Candidates for Sculptra® Treatment

Sculptra® is useful for treatment of facial lipoatrophy, or the loss of facial fat, in patients with HIV or AIDS. Sculptra® is also beneficial in the reduction of the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles. Read on to learn more about facial wasting, how Sculptra® can be used for the restoration of facial volume, and whether you are a suitable candidate for Sculptra® treatments.

General Sculptra® Treatment Requirements

Patients who wish to undergo Sculptra® treatments should be in good general health. Those with skin infections or rashes may not be suitable candidates for Sculptra®. In addition, the immune systems of some HIV or AIDS patients may be damaged to the point that Sculptra® treatments could have a negative effect on their health. If you are interested in using Sculptra® for restoring facial volume in your eyes or lips, or for the treatment of the facial lipoatrophy that is the result of HIV or AIDS, be sure to make your doctor fully aware of whatever health complications you have.

Facial Wasting ( Lipoatrophy) and Sculptra®

Lipoatrophy , or facial wasting, is common among HIV and AIDS patients. Sculptra® has been approved by the FDA to counteract facial lipoatrophy in these patients, as well as to improve the appearance of sunken eyes, temples, and cheeks. A study conducted by Dermik Aesthetics, the company that makes Sculptra®, found that patients who received three to six rounds of Sculptra® treatment showed roughly a 40 percent increase in facial volume for up to two years following their treatments. The collagen-building polylactic acid in Sculptra® injections helps to rebuild the structure of any area affected by facial wasting, and Sculptra® does not pose the threat of allergic reaction to patients with depleted immune systems.

Moderate facial wasting may require three to five Sculptra® treatment sessions for optimal results. Patients with a severe level of lipoatrophy may need as many as six or seven Sculptra® treatment sessions, which are typically spaced two weeks apart.

Sculptra® restores not only facial volume, but also the quality of life of many patients. The depression and anxiety frequently associated with facial lipoatrophy is often lessened as a result of Sculptra® treatment.

Sculptra® Injections for Facial Volume

Sculptra® injections can be used to increase facial volume. Loss of facial fat due to lipoatrophy can cause a hollow look under the eyes, a loss of lip definition, and a sunken appearance in the cheeks. The polylactic acid base of Sculptra® can restore definition to the face.

Another popular use of Sculptra®, especially in Europe (where it is marketed under the name New-Fill™), is to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and facial folds. Because of its longer lasting results, Sculptra® is often preferred to other cosmetic dermal fillers like Restylane®. Sculptra® is useful in rejuvenating eyes, lips, and all areas of the face that can show signs of aging. In fact, Sculptra® has earned the nickname of the "liquid facelift" because of its effectiveness in creating a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Medical and Health Considerations

Before undergoing any medical treatment, it is important that patients make their doctors fully aware of any medical conditions or allergies they may have. The polylactic acid of which Sculptra® is composed is biologically inert and does not pose a risk of allergic reaction for patients. Nonetheless, it is important for patients to inform their doctors of any immune deficiencies, skin infections or rashes, or medications (including aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications) that may affect the outcome of their Sculptra® treatment. Sculptra® is commonly used as a treatment for lipoatrophy, or facial wasting, and Sculptra® is suitable for use on many patients with HIV or AIDS.

Find a Sculptra® Provider in Your Area

If you would like to learn more about how you can restore youthful firmness and elasticity to your facial skin, use our directory to locate a highly trained cosmetic dermatologist near you who can further educate you on the merits of Sculptra®. This product is also remarkably effective in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy, or wasting, and Sculptra® is safe for use in many patients with HIV or AIDS.