What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that stimulates your body's natural collagen production to restore facial volume and smooth wrinkles over time. Unlike dermal fillers that provide immediate results, Sculptra works gradually by encouraging your skin to rebuild its own support structure from within.
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic material that has been safely used in medical devices for over 30 years. When injected, it acts as a scaffold under your skin, stimulating collagen growth that creates natural-looking, long-lasting results.
What it treats:
- Deep facial wrinkles and creases
- Volume loss in cheeks and temples
- Hollow areas around the eyes
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines (lines from mouth to chin)
- Facial sagging due to aging
- Overall facial rejuvenation
Sculptra works best for addressing signs of aging caused by collagen loss, providing a natural restoration of facial volume and structure.
Typically, we recommend 1 session every 3 weeks initially along with quarterly check-ins for maintenance.
Sculptra vs. Traditional Fillers: Which Is Right for You?
While traditional dermal fillers provide immediate volume, Sculptra offers a completely different approach to facial rejuvenation.
Key Differences:
- Sculptra stimulates your own collagen production for gradual, natural-looking results that can last up to 2 years
- Traditional fillers provide immediate volume but typically last 6-18 months
- Sculptra requires multiple treatment sessions (usually 2-3) spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Results timeline: Sculptra shows gradual improvement over 3-6 months, while fillers show immediate results
Your aesthetician will recommend Sculptra if you're looking for subtle, long-lasting facial rejuvenation and don't mind waiting for gradual results.
Results and Benefits
When You'll See Changes:
- Immediate: Some initial volume from the injection itself
- 4-6 weeks: Gradual collagen stimulation begins
- 3-6 months: Full results as new collagen develops
How Long Results Last:
Results can last up to 2 years or longer because you're building your own collagen. Many patients schedule maintenance treatments every 1-2 years to maintain their results.
What You'll Look Like:
You'll see a gradual restoration of facial volume and smoothing of wrinkles. The results look completely natural because it's your own collagen creating the improvement. Friends may notice you look refreshed and rested without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed.
Preparing for Your Treatment
One Week Before:
- Avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E (unless prescribed)
- Stop drinking alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment
- Inform us about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest
Post-Treatment Care
First 4-6 Hours:
- Massage treated areas as instructed (very important for Sculptra)
- Apply ice if there's swelling
- Avoid lying down flat
Next 24-48 Hours:
- Continue gentle massage as directed by your provider
- Avoid intense exercise, saunas, and hot yoga
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Stay hydrated to support collagen production
When to Call Us:
Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, vision changes, or unusual swelling. Some minor swelling, redness, and tenderness at injection sites is completely normal and typically resolves within a few days to a week.
Follow-Up Care:
We'll schedule your next treatment session in 4-6 weeks and monitor your progress. It's important to complete the full treatment series for optimal, long-lasting results.
