What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that has been around since 1999. It was first approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy in people living with HIV. Lipoatrophy causes facial fat loss that results in sunken cheeks and deep folds and indentations on the face.

In 2014, the FDA approved Sculptra Aesthetic for treating wrinkles and folds on the face to give a more youthful appearance.

The main ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It's classified as a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last up to two years.

Sculptra is safe and effective but isn't recommended for people with allergies to any of its ingredients or for those with medical conditions that cause irregular scarring.

Fast facts

About:
Sculptra is an injectable cosmetic filler that can be used to restore facial volume lost due to aging or illness.
It contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates collagen production.
It can be used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds to give a more youthful appearance.
It's also used to treat facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people living with HIV.

Safety:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sculptra in 2004 for restoration following lipoatrophy for people with HIV.
In 2009, the FDA approved it under the brand name Sculptra Aesthetic for the treatment of deep facial wrinkles and folds for people with healthy immune systems.
It may cause swelling, redness, pain, and bruising at the injection site. Lumps under the skin and discoloration have also been reported.

Convenience:
The procedure is performed in-office by a trained provider.
No pretesting is required for Sculptra treatments.
You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.
There is no special preparation required.

Efficacy:
Some results can be seen after just one treatment, but full results take a few weeks.
The average treatment regimen consists of three injections over the course of three or four months.
Results can last up to two years.
Areas Treated with Sculptra
Sculptra is used for treating shallow to deep facial folds and wrinkles. The most popular areas for treatment are:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Smile lines
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Nasolabial folds
• Skin laxity
• Hollowness
• Skin dryness, uneven texture, and uneven tone

Procedure for Sculptra
During your initial consultation with a trained physician, you'll be asked to provide your complete medical history, including any medical conditions and allergies.

On the day of your first Sculptra treatment, your doctor will map the injection sites on your skin and cleanse the area. A topical anesthetic may be applied to help with any discomfort. Your doctor will then inject your skin using multiple small injections.

You should be able to return to your normal activities immediately after treatment. Your doctor will advise you of any special instructions.

Sculptra can also be used off-label for:
Butt augmentations and butt lifts
Hip augmentation
Treatment of cellulite
Treatment of elbow, knee and chest wrinkles
Sculptra is also a popular choice for those looking to create the appearance of more muscle mass and definition on the:
Pectorals
Triceps
Biceps
Glutes
Thighs
It's not recommended that Sculptra be used around the eyes or the lips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is This Treatment Safe?

Yes. This treatment is just as safe as other dermal fillers and very few people have any allergic response to poly-L-lactic acid. If it is your first time using a filler of any type, however, we might request that you complete a simple allergy test to verify you are a good candidate for this treatment.

2. Is There a Best Age for Treatment?

Yes and no. While you can certainly have this treatment as soon as you notice visible signs of aging appearing on your face, which can happen as early as the mid-30s, some aestheticians recommend waiting on this treatment until the condition of your skin cannot be treated by other cosmetic treatments. Most of the patients who use this treatment are between ages 40 and 60.

3. Is There a Best Time for Treatment?

Yes and no. You can have this treatment during any time of the year without any risk of negative side effects, but if you are having this treatment to prepare for a special life event, then your timing will be key. Because it takes time for the results of this filler to become evident, it's best if you plan to have your treatment appointments at least 6 months before your life event.

4. Is This Treatment Appropriate for All Skin Types?

Yes. There are some cosmetic treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing treatments, that are not appropriate when used on medium or dark complexions due to the increased risk of pigmentation side effects. This filler has no such restrictions and is considered safe for all skin types and skin tones.

5. Is This Treatment Better Than Other Dermal Fillers?

It's hard to say if this filler is better than others. If you are comparing based on the longevity of the results, then this filler is certainly going to be the winner. However, some patients find that other dermal fillers work better for their specific appearance needs. If you aren't sure which filler is right for you, we will help you find the treatment ideal for your aesthetic concerns and goals.

6. Are There Treatments You Can Combine With This One?

Yes. Dermal fillers are compatible with many other cosmetic treatments, including facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, neurotoxins, and sometimes even other dermal fillers. If you are interested in combining treatments to achieve all of your aesthetic goals, please let us know during your consultation appointment so we can help you create a treatment timeline.

7. How Can You Prolong Results?

Prolonging the results of this treatment is easy when you make good lifestyle choices. This means drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and using the right skincare products that will enhance the health of your skin while also protecting against further age-related damage.

8. Are You a Good Candidate?

Most patients are good candidates for this treatment. If you have multiple age-related appearance concerns, particularly hollowness, skin laxity, and wrinkles on the mid-face, you are likely a good candidate for this treatment.