About Sculptra
Descent of tissues, volume loss and alterations in skin texture and colour are the main reasons patients seek aesthetic treatment. Aging is a complex process that leads to loss of bone, redistribution of fat, wrinkling, laxity, dryness, and roughness of the skin. Sculptra™ is a safe effective dermal filler that provides long term correction of skin defects with a gradual increase in volume.
Sculptra™ is a unique filler made up of small particles of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic collagen stimulator that is biocompatible and biodegradable.
After injection Sculptra™ microparticles cause mild controlled inflammation in the tissues which gradually stimulates collagen and revitalizes the skin. It provides natural correction of volume loss over several months. It improves skin elasticity, hydration, radiance, and smoothness.
Scupltra™ can be used on patients with a healthy immune system. With aging we see gradual loss of volume in the face from reduced collagen production, collagen loss, fat loss and bone resorption. This leads to changes in skin texture, tone, and quality. Sculptra™ can benefit patients looking to create a healthier, more natural, and attractive appearance.
Patients with an allergy to the ingredients in Sculptra™, i.e. poly-L-lactic acid, carboxymethylcellulose and mannitol should not get treatment. Patients that are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not undergo Sculptra™ treatments. Some patients with active autoimmune diseases are not good candidates for Sculptra™ due to their increased risk of developing complications. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, are immunocompromised, have collagen diseases, or have had previous complications with Sculptra are also not good candidates. Sculptra™ should not be injected in areas that have implants or have been previously injected with silicone fillers.
Sculptra™ is a biostimulator with collagen stimulating properties. It can be used on the face and body to improve volume, reduce stretch marks, reduce cellulite, and improve acne scarring and skin quality. Examples of areas that can be treated are neck, decolletage, arms, abdomen, upper legs, and buttocks. Sculptra™ should never be injected into the lips due to the repetitive muscle activity in that area causing clumping of microspheres and potential nodule formation.
The immediate volume correction that is seen is due to the water used to reconstitute the Scupltra™. This will go away in 24 hours. The volume enhancement from Sculptra™ will not start to be visible until 4-6 weeks after injection and will continue for up to 2 years.
Sculptra™ is gradually broken down by the body over 18 months, but the collagen stimulating effects are noticed for up to 2 years. It is recommended that you undergo Sculptra™ injections annually to maintain the effects.
There is minimal pain with injection of Sculptra. Dr. Fisher mixes Sculptra with lidocaine which makes the injection process more comfortable. Numbing cream and ice packs can also be used in areas that are more sensitive.
Dr Fisher will do an assessment of the area for treatment. In general, facial treatments require 2-4 vials. Usually, 2 vials are injected at one session. Buttock treatments usually require 6 vials per treatment.
Facial treatment are usually 1-2 sessions with the second treatment being done 8 weeks after the first, if required. Buttock treatments usually require 3-4 sessions 8-12 weeks apart.
There can be transient injection related side effects include swelling, bruising, and redness. These generally resolve in 1-7 days. Other less common side effects are infection, allergy, discolorations in the skin, and nodule formation due to clumping of Sculptra™ microparticles. When Sculptra™ is inadvertently injected into an artery more serious side effects such as tissue necrosis and blindness can occur. Fortunately, there have been very few reported cases of this happening.
Sculptra™ nodules can occur due to an overabundance of microparticles in one area that form a bump under the skin. They usually resolve on their own, but occasionally need to be treated with medication to assist in their break down. Nodules can be prevented with proper reconstitution and injection of the Sculptra™ by your practitioner. It is also important to massage the treatment area for 5 days after treatment.
Nodules can appear from 1-6 months after treatment.
It is recommended that you do not take any non-essential blood thinning medications (ASA, aspirin, ibuprofen), supplements (fish oil, Vitamin E) or herbal remedies (garlic, ginkgo, dong quai, ginger, turmeric) for 1 week before Sculptra™ treatment. If you are required to be on any blood thinners for medical reasons you can still undergo treatment but will be at an increased risk of bruising. Alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours before Sculptra™ treatment to reduce the chance of bruising.
Avoid high impact exercise and excessive heat (hot tubs, saunas) for 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. You may use cold compresses, take arnica, or use Vitamin K cream if you experience swelling and bruising. You will need to massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days after injection. This is done to help disperse the Sculptra™ particles throughout the treatment area and to aid in the prevention of developing nodules.
Makeup may be used on the area after 24 hours. You should not undergo any dental or surgical procedures or vaccinations for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Some rare complications such as tissue necrosis may not present for up to 3 days after treatment so travel should be avoided during this time to ensure access to proper care. Alcohol may affect healing and exacerbate swelling and bruising so should be avoided for 48 hours after treatment.
Sculptra™ can be used safely in the temples to increase volume. Treatment in this area can directly improve temple volume and indirectly improve wrinkles around the eyes, lifting of the tail of the eyebrow as well as improvement in the marionette lines and nasal labial folds.
Sculptra™ BBL is buttock enhancement due to collagen stimulation produced by Sculptra™ injection into the buttock area. Surgical buttock enhancement from implants and fat grafting is not suitable for all patients and can have a high complication rate as well as a significant recovery time. Sculptra™ is a minimally invasive procedure with a high safety profile, requiring almost no downtime and minimal side effects. It increases volume giving projection, lift and contour as well as improving skin texture and smoothing cellulite dimpling. The exact number of vials and treatment sessions will vary depending the size of buttocks and the treatment goals.
When Sculptra™ is combined with PRF or PRP it is called PlasmaSculpt. Combining these two products enhances Sculptra’s collagen regenerative properties because the PRF or PRP is full of growth factors.
Skin boosters are generally made from hyaluronic acid. They can improve hydration of the skin as well as reduce lines and wrinkles. The results generally last 9-12 months and you will need 2-3 sessions 4-6 weeks apart to achieve desired results.