Sculptra is a relatively new facial injectable treatment for correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, other facial wrinkles, but mostly for faces that have lost volume. Sculptra is normally injected in two to three sessions around 4-8 weeks apart and works gradually to replace collagen lost during the aging process. Once the loss of collagen has been corrected, Sculptra will normally last up to 2 years. A touchup at 1 to 1 ½ years may be all that is needed
As we age, the collagen beneath our skin begins to break down or thin out. This begins around the 30’s and as a result, wrinkles, lines, folds, and hollows gradually appear and worsen with time. Most injectables can fill wrinkles, lines and folds; however, Sculptra works by gradually replacing lost collagen and therefore provides the structure and support that will give one a more youthful appearance. We “use up” much of the fat in our faces as we get older. You have heard someone say to another, “You’ve lost your baby fat!” The problem is that we keep losing it with the aging process. We lose fat in front of the ear, in our temples, below our lower eyelids, and in the mid-cheek area, among other areas. Sculptra is the most ideal product for generalized volume replacement, and when properly injected, it can reduce the appearance of a person’s age by ten years or more.
Sagging in a face occurs from lost fat volume as well as loss of elasticity in the skin from environmental damage and even some loss of bone, often from inadequate care of one’s teeth. Sculptra injections can dramatically improve volume loss from fat loss and even some bone loss. The re-volumizing from Sculptra injections also stretches out and minimizes many small wrinkles and even elevates areas such as the jowls.
Sculptra is used mostly within the deep dermis and in some areas on the covering of bone (called periosteum) to replace lost collagen and the mentioned volume. Since Sculptra works by stimulating the production of collagen, the correction is gradual and not immediate. However, it does last about two years, and if properly injected, looks entirely natural.
Sculptra (poly-l-lactic acid) is biocompatible, which means it will not harm your body. Poly-l-lactic acid has been used for year in dissolvable stitches and medical implants, and has been used for cosmetic purposes in Europe since 1999.
Side effects of Sculptra may include discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling. Infections can occur with any injection, but are very rare. These symptoms usually resolve themselves around 7-10 days post injection. On rare occasion, bruising has been noted to last for 3-4 weeks. To lessen the chance of bruising it is recommended to stop taking aspirin containing products, Vitamin E, fish oil, Flax seed products and all Herbal products starting with the letter G.
Small lumps under the skin that could be noticeable have also been noted. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset have also been reported. These can usually be resolved by Kenalog injections, antibiotic therapy or excision. These lumps are very rare but one should be informed of all possible complications prior to injection.
The cost of Sculptra injections varies widely according to the needs and fat loss of the patient. The charge is per 1 ml syringe. The syringe cost varies according to the doctor also. Presently we are charging $125 per syringe, and the number of syringes usually needed is from 6 to 10 per treatment, which equates to $750 to $1,250. Of course, there are exceptions because each patient must be treated individually.
A consultation with your physician will be necessary to provide an accurate estimate of the cost.
