Sculptra®

Sculptra® is made up of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a biocompatible, biodegradable substance that, when injected into the skin, causes gradual collagen production. Sculptra® is different from traditional hyaluronic acid fillers in that it achieves natural volume restoration by stimulating your body to produce its own collagen. This is a gradual and subtle process where you see changes starting at six weeks, with final results being seen around six months.

Facial aging begins in your 20s when you start losing about 1% of the collagen in your skin per year. Collagen is responsible for skin structure and health, so when it is lost, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss tend to occur.

We call it the 5,5,5 rule. For the next five days, you will massage the areas where we inject for five minutes five times per day. You cannot over-massage! We recommend using some gel (we love arnica gel) or lotion to help with massaging.

Swelling is the most common side effect, but it is usually due to the sterile water injected with the PLLA, which goes down after a day or two once the fluid is absorbed. Other possible side effects include bruising and tenderness at the site of injection. These can be minimized by avoiding NSAIDs, alcohol, fish oil, or other blood thinners prior to treatment, using ice, and drinking plenty of water after the treatment.

On average, two to three treatments are needed initially over the first year to reach optimal results, and then after that, maintenance treatments are required. A good rule of thumb for the number of vials you need is to use the first number of your age. For example, if you are in your 50s, you would benefit from five vials throughout that decade. Treatment needs may vary, though, depending on skin quality, environmental factors, and genetics. Your provider will discuss your goals and optimal treatment regimen before beginning the Sculptra course.