a few hours barring any complications.

How long does a Sculptra injection session take?

Dr. Sripada injects Sculptra® into the deep dermal layer, the skin’s second layer beneath the epidermis but above the fat layer. This is different than other dermal fillers that are injected just beneath the targeted line or crease. Although Sculptra® is injected somewhat more deeply, these sessions aren’t different than other filler injection sessions. We apply topical numbing cream prior to your Sculptra® injections. Each session with Dr. Sripada takes just 30 minutes. The injections take but a few minutes, but you need to allow time for the numbing cream to take effect.

Most dermal fillers are single-session treatments, but Sculptra® is different. Dr. Sripada injects Sculptra® in three different injection sessions over the course of three to four months. We space these sessions out by 4-6 weeks. This allows the PLLA microparticles to keep building collagen production. This is how Sculptra® provides such long-lasting volume replacement.

The most common side effects with Sculptra® are similar to those with any dermal filler:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Slight Bleeding
• Itching
• Formation of small lumps

All of these issues pass quickly. PLLA is a biocompatible, biodegradable substance that the body accepts; it has been used in dissolvable sutures for decades. Still, if you have numerous allergies, you should check with Dr. Sripada and she’ll share Sculptra’s ingredient list with you.

If you are interested in the PDO Thread treatment, contact Greenbush Skin Care Center at (518) 391-2889 to schedule a consultation with our office or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you.