Aging eventually catches up to everyone as wrinkles appear, skin becomes less tight, and the natural glow begins to fade. It may seem hopeless to reverse the signs of aging for some, but thanks to cosmetic advancements, there is still a solution for those who want to look as young as they feel. That said, Sculptra is an FDA-approved bio-stimulator used to revitalize the production of collagen loss from aging.
Many injectors have chosen Sculptra as regenerative medicine for facial and body contouring, improving skin tone, texture, and appearance. In fact, it’s been used for facial rejuvenation for years, but physicians are also using Sculptra to achieve a natural-looking butt lift. In fact, Sculptra is appropriate for use on all skin types and colors.
How Does Sculptra Work?
In 2009, the FDA approved Sculptra for treating deep facial wrinkles and folds in people with healthy immune systems. Sculptra contains microparticle beads of poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family. It’s classified as a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results lasting up to two years.
As indicated, Sculptra is a synthetic and biocompatible material injected below the skin’s surface in the area of fat loss. When injected, the PLLA in the Sculptra treatment stimulates the cells in the skin to produce more collagen fibers, creating a counteractive effect to the natural loss of skin firmness due to aging. Moreover, Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.
What Benefits Does Sculptra Provide?
Below are many reasons why Sculptra is preferred over other dermal fillers, including:
- Boosting the overall collagen level in the treated area.
- Better and healthier skin tone and texture due to increased collagen production.
- Minimal downtime as it is non-surgical.
- Produces natural results as Sculptra aims to address skin aging by boosting collagen production in the treated area, achieving a youthful appearance.
- Long-lasting results compared to regular hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
What To Expect With Sculptra Treatment?
First, it is recommended to stay hydrated with 8 glasses of water for 24 hours before the day of treatment. Also, it is advised to avoid wearing makeup on the day of the treatment. The provider will thoroughly cleanse the skin before the procedure to prevent infection.
Sculptra is injected into the face under ultrasound guidance (to mitigate potential complications) utilizing microcannula during the treatment. An initial puncture with the trocar needle will be done, and use this opening to glide a blunt cannula (similar to an IV catheter) to inject the product into the desired areas.
After the Sculptra treatment, the client will need to massage the area for five minutes five times a day for five days. This step is crucial, so bio-stimulating microparticles get evenly distributed and start stimulating collagen.
What Skin Conditions Can Sculptra Be Used?
Sculptra can be used for the following conditions:
- Empty cheeks
- Hollow temples
- Marionette line
- Nasolabial folds or (skin from chin to mouth and nose to mouth)
- Smile lines
- Softening cheekbones
- Weak or hollow chin and wrinkles
- Weakening jawline
Who Is A Good Candidate For Sculptra?
The suitable candidates for Sculptra include adults without allergies to any ingredients found in Sculptra or those without a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloids. In addition, Sculptra is best for those looking to improve the look and appearance of their skin over time since it is not an immediate gratification type of injectable— but the results are worth the wait.
Moreover, because the results are gradual— Sculptra is an excellent choice for people looking for natural-looking, virtually undetectable results.
Is Sculptra A Safe Procedure?
Sculptra is generally a very safe procedure with virtually zero risk of an allergic reaction since it uses a substance that the body naturally produces. The aspect of the Sculptra treatment that may induce allergic reactions is the cleanser that the cosmetician might apply to the skin before the procedure. It is best to talk to the practitioner about any allergy.
Additionally, the most common side effects are bruising, slight discomfort, swelling, and redness around the injection site. Itching and a slight burning sensation around the treatment site have been reported, but only in sporadic cases. On average, these reactions tend to dissipate within three to seventeen days after the procedure.
What Is The Best Aftercare For Sculptra?
The following tips ensure the best Sculptra results and patient comfort:
- Avoid excessive exposure to sun and any heat for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Keep the head above the heart for at least 4 hours.
- Massage the treated area gently 5 times daily for 5 minutes five days after treatment.
- Apply a cool compress to the injection site(s) for 48 hours.
- Avoid exercising for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid saunas for at least 6 hours.
- Avoid using Retinol and exfoliating acids (or any potentially irritating skincare products) for 4 days following treatment.
How Long Does The Result Of Sculptra Last?
Indeed, Sculptra offers superior results that can last longer than other dermal filler brands. With this treatment, effects are typically expected to last at least two years. However, taking good care of the skin is highly recommended, so Sculptra’s final results can last even longer.
Once the ideal results are achieved, the benefits are expected to last for three years or more. However, every skin is different, and so as the results.
Also, several factors can affect how long the Sculptra result lasts, including age, skin condition, location of the treated areas, and the concerns being addressed. Many patients choose to get annual injections to maintain their desired look.
The Bottom Line
Sculptra stimulates the body’s natural collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by increasing volume. Belle Visage Medical Aesthetics offers Sculptra, an FDA-approved injectable that contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), helping restore facial volume and bringing fullness to wrinkles and folds. Overall, the Sculptra treatment helps form a framework to support cells and tissue in which the results can last more than two years.