Today’s blog is all about a most unique filler, Sculptra!
In the aesthetic world, Sculptra is the first and original FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler that stimulates collagen production for volume replacement.
I, Dr. Jennifer Breedlove, board-certified dermatologist, will be answering common questions I get from my patients - such as the number of treatments needed, injection quantities, when results are visible, and post-treatment care.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a gel-like substance that's injected into the skin to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to the skin.
This dermal filler can help with:
Smoothing wrinkles
Elevate recessed areas of skin
Improving skin tightness
Restoring skin foundation
Improving skin quality
Correcting facial volume loss
Which areas can Sculptra be used to treat?
Classic areas for Sculptra to target are cheek wrinkles, jawline, chin wrinkles, and fine lines around the mouth known as marionette areas.
How many treatments?
Most people wonder how many treatments they’ll need. This is a great question. On average, most people only need about two to three treatments; and these treatments are spaced out over a few months. I often say it’s a lasting filler, so it may last you several years. I like to think of it as like a birthday filler, and so when I say that, I mean after your initial two to three sessions, you may require a small treatment yearly for maintenance.
How many injections will I get?
Another great question I field from my patients at Love Dermatology is how many injections will I get? Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear cut answer to this question. It could be multiple injections, but that is dependent on the individual and where you need the injections. To best answer this, set up an appointment so we can discuss your concerns and goals.
When can I see the results?
Another common question I get about Sculptra is when will results be visible? Most often you can start seeing results within about a month, however, this is a treatment that has a longer lasting effect so it can be more like six to nine weeks, on average, to see the full effects. According to the most recent literature, you can have sustained treatment for about two years. Typically the treatment plan may include three sessions, spaced at least three to four weeks apart.
What should I do after treatment?
The answer to this is different from other types of fillers.
Unlike the hyaluronic acid fillers where you want to manipulate the area, with Sculptra, since it’s so unique, you actually do want to manipulate the area.
And there's a small rule or a mnemonic that we use to help educate our patients. You want to massage the area that you're getting injected for five minutes, five times a day, for five days following the treatment. So five, five, and five!
What kind of side effects can I expect?
Sculptra is a safe form of dermal filler and its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved. However, of course, there may be some mild side effects such as:
Swelling
Bruising
Skin discoloration
Pain or discomfort
Itching
Bumps or lumps underneath your skin.
The little lumps are common and that’s why we suggest you do the five, five five massage! Massaging the area will feel a little tender but it’s important to soften the bumps.
Who can inject it, and how much will it cost?
A specialist who is qualified and has received training in Sculptra can perform the injections. As far as cost, like most procedures, it really is dependent on the individual.
However, on average, treatment costs can range from about $800 to a couple of thousand, and that's because it depends on the number of treatments, how many vials you're using during each session, et cetera; so it's highly variable.
But I love Sculptra! I feel like it gives a very nice natural result and for the right candidate it's a wonderful option!
Wishing you a wonderful day ahead,
— Dr. Jennifer Breedlove, Your Trusted Dermatologist
Shop Love Dermatology Skincare
Shop dermatologist-tested products by Dr. Breedlove, made with natural ingredients and free of sulfates and parabens.
Also available are a complete offering of UV skin care products by EltaMD.
We're here to help when you have questions about either selecting the right products for your skin type, or deciding on the right in-office treatments!
Our staff is knowledgeable and here for you!
Commentaires