The Sculptra treatment is a synthetic yet biocompatible material specifically designed to restore volume in areas where facial and body fat loss is prevalent causing that undesired hallowed look. Because Sculptra is biocompatible, there is no need to undergo allergy pre-screening that is required with other materials such as Botox.
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It is inevitable that the signs of aging will impact your face, butt, and other areas of the body. Signs such as decreased volume or hallowing, wrinkles, sagging loose skin, old acne scars, and fat loss start to become more visible as the years go by. This effect can be a little discouraging at best or debilitating at worst when it causes a significant blow to your self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are many solutions available to help reduce if not eliminate these signs of aging. The Sculptra treatment is a perfect solution to rebuild your face. The way the Sculptra procedure works differently from botox or gel fillers that metabolize over time is by stimulating the body’s own collagen production to fill desired areas of the body. As more collagen is produced, the skin volume grows filling in wrinkles, folds, and indentations wherever Sculptra is injected. This makes Sculptra a longer-lasting solution for most patients. With the Sculptra procedure, you can benefit from a subtle yet powerful treatment that gives patients a more youthful appearance over time, taking years off your appearance to help you look as young as you feel. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment including its history, benefits, potential side effects, and getting started with Sculptra.
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$1,500-$3,500, on average.
Minimal downtime, allowing you to resume regular activities.
Long-lasting.
The information on this page has been reviewed for medical accuracy by
Dr. Allen Silanee, MD, FACOG
Allen Silanee, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) in Florida. Dr. Silanee has more than 18 years of experience in the obstetrics and gynecology field. Dr. Silanee is an expert in women’s health, specializing in general women’s OBGYN care and sexual wellness, as well as minimally invasive gynecology surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures.
History of Sculptra
The history of Sculptra can be traced back to the late 20th century. The Sculptra procedure was first approved in Europe for medical and cosmetic use in 1999. For patients in the United States, they had to wait a little longer for testing to be completed. However, the formula was first approved in 2004 with full FDA approval occurring in 2009 for cosmetic treatment. Originally, this treatment was developed to help remedy the facial fat loss experienced by HIV patients but has since been expanded in use as a cosmetic treatment. Currently, FDA approval only covers the correction of smile lines, face contour deficiencies, and other facial wrinkles.
Benefits of Sculptra
There are many benefits associated with the Sculptra treatment. For starters, the treatment is minimally invasive and non-surgical just like other similar fillers. As a result, this makes for minimal downtime allowing you to resume regular activities more quickly than you would experience with more invasive surgical procedures. Other benefits of Sculptra include:
- Enhance skin tone and texture: Due to more collagen being produced the texture and tone of your skin are enhanced. In addition, overall skin health is improved due to this process.
- Boost collagen growth: Collagen is a natural protein in your skin that is more common when younger but declines as you age. It works to keep your skin firm and plump. The more collage production you stimulate, the more facial volume you enjoy.
- Natural looking results: This treatment is subtle due to its ability to stimulate the natural growth process of the patient’s own collagen. This gives the face a boost and creates a younger appearance. The volume is added slowly, which makes for the natural look as well.
- Long-lasting: Unlike other fillers that generally last about a year, Sculptra is designed to last for up to 2 years. Many patients have claimed to receive a much longer result.
There are no specific benefits for men and women. Both genders benefit from the improvement in facial volume and the treatment of wrinkles. However, one thing to keep in mind is that due to the gradual nature of this treatment, Sculptra can help males retain their masculine features while also taking the years off. The goal of this treatment is to work with your own shape and appearance instead of imposing a new look onto your features.
Happy Consumer
Testimonials
I had sculptra to restore lost volume in my temples and cheeks. After the initial swelling went down I didn’t notice the effect until 4 weeks, and within 6 weeks I looked 5 years younger! Very natural, and my results lasted almost 3 years!
Terry A.
Florida
Sculptra Q&A
Florida
Sculptra Q&A
Getting Started with Sculptra
Finding an expert is as simple as visiting our online community. With AgeEnvy, valuable information detailing Sculptra, as well as qualified practitioners for this treatment, is at your fingertips. Keep in mind that your health and safety comes first with any treatment. That’s why our mission is to give consumers control over their health by getting them connected with practitioners that are licensed, verified experts focused on Sculptra. We can help you find Sculptra doctors.
