Sculptra

Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that promotes the growth of your own collagen over time. Collagen is one of the natural building blocks of your skin. Sculptra’s active ingredient is called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is also found in dissolvable sutures. It acts to stimulate the body’s natural process of collagen production and then the body degrades the product over time once it has done its job.

The most commonly treated areas requiring volume are:

  • Deep nasolabial folds
  • Cheek hollows
  • Temporal hollows
  • Enhancing the cheek bones

After the initial consultation, a treatment session may take 20 to 30 minutes. A numbing cream or ice is commonly used for greater patient comfort. The Sculptra® is injected into the dermis of the skin in the areas of fat and volume loss. You will be instructed on how to massage the treated areas to allow for even distribution of the product to ensure natural-looking results. It is very important to continue the massage routine for 5 minutes x 5 times daily for 5 days.

What Results Can I Expect?

How is Sculptra different from another type of filler?

The majority of dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Teosyal or Restylane, are formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA), a temporary hydrating substance that occurs naturally in the body. These fillers are designed to immediately fill wrinkled areas to improve volume and provide quick results. Sculptra, however, stimulates a natural response in your body to produce collagen and thus, results develop gradually, look completely natural, and last much longer than most other injectables.

Who benefits from Sculptra treatment?

Everyone can benefit from a Sculptra treatment! Sculptra is good for anyone who wants a fresher, younger look without an injected appearance. Younger patients have an overall improvement in skin quality and texture with an improved “glow” to the skin. Older patients will also see an improvement in skin tone, texture and elasticity to the skin while also experiencing a restoration of volume and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

How many treatments are required?

The number of treatments that are required for your optimal outcome will be determined based on your age and specific goals and objectives. Typically, most people require at least two treatment sessions with a total of two vials per treatment for the face. More mature patients may require up to 3-4 sessions.

How long do I have to wait between treatment sessions?

Treatments are performed a minimum of 6 weeks apart from each other.

When will I start to see results following Sculptra?

Initially following your treatment, you will see an increase in volume to the treated area secondary to swelling. Once this swelling subsides, it may appear that nothing has been done to the area. This is to be expected. Sculptra works progressively over time to stimulate collagen production. Often minimal change is seen until after your second treatment. Sculptra can take up to 3- 6 months after injection to see the full effect. The gradual onset of results will give you a more natural and less-overfilled appearance. 

How long do the results from Sculptra last?

The results following Sculptra are long-lasting due to the production of collagen. Thus, Sculptra offers results that last much longer than most other injectables. Patients usually enjoy their results for 2 or more years.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at (416) 323-6336 or by email aesthetics@torontoplasticsurgery.com

Risks and Complications

When injections are performed by a trained injector, side effects are uncommon. Possible side effects include prolonged redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. These side effects generally last from 1-7 days on average. On rare occasion, small bumps may be felt underneath the skin. They usually do not require treatment and are asymptomatic.

Cost

The cost of the injection will depend upon the number of areas treated and the amount of product needed to achieve the desired outcome. Loyalty pricing is available. Please contact our office for further information.

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