Sculptra is most commonly used in the cheeks to add fullness and decrease laugh lines. As our skin ages, collagen is lost, and sagging can begin to occur. While Sculptra isn't collagen, it does replace the components of the skin that diminish away naturally throughout the aging process.
The Cheeks
Specifically, it was designed to restore cheek volume in individuals who lost a significant amount of weight rapidly due to severe illness. The results of these injections into and around the cheeks can last up to seven years but usually last around five or five-and-a-half years.
Typically, people require a vial of Sculptra per decade of their age. For example, a 60-year-old would need six vials of the injectable to augment sunken, hollow cheeks or correct severe volume loss in the chin region. A 45-year-old would only need 4.5 vials of poly-L -lactic acid to smooth deep age-related wrinkles.
Not only do Sculptra injections help increase collagen production within your body, but it also helps increase the volume around the face, cheeks, and jaw areas. This means that not only will your skin look younger and healthier, but you'll also be able to enjoy a fuller and more volumized look.
Sculptra is a smart option when looking at ways to try to reduce of the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and shallow areas. This treatment has many advantages when compared to other dermal injections that are offered to smooth wrinkles and plump shallow portions of the face.
Good Candidates for Sculptra Treatments
Most patients who are ideal candidates for Sculptra are aged 40 years and older, however, this may be a great age-reversing treatment for younger patients who have experienced volume loss in the face.
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable product that is used to reduce the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles on your face. This is a very effective treatment, and there is ample scientific evidence showing that this product provides long-lasting, noticeable results.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you're not a good candidate. If you're younger than 18, it's better to wait until you're older before considering this. If you have any skin issues such as outbreaks, rashes or redness, it's better to wait until those conditions subside before considering Sculptra.
Most facial fillers only last for 6-12 months, which is preferred by some patients for a variety of reasons, while Sculptra injections can show long-lasting effects that span years.
Sculptra is different from other fillers because the results usually last up to 2 years. Sculptra is the only long lasting filler to improving the shape and look of the face, and the results appear gradually without a dramatic immediate change.
Sculptra qualifies as a dermal filler but it is unique in that not only does it provide some immediate results, it delivers long-lasting results that look completely natural.
Swelling: You will notice most of the swelling the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts two to three days. To minimize swelling: o Apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10 minutes every hour o Sleep elevated the first night.
Sculptra is a stimulating agent that normally requires more than one treatment to obtain the desired results. I would say it is possible to see some effect from just one session, but this would depend on the patient and what the starting point was. It can take 1-2 months to see the full effect from a treatment.
Answer: What happens after you stop using Sculptra? Treatment with Sculptra can produce results that last 2-4 years. If further treatments are not done to maintain the result, the effect will gradually fade and the fullness produced will be lost.
When will I see results? Because Sculptra stimulates your own body to produce collagen, this process takes time, typically around 6 weeks.
Typically, only one vial is needed per treatment, however, age and facial symmetry determine this and sometimes two vials are needed. Injections during the series are spaced about six weeks apart.
So, who CAN be treated with Sculptra? “Sculptra provides robust volume when injected into the skin,” explains Dr. Mamelak. Therefore, patients that require significant volume to achieve their aesthetic goals are the best candidates.
Do not inject into the red area (vermillion) of the lip. SCULPTRA Aesthetic should be injected into the deep dermis. Superficial injections may be associated with increased local adverse events such as nodules and papules. Take special care when using SCULPTRA Aesthetic in patients with thin skin.
One treatment every year is an adequate way to have seamless results that keep the most visible signs of aging minimal. More importantly, having annual top-up appointments will ensure that any new signs of aging are dealt with quickly.
Fillers like Sculptra can reduce the appearance of jowls when injected in the cheeks and the skin around the jawline and mouth. Using Sculptra in this way can plump and lift the skin around and above the jowls, which can lead to a smoother look along the jawline.
Sculptra Post-Care
No straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, exposure to extreme cold, or drinking alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following treatment. Please wait 2 weeks before any other aesthetic treatments. Cold packs may be applied to areas of swelling after injections.
Sculptra, a semi-permanent poly-L-lactic acid filler, can be suitable for both situations, offering correction of facial lipoatrophy in aging and youthful skin types by providing roundness and fullness to sagging or hallowed areas.
Because Sculptra merely induces a natural process to your body, the results will never look fake or dramatic. Just smooth, healthy-looking skin, as if the layers of your skin never got tired of actively producing collagen as you age! Sculptra also doesn't focus on just one tiny area of skin.
Apart from a little swelling and possible bruising, you won't look any different right after having Sculptra. Instead, over the course of two weeks, the substance will dissolve and start to stimulate your natural collagen production.
Are Sculptra injections painful? Sculptra injections are very tolerable. The injections cause mild, very temporary discomfort, and feel similar to a slight pinching sensation. A “pushing and pulling” sensation with some pressure is typically felt.