fbpx
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center Logo
Search
Close this search box.

The Complete FAQ Guide to Sculptra!8 min read

Picture of Phillip Chang

Phillip Chang

Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia. Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
Aesthetica badges

Modern technology has provided us with many techniques to combat the inevitable signs of natural aging. Facial fillers are all the rage, given their convenience and ease of access, not to mention the procedure’s little to no downtime! The evolution of these hyaluronic acid gels has given way to more and more options for us to enjoy. 

Enter Sculptra, an FDA-approved injectable to change the game of face fillers. Unlike the majority of dermal fillers, Sculptra works by stimulating new collagen production deep within the skin. Here at Aesthetica, we break down what this procedure is and what you need to know beforehand!

What Is Sculptra and What Does It Do?

Sculptra is a long-lasting, clinically-proven, noninvasive injectable treatment that stimulates your body to produce fresh collagen. This treatment naturally restores volume and contour to your face, smoothing out and softening lines and wrinkles.

Sculptra is primarily composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which helps your skin generate collagen — PLLA is also known as a collagen stimulator! The Sculptra treatment is safe and effective, but it isn’t recommended for patients who are allergic to its ingredients or with medical conditions causing irregular scarring.

Dermal fillers such as Sculptra have been around since 1999. In 2004, the FDA approved it for treating lipoatrophy in HIV-positive people. As a result of lipoatrophy, cheeks become sunken, and deep folds and indentations appear on the face.

What Is Sculptra Used For?

In addition to restoring the underlying scaffolding of the face, this dermal filler also boosts collagen production. The added facial fullness eases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds after Sculptra has done its work.

As the skin thins with age, bony areas like the cheekbones become more prominent. Sculptra can also fill hollow areas of the face, such as the temples.

Using this injectable, you can regain some of those youthful contours and thicken thin skin. Because of the non-invasive lifting and revitalizing it offers, this filler is sometimes called a liquid facelift.

Where Can Sculptra Be Injected?

Sculptra is commonly used to treat hollowing, depressions, fine lines, and jowling in the temples, mid-cheek region, and lower face. You can inject Sculptra® evenly throughout any of these areas or target specific areas with focused injections:

  1. Mid-cheek to treat fine lines and hollowing caused by weight loss. It is injected superficially below the boney cheek region and can be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers.
  2. Temples that are hollowed out and have lost volume. By injecting Sculptra® into the deep plane of the temple region, the facial shape is significantly improved.
  3. Chin augmentation can be achieved by injecting Sculptra® along the jaw bone.
  4. Lower face for pre-jowl depressions. Sculptra® can improve this area’s natural structure.

How Many Treatment Sessions Do I Need for Optimal Results?

A series of three treatment sessions over several months may be required for optimal results. The number of injections per session will depend on the necessary degree of correction and the treatment plan determined by you and your provider.

How Long Does a Sculptra Treatment Take?

A typical Sculptra procedure generally takes around 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on the severity of the wrinkles and the skin sagging. 

A Sculptra session typically begins with a consultation during which the patient’s medical history is analyzed before laying out the anti-aging treatment. Next, an anesthetic cream or injection is used to numb the treatment area. 

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the Sculptra dermal filler is injected beneath the skin in small amounts, with each injection typically taking only seconds to administer. Generally, each appointment involves multiple injections placed strategically across the face to create a more even facial contour and aesthetically pleasing shape.

What To Expect After the Procedure

While initial results can be seen in a matter of days or weeks following the treatment, significant visible improvements often take a couple of months as the body continues to generate collagen over time. 

Patients may experience some swelling and bruising at the injection sites, which can take around 1-10 days to resolve. Results should become visible within 3-4 weeks and last up to 2 years as long as you follow your treatment plan. 

Numerous factors will affect your result longevity, including your skin health, lifestyle choices, the required dosage, and injection locations. Follow up with your provider to obtain further assessment/treatment recommendations, as you may need additional treatment sessions to maintain your long-term results.

Is There Any Downtime Associated With Sculptra?

There is generally no downtime associated with the Sculptra dermal filler, and many patients return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure. 

Unlike some other cosmetic treatments, Sculptra requires no anesthetics. After the treatment, patients may experience minor redness and swelling in the area for a few days, depending on their skin sensitivity. Avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and saunas for 48 hours after the procedure to minimize discomfort. 

Overall, Sculptra provides anti-aging benefits such as restoring volume loss in the face and improving collagen production while avoiding long recovery times associated with surgical procedures. With this non-invasive dermal filler, most patients can immediately expect to return to their daily routines without significant downtime!

How Much Does Sculptra Cost on Average?

A visit to your practitioner is the best way to determine projected injection costs. Depending on various factors, a treatment package can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500.

Sculptra vs. BOTOX: How Do They Differ?

Both Sculptra and BOTOX are injectable treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as give a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. However, these two treatments differ in a few distinct ways. 

Sculptra is a dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid, an injectable treatment that replenishes lost facial volume and stimulates collagen production. This treatment typically requires three sessions spaced at least several weeks apart and offers results that last up to 2 years or more. Sculptra can be used in multiple areas of the face, such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline, and can often provide subtle yet noticeable improvements without anyone being able to tell you’ve had a cosmetic procedure. 

On the other hand, BOTOX is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily paralyzes muscle activity and prevents facial wrinkles from forming. One significant advantage of BOTOX is that it has been proven safe for all skin types and tones, making it an excellent choice for patients with darker skin tones or who are prone to discoloration after receiving specific treatments.

While both can help reduce wrinkles and give a more youthful look, Sculptra and BOTOX work differently and have different potential outcomes depending on your individual goals and needs. If you’re looking for long-term results with minimal risk of side effects or adverse reactions, then Sculptra may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for quick fixes with no downtime, then BOTOX could be better suited for you. Ultimately talking with your practitioner or aesthetician will help determine which treatment would work best for your individual needs.

Is Sculptra Better Than Fillers?

The answer to the question of whether Sculptra is better than fillers depends on what kind of anti-aging effect you are looking for. Sculptra is a dermal filler that helps restore lost volume in aging skin, particularly around the cheeks and temples. In addition, it can create a more natural look than traditional fillers, as it works deeper into the skin tissue and encourages the body’s collagen production over time.

Because it gradually stimulates collagen growth, Sculptra requires multiple treatments over time to achieve optimal results, while traditional fillers require fewer treatments. This makes Sculptra a great option if you’re looking for a long-term solution for age-related volume loss. 

On the other hand, traditional fillers may be best suited for those looking for more immediate results in terms of correcting wrinkles and improving the appearance of fine lines and folds. Fillers can also be used to better define certain facial features such as lips or chin. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to anti-aging treatments. Talking with your plastic surgeon about your individual goals and needs is important before deciding which treatment will work best for you.

Start Your Sculptra Journey at Aesthetica With Dr. Chang Today!

Ready for your Sculptra treatment? Come meet with us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure! If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process, from beginning to end! Also, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and plastic surgery trends!

Let Us Help You!

Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.

Contact Dr. Chang's Office:

More Articles For You