Sculptra® Aesthetic

What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?


Sculptra® Aesthetic is a new type of FDA-approved facial injectable that gradually replaces collagen lost in aging. It was initially approved in 2004 for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy patients to stimulate collagen and provide facial contouring. In 2009, the FDA approved Sculptra Aesthetic for the expanded treatment of deep lines and wrinkles. It is composed of poly-L-lactic acid in a sterile water base that will gradually stimulate collagen. Sculptra Aesthetic is safe, synthetic, and does not require allergy testing.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic used for?

Sculptra Aesthetic is used for treating deep facial folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It is also ideal for treating volume loss in the cheeks. Since it begins to work gradually, Sculptra Aesthetic will slowly begin to correct deep folds and wrinkles and will restore facial composition. Sculptra Aesthetic is not suitable for treating areas around the eyes or lips.

What is the Sculptra Aesthetic butt lift?

In addition to rejuvenating facial areas, our team offers Sculptra Aesthetic as a non-surgical buttock lift procedure. The “Sculptra butt lift” entails injecting Sculptra Aesthetic into areas of the buttocks to enhance the overall size and shape. This is especially beneficial for those wanting a fuller buttocks without the downtime associated with butt lift surgery. The amount of Sculptra Aesthetic and number of treatments needed for the non-surgical butt lift will vary based on each patient’s desired outcome.

How long does treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic take?

Treating facial concerns with Sculptra Aesthetic typically takes about 30 minutes. Makeup will be removed first, if the patient is wearing any, and the area to be injected will be cleaned with antiseptic. For your comfort, we will integrate ice packs to help reduce the discomfort of the injection.

What can I expect after my Sculptra Aesthetic treatment?

Over the course of the first 24 hours after treatment, a cold pack can be applied to help control any swelling you may experience. You will also be instructed to massage the area for five minutes at a time, five times per day, for a total of five days. This helps distribute the product under your skin and improve your outcome. Massage may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but it is an important step for ensuring even results. In addition, you should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds until all swelling and redness have subsided. More details about your recovery from Sculptra Aesthetic will be explained during your appointment.

How long do Sculptra Aesthetic results last?

The unique component of Sculptra Aesthetic is that it corrects gradually, providing long-lasting results. You will visually be able to see an improvement post injection but this is primarily due to the sterile water component of the injection. This effect will subside once your facial tissue absorbs the sterile water. It is important to be patient with this process as it can typically take eight weeks before you begin to see true results. Some patients reach their goals after one treatment but the average patient will achieve maximum results after a series of three treatments over a period of a few months. Due to the nature of Sculptra Aesthetic, the results have shown to last up to two years. This treatment is perfect for the discreet patient that desires less immediate, less obvious results.

What does Sculptra Aesthetic literally do?

Upon injection into the deep dermis, you will immediately see correction from the sterile water component of the treatment and possible swelling from the injection. Once the sterile water is absorbed, the result will diminish and you may look like you did prior to the treatment. Within a couple of weeks, the support components of the Sculptra Aesthetic injection will release and begin to build structure in your dermal tissue to replace missing collagen. This is not a rapid process but over the course of a few treatments and a little patience, you will receive correction of shallow to deep wrinkles and folds as well as replacement of collagen lost in the cheeks (provided that the cheeks were the area of treatment.)

Is Sculptra Aesthetic safe?

Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved injectable that is considered safe and effective. The formula is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, which is naturally absorbed by the body, and does not contain any human or animal components, preventing the need for allergy testing. When performed by a qualified professional, patients considered good candidates should be able to enjoy long-lasting results with only temporary, mild side effects.

Are Sculptra Aesthetic injections painful?

Utilizing a thin needle, ice packs and a skilled hand, our injectors are able to make the treatment quite comfortable for their patients. Most patients feel a slight pinching at the beginning of the treatment and mild ache immediately post injection that usually goes away shortly after the treatment. Mild swelling is the most common side effect.

Are there any side effects to Sculptra Aesthetic?

People react to the injection process differently. Common side effects are tenderness, bruising, bumps/lumps and swelling at the site of injection and typically last 2-7 days but can last up to a few weeks in a small percentage of patients. Massage is a vital part of the treatment process for Sculptra Aesthetic. Our aesthetic professionals encourage patients to frequently massage the site of the injection for up to a week to help the product settle and reduce the chances of the formation of bumps or nodules. This is a normal part of the healing process and will subside as your body acclimates to the injection. Sculptra Aesthetic is not recommended for patients with active skin infections, patients with a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring, or patients that easily scar. Sculptra Aesthetic is also not suitable for people with lactic acid allergies.

What can I do to reduce the side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic?

By discontinuing the use of blood thinners such as aspirin, fish oil, and ibuprofen a week prior to your appointment, the likelihood and duration of side effects significantly reduces. Arnica Montana, taken sublingually, will also assist in reducing the likelihood and longevity of bruising and swelling. We do not recommend you discontinue blood thinners if you are taking them by prescription or under the advice of a physician.

Sculptra Aesthetic vs. JUVÉDERM®

Although Sculptra Aesthetic and JUVÉDERM® products can often be used for similar concerns, the cosmetic injectables work in a slightly different way and, therefore, are recommended based on which better aligns with the patient’s aesthetic goals. Sculptra Aesthetic is a biostimulator while JUVÉDERM is a dermal filler composed of hyaluronic acid. This means that while JUVÉDERM provides immediate results, Sculptra Aesthetic takes about two months to begin to take effect, as it causes the gradual formation of collagen. Since Sculptra Aesthetic helps rebuild this supportive structure of the skin, results can last more than two years. Most JUVÉDERM products last about six to eight months, with JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC lasting up to one year.

Both Sculptra Aesthetic and JUVÉDERM can be used to restore volume to facial areas that have lost their youthful contour and have developed lines and wrinkles. During your consultation, your aesthetic professional will determine which product is most appropriate for your needs and desires. In some cases, they may recommend a combination of a JUVÉDERM product with Sculptra Aesthetic to provide enhanced results.

Sculptra Aesthetic vs. RADIESSE®

Another injectable that can restore lost volume and smooth wrinkles is RADIESSE. Unlike JUVÉDERM and Restylane®, which are composed of hyaluronic acid, Sculptra Aesthetic is made from poly-L-lactic acid, while RADIESSE contains calcium hydroxylapatite. These materials can both be used to rejuvenate and enhance facial contours, but they work in different ways.

Since Sculptra Aesthetic is designed to stimulate collagen, improvement is gradually seen over the course of several weeks and can last up to two years. RADIESSE, on the other hand, produces immediate results and is known for lasting as long as 18 months. Which volume enhancing injectable is better will ultimately depend upon your specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

How much does Sculptra Aesthetic cost?

The average cost of a Sculptra Aesthetic treatment package typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 The cost for treatment varies considerably based on the individual and his/her unique goals and desires. Sculptra Aesthetic is sold by the vial, therefore price is determined based on the degree of correction desired. Greater correction may require multiple vials. We endeavor to provide you the best combined value of cost and exceptional patient care under the skilled hands of our injectors.

Where can I get more information about Sculptra Aesthetic?

We have included a link from the website for Sculptra Aesthetic if you would like more information about how Sculptra Aesthetic can correct deep wrinkles and folds.

Learn More About Sculptra Aesthetic

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Complimentary Service:

Hydrafacial MD, BOTOX® for Wrinkles