Aging is inevitable. As you grow older, your skin gradually loses volume and becomes thin, lax, and creased with lines and wrinkles. Even if you feel youthful within, your skin may make you feel old and tired. Sculptra is a powerful cosmetic injection that reverses the effects of aging on your skin, helping you remain effortlessly youthful.
Collagen: The Secret Ingredient of Youthful Skin
Collagen is a protein found in our skin, hair, and nails. It is responsible for helping to keep these tissues strong and healthy and ensuring your skin remains youthful and voluminous. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen. When collagen is lost, our skin can become thinner and less elastic, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Fortunately, we can combat the loss of collagen with Sculptra injections!
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a cosmetic injection for facial rejuvenation. It can treat fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss by stimulating collagen production. Sculptra was initially approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of lipoatrophy, a condition characterized by the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can occur as a result of HIV/AIDS or other medications. However, the injected PLLA also improved the appearance of wrinkles, so it was eventually approved for the correction of wrinkles and folds in 2012.
Sculptra Treats:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Nasolabial folds around the nose
- Marionette lines around the mouth
- Other facial creases and folds
- Deep tear troughs under the eyes
- Sunken or gaunt cheeks
- Small or recessed chin
- Skin laxity and sagging skin
How Sculptra Works
Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler made of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic substance similar to lactic acid, which naturally occurs in the body. When injected, PLLA stimulates the body’s collagen production, resulting in increased skin thickness and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The loss of collagen leads to the loss of facial volume and the onset of wrinkles. By stimulating collagen production, Sculptra reverses the effects of age on your skin.
Benefits of Sculptra:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Only involves a few simple injections
- Minimal discomfort during the treatment
- No harsh side effects or complications
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Reverses the effects of age on skin
- No post-treatment downtime
- Naturalized results based on collagen production
Sculptra FAQs
How is Sculptra different from other dermal fillers?
Most of the dermal fillers on the market contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that makes your skin look smooth and supple. HA-based dermal fillers inject hyaluronic acid molecules underneath the skin to fill out wrinkles and restore facial volume. But Sculptra encourages your body to produce its natural filler material, so the results are more natural. However, while HA fillers produce instant results, you must wait longer for the Sculptra results to become visible.
What happens during the Sculptra treatment?
During your Sculptra treatment, the medical provider will cleanse your facial skin, apply a numbing gel, and inject the appropriate units of Sculptra into the treatment areas. The treatment concludes within 15 minutes.
What are the side effects of Sculptra?
Sculptra only involves a few simple side effects, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, numbness, and bruising around the injection sites. The side effects dissipate in a few days.
Is there any downtime after Sculptra?
Sculptra doesn’t involve any downtime. You can resume your daily activities immediately, but high-intensity activities should be avoided for a few days.
When will I see the results of Sculptra?
The results of Sculptra appear gradually over several weeks as your body produces new collagen fibers. But the results are worth waiting for — they’re natural and dramatic!
How long will the Sculptra results last?
Sculptra results last 2 to 5 years, depending on the treatment areas, the number of units, and your lifestyle.
How many Sculptra sessions do I need?
Most patients need 3 to 4 Sculptra sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart for optimal anti-aging results. The results improve after each session.
Why Choose Apex Health & Wellness?
Apex Health & Wellness is a boutique medical spa and primary care facility specializing in cutting-edge aesthetic treatments that address your specific goals and concerns. Our nurse practitioners listen to your concerns, discuss your goals and lifestyle, and recommend the most appropriate solutions. Please schedule an appointment to explore your Sculptra options.
