Our Experts
Harley Crawford
Michelle Blondeel
Sculptra is a biostimulator designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, forming new fibrous support structures under the surface of your skin. Its active ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra does not add in volume to the skin; instead, Sculptra works deep under the skin to gradually replace lost collagen over time. Results emerge over a few weeks and can last over 2 years. Most individuals require one vial of Sculptra for every decade of life, spread out over 2-3 sessions, however, your nurse injector will develop a plan with you to determine the best outcome.
Sculptra contains no human, animal or bacterial components. It requires no incisions, and is absorbed naturally by the body.
Sculptra Areas of Indication:
Sculptra can be used to increase volume of depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions, such as skin creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, and for skin aging.
Sculptra is also suitable for large volume corrections of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy).
Your nurse injector will discuss your options with you and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your needs.
Sculptra vs. Neurotoxins & Fillers
Sculptra does not replace neurotoxins and fillers. It is another means of achieving facial rejuvenation and preventing sagging. Some patients may need more targeted correction of volume loss, which may be best achieved with hyaluronic acid fillers. Others may require wrinkles to be softened with the use of neurotoxins.
Benefits and Side Effects of Sculptra
Advantages of Sculptra include:
1. Improved volume of depressed areas
2. Overall skin rejuvenation
3. Minimal to no down-time
4. Can help to correct signs of facial fat loss and skin aging
Some risks of Sculptra are:
1. Redness and swelling: This is common immediately after an injection session. The swelling typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.
2. Small bumps (papules) in the treatment area may occur. These subcutaneous (beneath the skin) papules are typically not visible and may be noticed only upon pressing on the treatment area. Visible nodules (small rounded lumps) or areas of induration have been noted in the injection area and are occasionally associated with inflammation or discoloration. These bumps may resolve spontaneously or may be treated with corticosteroids or via surgical excision.
3. Infection: may require antibiotics and follow up with your MD.
4. Pain: There may be discomfort after the procedure that may last for up to 7 days. It is usually described as soreness. Tylenol extra strength as well as icing can be beneficial.
5. Bruising/bleeding/hematoma: Just like any medical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and bruising. Most commonly, bruising occurs at the injection site and usually subsides in a couple of days.
6. Temporary paralysis of the facial nerve may occur but this will resolve within 30-60 minutes.
7. Scarring and skin discoloration have also been reported.
8. Other rarely reported adverse events include: injection site abscess, staphylococcal infection, granuloma formation, allergic reaction, injection site urticaria, skin hypertrophy and injection site atrophy, hypersensitivity, angioedema, telangiectasis, skin sarcoidosis.
Treatment Instructions
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
7 DAYS BEFORE treatment (to prevent bruising): AVOID blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Also avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules. Please note: If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping use of Aspirin.
ANTIBIOTICS: DO NOT UNDERGO Sculptra treatment while on any oral Antibiotics. You may undergo the treatment TWO WEEKS after oral antibiotics.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.
Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
DO NOT undergo Sculptra if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.
Do not undergo dental procedures or cleanings 2 weeks before or after treatment.
DAY OF TREATMENT
If possible, arrive with a clean, make-up free face.
You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or stinging during and following injection.
Redness and swelling are normal. Some bruising may also be visible.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Perform facial massages. Your nurse injector will show you how to perform these facial massages. Thoroughly massage the treated area in a circular fashion for 5 minutes, 5 times daily for 5 days after each treatment session. This will help provide an even distribution of Sculptra to promote a natural-looking correction. Use a moisturizing cream to help reduce the friction on the skin surface during massage.
Apply ice (in a clean washcloth or an ice pack) to the treated area intermittently after treatment to minimize swelling and/or bruising. Avoid direct contact of the ice with the skin.
Avoid excess sunlight and UV exposure (including exposure to UV lamps) until any initial swelling and redness have disappeared.
Speak to your nurse injector before undergoing any additional skin treatments (i.e. lasers, peels, other injectables) in the weeks following treatment. We typically recommend waiting 2-3 weeks.
Do not undergo dental procedures or cleanings 2 weeks before or after treatment.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately.
If bruising occurs, you may take Arnica supplements or apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster