What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a wrinkle filler. This filler is used to reverse the signs of facial fat loss that occurs with aging. It does that by filling out shallow to deep wrinkles and folds that are visible on either side of the nose to the corners of the mount. These lines are also referred to as the nasolabial folds. But this filler is not just restricted to be used on the nasolabial folds as it can be used overall the face.
The active ingredient of Sculptra is an alpha hydroxy acid called poly-L-lactic acid. For the past 20 years this product has been used in many surgical products, including dissolvable sutures and soft-tissue implants, and have been described as safe and a long-lasting synthetic, but also a biodegradable substance. More so, since 2009, Sculptra has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use in the U.S. in 2009.
What is Sculptra used for?
Sculptra has been used as a safe, efficient dermal fillers on patients seeking relief from shallow to moderate deep lines and wrinkles.
Most people, including patients with HIV or AIDS, are suitable candidates for Sculptra treatments. Since the polylactic acid in Sculptra is biologically inert, there is no risk of patients developing an allergic reaction to treatments.
Patients who have skin infections, who take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, or who have depleted immune systems should consult with a doctor before undergoing Sculptra treatment.
What is the procedure?
The procedure will normally take place at your doctor’s rooms, as after a proper consultation. During the consultation you can discuss the use of local anesthesia and numbing creams to reduce the pain and discomfort during your treatment. But the actual treatment will take from 5 – 15 minutes.
You will be able to leave as soon as you feel fine to do so.
A post-op follow-up will be needed 7 – 14 days after the procedure so your doctor can determine if the face is healing correctly and how your body has reacted to the treatment.
Immediately after Sculptra treatment, the area of the face that was injected will appear to be filled out, but this is simply because of the water content in the Sculptra injection (the Sculptra micro particles are suspended in sterile water for injection). This temporary fullness will recede in a few days. The true and lasting effects of Sculptra treatment take weeks or months to become evident.
Although the effects of Sculptra take some time to manifest themselves, they can last for up to two years. The results of treatment with other skin injectables such as Restylane last only a few months.
What should be you be aware about, including the risks and other problems
You will have swelling and redness after the procedure. But this will go away within 3 to 5 days. You can speed up the healing and reduce the swelling with the use of an ice pack. This you should do within the first 24 hours after the procedure. Clinical studies has indicated that an average person will need to undergo at least 3 session over several months for the results to last for at least 2 or more years. Other aspects you should be aware about is that you should avoid the sun, as well as artificial UV lights like tanning beds. Also you will need to massage the areas that were treated for the first 5 days after the treatment for about 5 minutes to aid the even destitution of the product.
The positive effects of Sculptra treatment include increased skin thickness and improved facial volume, which lead to a healthier, more youthful appearance. In fact, Sculptra treatment has become known as the “liquid face lift,” so dramatic and impressive are its results. Sculptra results can last for up to two years, while the results of other injectable dermal fillers, such as Restylane, may only last for a few months.
Overall, Sculptra is associated with fewer risks and side effects than Restylane and other injectable treatments. Side effects may include tenderness, swelling, and redness at injection sites. Results of Sculptra injections may take four to six weeks to become noticeable.
