The Sculptra® Treatment Process

The Sculptra® treatment is much like the treatment process for other dermal fillers. Once your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist has determined that Sculptra® is right for you, the appropriate target sites for Sculptra® injections will be determined.

Preparing for Sculptra® Treatment

Because Sculptra® is a synthetic, biocompatible substance made from lactic acid — a natural substance that is present in your body already — there's no need for allergy pretesting prior to Sculptra® treatment. However, be sure to disclose your complete medical history to your surgeon, including the use of any blood thinners such as aspirin. It is also necessary that you abstain from alcohol in the days leading up to treatment.

Sculptra ® treatment is administered on an outpatient basis at your doctor's office. Prior to treatment, your surgeon will determine the precise points of injection and mark them on your face. If desired, a topical anesthetic can be applied to minimize discomfort during treatment.

The Sculptra® Injection Procedure

Shortly before an injection of Sculptra® is administered, the Sculptra® suspension can be diluted with lidocaine to reduce discomfort from the injection. The suspension of Sculptra® is injected using a very fine-gauge syringe. It is injected under — not into — the skin, unlike some other dermal injectables.

Another difference between Sculptra® and other fillers is that Sculptra® is placed evenly under a facial defect, in contrast to the "spot" placement of other fillers under a wrinkle or line.

Starting immediately after treatment, the treated areas are massaged for a few minutes to distribute the Sculptra® suspension evenly. This massage helps to prevent the formation of bumps or nodules under the skin.

There is little or no downtime after receiving Sculptra® injections. Most patients are able to return immediately to their normal activities. There may be some redness and/or swelling at the injection sites, but these side effects fade quickly. A cold compress or icepack can be applied as needed.

How Does Sculptra® Work?

The microscopic Sculptra® crystals induce a mild inflammatory reaction under the skin where they were injected. This "triggers" the formation of new collagen — white blood cells surrounding the Sculptra® microcrystals recruit collagen-producing fibroblasts. Collagen production gradually increases, making the volume-enhancing results of the Sculptra® treatment apparent in about four to six weeks.

Are Results Immediate?

Immediately after Sculptra® treatment, the area of the face that was injected will appear to be filled out, but this is simply because of the water content in the Sculptra® injection (the Sculptra® microparticles are suspended in sterile water for injection). This temporary fullness will recede in a few days. The true and lasting effects of Sculptra® treatment take weeks or months to become evident.

Although the effects of Sculptra ® take some time to manifest themselves, they can last for up to two years. The results of treatment with other skin injectables such as Restylane® last only a few months.

Sculptra® Retreatment

Because it takes weeks or months for the effects of Sculptra® to become apparent, the treatment regimen for Sculptra® is usually "Treat, Wait, Assess, and Retreat As Necessary" — that is, your physician must wait and see whether enough Sculptra® was administered the first time before knowing whether additional injections are appropriate. In addition, the risk of overcorrection with Sculptra® is the formation of nodules under the skin; this can be avoided by allowing at least a few weeks to pass before assessing the effects of the first treatment.

Schedule a Consultation with a Skin Specialist near You

If you would like to schedule a consultation to learn more about Sculptra ® treatment, use DocShop to find a dermatologist near you. You may find that Sculptra® is just what you need for a fresher, rejuvenated appearance.