Sculptra® Injections
Sculptra® is a great option for anyone looking to rejuvenate their face using an office-based injectable treatment. Although often times categorized as an injectable filler like Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®, Sculptra® is actually not a dermal filler product. Sculptra® is best described as a ‘bio-stimulant’ in that, once it is injected into the face, it stimulates collagen production by your body. The newly stimulated collagen production results in volume enhancement leading to a more youthful and rested facial appearance.
It is important to point out that Sculptra® (unlike the other filler products) does not produce this collagen effect immediately. In fact, it can take several weeks before there are visible signs of the collagen production. Although most patients get to ‘preview’ their results immediately after injection of Sculptra®, this initial plumping and reshaping disappears within a few days. The collagen stimulation phase begins shortly thereafter and continues for upwards of several months as the new volume enhancement becomes more apparent. In most patients, follow-up treatment sessions with Sculptra® are indicated to achieve the ultimate desired result.
Sculptra® is primarily composed of poly-L-lactic acid, which is a biocompatible material that has been used in plastic surgery for decades. In fact, many sutures (stitches) that are used in the world of surgery are made of poly-L-lactic acid. Sculptra® is used as a solution of poly-L-lactic acid that is suspended in (mixed with) sterile water. Lidocaine is also added to minimize pain from the injection. The mixture of Sculptra®, water and lidocaine is then carefully injected deep under the skin during your treatment session.
The Sculptra® Treatment
Similar to essentially all dermal filler products, Sculptra® treatment is done simply in the office setting. Based on your specific needs and desires, a certain amount of Sculptra® will be recommended to you. Usually this is in the form of a certain number of vials of Sculptra®. For example, Dr. Hilinski may recommend a range of 2-4 vials to be ultimately used in a variety of areas of the face. However, not all of the recommended number of vials will be injected at one time. More commonly, the total number of recommended vials of Sculptra® will be divided over several different office visits. These treatment sessions are usually spaced 4-8 weeks apart to allow for interval stimulation of the collagen production process.
The results of Sculptra® injection typically last about 24 months – or 2 years – in most patients.
If you are interested in getting treatment with Sculptra®, feel free to contact our office today to consult with facial plastic surgeon, Dr. John Hilinski.