Sculptra: A Revolutionary Filler With Amazing Results!

Sculptra takes a different approach to anti-aging than most dermal fillers. These are a class of injectables that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Most use hyaluronic acid to fill areas where you’ve experienced fat loss due to aging. But Sculptra works in a less invasive manner. 

Today, we’re going under the surface to see how this innovative product works.

What is Sculptra?

Like hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra is a gel-like substance injected below the skin's surface. Healthcare providers use it to reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles in the skin caused by aging. However, this product uses poly-L-lactic acid rather than hyaluronic acid to achieve similar results.

While the popularity of HA fillers overshadows that of PLLA products, that is changing. An updated FDA approval makes it more accessible and provides consistent outcomes. And, because it works with your body, your skin looks healthier, and you won’t have the puffy look some fillers leave behind. 

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates your body’s natural processes. Collagen, one of the vital proteins that give your skin elastic and dewy qualities, begins to decrease with age. Using Sculptra, you can increase collagen production in specific areas of the skin. 

Some providers even refer to a Sculptra “glow” in their clients because of the benefits of increased collagen production!

What are the benefits of Sculptra injections?

You won’t just get younger-looking skin because of fewer lines and wrinkles with this product. Overall tone also improves over time, leading to softer, smoother skin. It's a gradual process that might take a few sessions, but the results are naturally beautiful. You won’t get the instant results from other fillers, but Sculptra allows your skin to heal itself!

Where is Sculptra injected?

Just like HA injectables, Sculptra is rated for use in various parts of your body. Originally designed to repair drastic fat loss in the face, it’s now used in hips and buttocks as well. Remember, you won’t see results right away with this treatment. But when you do, they’re worth the wait.

While it’s safe to inject under the skin, your provider should avoid blood vessels during the procedure. Filler materials can cause loss of blood flow to the skin if injected into the vascular system. 

How long does Sculptura last?

Unlike other fillers metabolized by the body over six to ten months, Sculptra is considered semi-permanent. You’ll enjoy the results for up to two years after the initial injections are done. At that point, you can decide to return for another round. 

What to expect from a Sculptra treatment session

Like most injectables, Sculptra application is a relatively straightforward procedure. Most sessions last between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on where you’re getting injected.

How to prepare for your Sculptura appointment

Before your appointment, you’ll meet with your provider to discuss your aesthetic goals. They’ll ask you about your health and allergies, along with any medications you’re currently taking. You won’t need allergy testing before injection, though. This is because Sculptra doesn’t contain any allergens.

After photographing the treatment site, they’ll go over what to expect and answer any questions. Once you’re ready, they’ll schedule a date for your session. 

During your session

When you arrive at the med spa, your provider will clean your skin at the injection sites. They do this to prevent infection and ensure a sterile environment. You may have the option of a topical numbing cream to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

Then, using a small needle, they’ll inject the dermal filler under your skin. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Sculptra aftercare tips

While you may experience some bruising and discomfort at the injection site, there’s no downtime after your treatment. You can go about your day as usual, but give the gym a break for a few days. Any bruising should go away after a couple of days as well.

You will be expected to engage in frequent facial self-massage for the first five days after treatment. This is crucial to avoid any clumping of the product under the skin, and stimulates the PLLA to take action. Your provider educates you on the recommended massage technique during the initial appointment. 

If you’re sore, you can take over-the-counter pain medications as your provider advises. You can also use a cool compress on swollen or bruised areas. Other less common side effects include redness, itching, and bumps at the injection site. Contact your provider if you experience complications.

When can you expect to see results from Sculptura?

As we mentioned, you won’t see immediate results from this treatment. Because it stimulates your body’s collagen production, it can take up to a week to see some results.

Final results occur really gradually over the first 3 to 6 months post-treatment. A new refreshed skin glow (improved skin texture) is usually the first thing noticed around the 3 month post-procedure mark. Once the desired correction is achieved, the studies have proven results to last on average 25 months (versus 10-15 months with HA fillers).  Maintenance usually requires 1 to 2 additional vials every 1 to 2 years.

Visit your healthcare practitioner once the results have stabilized to see if more injections will be necessary. Sometimes, people need additional treatments to yield the best results. 

How many vials of Sculptura will you need?

Typically, people require a vial of Sculptra per decade of their age. For example, a 60-year-old needs six vials of the injectable to augment sunken, hollow cheeks or correct severe volume loss in the chin region. A 45-year-old would only need 4.5 vials of poly-L lactic acid to smooth deep age-related wrinkles. A maximum of 2 vials can be injected per treatment. Therefore, the previous example client would need to come in for at least 2 treatments, with 6 weeks between each treatment. A single vial of Sculptra costs $700.

Emergency Fix now proudly offers Sculptura!

Emergency Fix is known as the place to go for injectables and Botox, and for good reason! We specialize in injectables of all types and can recommend the best ones for your aesthetic goals. And now, we’re proud to offer Sculptra to our dedicated clients! With this product, you can experience long-lasting, natural anti-aging results.

Check out our complete list of services and book your introductory session today!