Sculptra® Aesthetic

Click dermal injectable fillers to learn about the dermal fillers that may be used instead of Sculptra Aesthetic.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra Aesthetic is a long lasting facial volume enhancer that is ideal for people who have experienced significant volume loss in the face as a side effect of aging and weight loss. The main ingredient of this injectable material is poly-l-lactic acid, a biodegradable and biocompatible substance, which has been successfully used as surgical suture material for more than 25 years. Commercially, it is available as a dried powdery material of microscopic particles that is made into a liquid suspension in the doctor's office, at least a day prior to its administration.

Sculptra Aesthetic is different from the other dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Perlane, or Juvederm, because instead of immediately filling wrinkles and folds with a synthetic substance, Sculptra Aesthetic stimulates your body to produce its own collagen to achieve the filling effect. Accordingly, it is best thought of as a volume enhancer rather than filler. It should perhaps be mentioned that Sculptra received FDA approval for its cosmetic use only in 2009 despite the fact that it was available in Europe for almost two decades and was tested on over 200,000 patients in over 30 countries.

FACIAL VOLUME RESTORATION WITH SCULPTRA

Where on the face is Sculpra used the best?

Sculptra® is increasingly being used instead of fat injections and fat grafts to treat large depressed areas of the face for an overall "lifting" effect. The aging face often shows certain common patterns, one important aspect of which is loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, jawline and under eyes. This volume loss not only changes the shape of the face from a more oval to a more rectangular one, but also loosens the cheek skin, accentuates the skin folds around the mouth and nose, and may exaggerate the jowling effect. Sculptra is the best injectable volume enhancer that is particularly suited for re-contouring the face by augmenting the critically important areas of the cheek, temple and jawline. Additionally, Sculptra can also be used for correction or softening of other skin folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial fold), the lines framing the mouth (marionette lines), and hollowness in the pre-jowl area. It should be pointed out that Sculptra should not be injected into the red area of the lip or into superficial wrinkles of the skin.

What is the Sculptra Injection procedure like?

The Sculptra treatment procedure entails injecting small amounts of Sculptra under the skin which has been previously cleansed and numbed with a numbing cream. As with other injectable treatments, Sculptra injections take about 20 minutes to half an hour. An ice pack is often used to reduce bleeding and swelling. You will be advised to periodically massage the area during the first few days following the treatment. Typically several treatment sessions are required to achieve the desired results. You can resume normal activities immediately after Sculptra injections, but strenuous activity is not recommended for 24 hours.

How does Sculptra worK?

As you age, a combination of support tissue loss, bone loss, muscle and collagen loss translates into visible volume loss, sagging, wrinkling, and sometimes a profound loss of facial balance. Although we cannot restore inevitable muscle and bone loss, the effects can be visually reversed by strategically injecting the face with dermal fillers or alternatively, with Sculptra, which stimulates skin cells to produce new collagen. Collagen is the most common and well known protein found in lower layers of the skin (Dermis). At a microscopic level, collagen regeneration occurs as bundles of collagen fibers start forming around individual Scuptra particles. The ultimate result is visible facial volume replenishment, a process that is gradual and takes several months to complete.

How many treatments of Sculptra Aesthetic are needed and how long does the result last?

For most patients who are considered good candidates for Sculptra injections, total volume restoration is not meant to be achieved in a single treatment session for one simple reason; injecting too much of the material at one time in one area would increase the likelihood of formation of lumps and bumps—an easily avoidable adverse outcome. Accordingly, most patients require 2-4 treatment sessions, in monthly intervals, depending on each patient's unique facial features and particular expectations. It should be noted that the incremental nature of the volume correction with Sculptra has the added advantage of giving the face a more natural appearance, while minimizing the chances of overcorrection. The results should last for at least 18-24 months, much longer than that obtained with dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm.

Who can administer sculptra the best?

Unlike other more commonly used dermal fillers, like Restylane, Perland, Juvederm or Radiesse, the privilege of administrating of Sculptra is granted to a select group of cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists, who have met the training and experience requirements of this product. Dr. Dishakjian has been one of the earliest physicians in the San Fernando Valley to appreciate, adopt, and actively use this unique product.

When are the results final?

At first, on the day of Sculptra injections and the following day, you see a dramatic improvement which diminishes over the following few days. This improvement is actually due to the fluid of injection, which gives you and your doctor an idea of what the final result will be. Over the next few weeks your body will produce new collagen that gradually and subtly restores the underlying structure of the skin by replacing the lost collagen. Given the delayed nature of the effects, results may not be noticeable until four weeks after a treatment, at which point another treatment may be performed. When having three to four Sculptra sessions at a once a month interval, the added volume is at its maximum two to three months after the last treatment.

Are there any contraindications or complications?

Allergy testing is not required prior to Sculptra injections. Sculptra Aesthetic should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area.

Side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic may include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching, and swelling. Other side effects may include the occasional formation of small lumps under the skin, some with delayed onset. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Although these lumps eventually and slowly resolve over time without treatment, the best strategy is to prevent them in the first place. This can largely be achieved by a proper injecting technique that avoids putting too much material at a time in one area, avoids injecting highly concentrated suspensions, and allows a waiting period of at least 3 weeks between consecutive injections.

Questions about cost or a treatment?

You may reach our Los Angeles medical spa and vein clinic by clicking the "Contact us" button at the top of the page, or by calling 818-832-4500. Our receptionist will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries regarding cost, additional information, or scheduling a free consultation session with Dr. Dishakjian, a cosmetic surgeon and phlebologist.