Q: What is Sculptra Filler?
A: Sculptra is a collagen stimulation agent, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that has been used for over a decade. Originally indicated for patients with severe fat loss of the face in 1999, Sculptra received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2009. Sculptra is a bio-stimulator, meaning it causes the body to naturally create more collagen over a period of 6-8 weeks.
Q: What areas can be treated with Sculptra?
A: Since aging is about volume loss of bone, muscle and fat in the face, it is important to understand that re-volumizing shouldn’t be isolated to just the nasolabial folds or a jowl, but globally to the entire face. In the hands of a highly skilled medical provider and artist, Sculptra can be safely injected to correct shallow to deep lines, contour deficiencies and other side effects of the aging face. Sculptra can also be used to soften décolleté (chest) lines and rejuvenate hands.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved to last up to 25 months based on clinical trials, however, clinicians are reporting volumization after injection up to 36 months. Because Sculptra largely works on your body’s ability to create collagen at the point of injection, results vary based on patient genetics and lifestyle habits that decrease collagen such as smoking and sun exposure.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: Sculptra is combined with Lidocaine a local anesthetic which makes the procedure very tolerable. Numbing cream or ice can be also be used to assure the patient is comfortable. Most patients report little to no pain at all when receiving Sculptra and other nonsurgical facial enhancements.
Q: Can men be treated?
A: Men can achieve the same volumizing benefits as women with Sculptra Aesthetics. Because men have different cheekbone structure, it is important to seek a highly skilled provider who is familiar with facial anatomy and possesses an artistic eye.
Q: Is there any downtime?
A: As with most non-surgical facial enhancements there is little to no downtime with Sculptra Aesthetic. Immediately following injection the patient is taught how to massage
the areas of injection over the next few days. This allows for proper disbursement of the product.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The amount of Sculptra Aesthetic needed varies from patient to patient. Most clients start with 1-2 vials at the first session and then return for two more sessions of one vial each. However, a cosmetic consultation will allow the doctor or nurse practitioner to tailor a plan based on the patients desires and budget.
