Sculptra is one of today’s modern approaches to battling against the signs of aging. Although aging is inevitable, there are now skin treatments that can help restore the youth we once had despite our current numerical age. Addressing the signs of aging needs to be done at its root cause. Sculptra, a cosmetic injectable that’s more than a dermal filler, might be the one treatment to do so.
Today, we’ll learn about Sculptra and how this treatment can stimulate our body’s healing properties to help rejuvenate the skin. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator, so let’s also know how long it lasts in the face.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra has been a popular dermal filler since its introduction in 1999. However, only in 2004 did the FDA first approve this injectable that helps treat lipoatrophy for those living a life with HIV. Lipoatrophy causes facial fat loss, resulting in unwanted sunken cheeks and undesirable deep folds and indentations on our faces. In 2014, Sculptra Aesthetic became the first FDA-approved dermal filler for treating folds and wrinkles on the face, giving that younger-looking appearance.
Poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA is Sculptra’s main ingredient. As a classified collagen stimulator, PLLA provides longer-lasting and more natural-looking results than its counterparts. Using PLLA makes Sculptra last for up to two (2) years. This injectable is safe and effective. However, it is not ideal for those allergic to its ingredients. In addition, Sculptra is also not for people with medical conditions that can result in irregular scarring.
What Does It Treat?
As a dermal filler, Sculptra can be used in treating most of the signs of aging that can begin appearing in different areas of the face as we age. Aging concerns all over your face can become a thing of the past by taking a chance with Sculptra to treat them effectively. Most often, Sculptra is used in correcting and improving the following issues:
- Chin wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hollow areas due to cheeks and temples losing volume
- Jowls or pre-jowl folds
- Loose skin resulting our natural aging process
- Volume loss under the eyes
How It Works
As an injectable, Sculptra is administered into the skin to help diminish unwanted facial wrinkles. Its main ingredient, PLLA, acts as a collagen stimulator that aids gradually in restoring the fullness of facial wrinkles and folds. Eventually, it results in your appearance becoming softer and more youthful.
Noticeable results are immediate with Sculptra; however, it may take several months before this treatment’s full effects.
Before your scheduled Sculptra treatment, your doctor or healthcare provider will work with you to determine how many treatment sessions you’ll need to achieve the best results possible. On average, the complete Sculptra regimen consists of three (3) injections that are equally spread out for three (3) to four (4) months.
The Sculptra Procedure
During initial consultations, trained Sculptra practitioners will ask you about your complete medical history, which includes many, if not all, medical conditions and allergies you’ve had or are still experiencing. Your typical procedure will consist of the following:
- Your doctor map the injection sites on your skin using markers
- Cleansing these targeted areas
- Applying topical anesthetic to help any feeling of discomfort
- Your doctor injecting your skin with several tiny injections
- You were returning to your normal activities immediately after your Sculptra treatment
- Your doctor advising you with any special instructions to be done during recovery
Preparing for Sculptra
No special preparations are required before undergoing Sculptra. But your doctor can ask you to stop taking NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid potential bleeding. These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. It can be beneficial for your treatment’s success to prevent these drugs a few days before your scheduled treatment.
Results
“How long will it take before I notice the results?”
Noticeable changes in the problem areas start manifesting within two (2) to three (3) months after your initial Sculptra treatment. Although this injectable can already deliver some skin-plumping results immediately, the actual results still need to develop gradually over time. Collagen production can require patience, but once results appear, they will surely be drastic and tough to miss.
“How long do these results last?”
Once your final results manifest, you will truly enjoy them for up to two (2) full years after your initial Sculptra treatment. But remember that the total length of how long your results will last will significantly depend on certain factors like your skin condition during your treatment, your current age, your body’s collagen production rate, and the efficiency of your response to these Sculptra injections.
Potential Risks or Possible Side Effects
Sculptra typically causes some swelling and bruising, especially at the injection site. Other common after-effects include:
- bleeding
- bumps
- itching
- pain
- redness
- tenderness
Additionally, others may also develop lumps beneath the skin and skin discoloration. These side effects appear related to how deep your doctor did the injection, highlighting the utmost importance of having your procedure done by qualified professionals.
Furthermore, Sculptra shouldn’t be administered to those with a history of irregular scarring or those allergic to the ingredients used for Sculptra. Practitioners shouldn’t also utilize it at sites of cysts, acne, skin sores, rashes, or other related skin inflammations.
Expectations After Sculptra
Expect to return to your normal day-to-day activities immediately after undergoing Sculptra injections. Common side effects, such as swelling and bruising, are usually mild and naturally subside within the next few days. To help speed up your recovery time, try to follow these helpful tips:
- Apply cold packs to your treated area for a couple of minutes during the first 24 hours.
- Following your Sculptra treatment, gently massage the affected area for five (5) minutes at a time, five (5) times daily, for five (5) consecutive days.
- Avoid overexposure to sunlight or tanning beds until any of the redness and swelling you’re experiencing has been fully resolved.
Results from Sculptra treatments are gradual, so be patient. It can take several weeks before seeing the full effects of Sculptra. Once these results manifest, they can last up to two (2) years.
How Long Does Sculptra Last in the Face?
Many patients undergoing Sculptra aim to address unwanted skin sagging and drooping because of volume loss underneath the skin’s surface, especially in the cheeks. Sculptra can resolve this issue by treating your cheeks, giving immediate improvement results. Over time, you will see a noticeable increase in volume in the treated area. Sculptra results last up to two (2) full years after having optimal treatment.
The Bottomline
Professionally acknowledged and widely used, Sculptra has become among the most popular and effective treatments for addressing skin that’s sagging and loose. Across its several types, Sculptra has added benefits as it fills deep wrinkles and sagging skin, simultaneously stimulating the production of collagen, which is instrumental to the overall rejuvenation of our skin.
Do you want to experience Sculptra? Our awesome friends at Fine Line Aesthetics can help you today. Visit them now! https://finelineaestheticstx.com/
