Sculptra

• Time to allow: 90 minutes

• Before: If you are prone to cold sores, take medication prior. Avoid blood thinners 3 days prior.

• During: Topical anesthetic is applied for 30 minutes prior to your treatment. Most conditions such as swelling and bruising can be alleviated with topical icing and massage and will improve within a matter of hours or just a few days.

• After: You can resume most activities right away, but it is generally recommended that you avoid intense physical activity for the first 24 hours. Makeup can be worn a few hours after the treatment.

• *You must massage the treated areas using the 5-5-5 rule: Massage areas 5 times a day for 5 minutes each time, for the next 5 days.

• Follow up: Generally, 2-3 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart with gradual results as collagen forms. Yearly treatments to maintain and continue collagen stimulation are recommended.

How many treatments will I need?

Everybody is a little different, but on average, you will have 2 to 3 sessions over the course of a few months. The number of injections at each session will vary based on the treatment plan determined by your provider. A good rule of thumb is a vial per decade of age. Generally, 2 vials of Sculptra are used per treatment.

When will I see results?

Initially, after the procedure, the area may look plumper. Once the swelling subsides and the water that was injected with the PLLA is absorbed, your appearance will return to how it was before the injections. As more collagen begins to be produced, visible results will gradually start to appear. Most start to see results as soon as a few weeks after their first treatment, with continued improvement at each consecutive treatment for up to 2 years.

How Long Does Scultpra Last?

The results of Sculptra can last for up to two years after the initial course of injections. It is recommended that you receive repeat injections as you approach the two year mark to maintain results and avoid returning to your original appearance.

Are You a Good Candidate for Scultpra?

Sculptra is recommended for adults that are in good health that wish to add volume gradually to certain areas of their face. This will reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. This treatment is also meant to fill hollow areas of the face that are present due to fat loss and the natural aging process. Sculptra is ideal if you are looking for gradual, subtle, and natural results.

What are the Side Effects of Sculptra?

The side effects are typical to other dermal injections. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, tenderness, injection site pain, itching, bleeding, and lumps.

What’s the difference between Sculptra and dermal filler?

Sculptra is not a filler, it is a collagen stimulator. It takes multiple sessions and a few weeks to see results. The results that you are left with are gradual, natural, and subtle. Hyaluronic acid filler is a gel that gives immediate results. Although both are great treatments, it really depends on the look that you are trying to achieve. Both will help diminish the look of shallow, aging skin. If you are looking for a “quick fix”, you should probably choose dermal filler. If you are looking for something that will last longer and is more subtle and natural, then Sculptra is your answer. In short, hyaluronic acid dermal filler makes you appear younger while Sculptra actually makes you younger.