Potential Side Effects of Sculptra
Sculptra requires the injection of material into the face. Just like with any procedure involving needles, there is a risk of side effects even when the material is biocompatible. We have included a breakdown of common side effects for your review:
- Sculptra injection site reactions: This includes bruising, pain, swelling, and redness. In some patients, itching and a sensation of heat have also been reported. Fortunately, these reactions last for approximately 1.5 weeks before going away. If needed, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed for those who are more sensitive to the treatment. In addition, for the first couple of days, there may be some bleeding which goes away quickly.
- Small lumps or nodules: These little lumps or nodules may or may not be visible. They usually occur within the first 6-12 months after treatment. For some patients, they may be permanent. Visible lumps may be red in appearance within the treatment area. Infection and serious swelling become more common with these lumps. Treatment is usually corticosteroid injections or even surgery.
While there have been some other side effects reported, they are rare. The best way you can mitigate any potential side effects is to work with someone trained and experienced with Sculptra. This method is not the same as injecting gel fillers, even though the injections have to be carefully placed just like with any other injectable. If you’re concerned about any side effects experienced, consult with your practitioner for advice and possible treatment. Only a certified medical practitioner can legally perform Sculptra. The real danger with Sculptra lies in being administered improperly. A skilled, licensed, and certified medical practitioner that specializes in Sculptra is your best option for success.
FAQ about Sculptra
Here you will find answers to our user’s most common questions. Our goal is to keep you easily informed as you research ways to realize your age management potential. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us.
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How much does Sculptra cost?
The total cost is dependent on a number of factors. The number of treatments needed and the number of vials used per session will influence the cost. In addition, your starting point, additional fees, and geographic location will play a role as well. However, while final cost is dependent on the practitioner you choose, you can expect the total package price to range from $1,500-$3,500. Many practitioners offer financing, deals, or other methods of spreading the payment.
How many Sculptra treatments will I need?
Most patients need about three treatment sessions spread out over a few months to get desired results. Each patient is different and the number of injections will vary accordingly at each session. Your degree of correction needed plus the specific treatment plan determined by yourself and your practitioner will also play a role in the number of treatments needed. Some patients end up needing more than the normal amount of treatments which can be determined at your appointment.
How long is the recovery time with Sculptra?
In general, you can expect very minimal recovery time needed before resuming regular activities. Most patients go back to work the next day as the first day can be uncomfortable. It is recommended that physical exertion is kept to a minimum since the blood pumping along with the strain on your body and face can affect results. Keep in mind that if you’re prone to bruising, bleeding, or any of the other common side effects your recovery time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
How quickly will I see results from Sculptra?
On average, the results become gradually noticed between 4-6 months after treatment. Some patients may experience noticeable results sooner though. Your starting point, goals, practitioner, and individual response to treatment will all influence the timeframe for results. With Sculptra, the material is mixed in a water-based solution. So you will see an immediate difference in facial volume due to the water injected, which will be completely metabolized within days, resulting in your face looking like it did before the procedure. This is why the results from the material working to build your college become gradually noticeable over time. If you feel like you’re not responding fast enough, consult with your practitioner to determine the merits of modifying your treatment plan.
How long will my Sculptra results last?
Most patients experience results that last up to 2 years. However, most patients choose to take advantage of annual maintenance treatments. This is mainly because it is easier to work from full results than no results. Plus, after initial results are achieved, it still takes up to 3 months for results to become noticeable from follow-up treatments. Collagen production is a process and needs the appropriate amount of time to develop results that you can see.
Are there other similar options to Sculptra?
There are many similar options to Sculptra in achieving a fuller looking face. Other injectables like Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse are all viable options to consider. However, they are not as biocompatible and carry additional risks as a result. In addition,there are other more invasive options such as surgical implants or fat transplants. However, the process is invasive and requires a good deal of recovery time. Plus, the cost is usually much higher for these surgical procedures.