What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an injectable filler based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which stimulates creation of new collagen when injected into the skin. This leads to significant skin rejuvenation and stretching as well as fine and medium-deep wrinkle smoothing. It restores the skin's volume, elasticity and radiance. With this filler, we can correct slight facial asymmetries and small scars on the face such as acne scars.
How does Sculptra® work?
Poly-L-lactic acid is a fruit acid and therefore it is completely natural to the human body. It is very well received and a risk of allergic reaction is very low. After application, the PLLA activates fibroblasts, which are responsible for a synthesis of the connective tissue cells and production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Importantly, collagen stimulation with the Sculptra® filler is achieved by the use of the human's own dermis deposits. As the poly-L-lactic acid acts in the tissues, it constantly stimulates new formation of connective tissues, thus replenishing the lost volume of the skin, stretching the skin and rejuvenating it.
Clinical studies show that three months after Sculptra® injection into the skin, the amount of collagen increases by up to 66.5 %. When the effect of the drug expires, PLLA decomposes into the final products of metabolism (water and carbon dioxide) and is completely discharged from the body. This gradual effect and the volume restoration are beneficial for many clients who want to achieve skin rejuvenation and correct signs of ageing with a natural result, but without a change of facial expression and with maintaining the individuality.
Who is Sculptra® suitable for?
Application of the injectable Sculptra® product is ideal for clients aged 35+ who begin to observe more pronounced signs of ageing and sagging of the facial tissues. Although Sculptra® is mostly used for facial rejuvenation, it is also suitable for other areas such as the neck, décolleté or hands.
Main indications for injectable Sculptra® biorevitalization:
- Flabby facial skin
- Fine to medium-deep mimic wrinkles
- Sagging corners of the mouth
- Emergence of nasolabial folds
- Droopy eye corners
- Insufficient volume in the cheekbone, face or chin areas
- ·Emergence of acne scars
- Dry and flabby hand skin
Sculptra treatment effect
What effect can I expect after the injectable Sculptra® treatment:
- Significant skin rejuvenating and stretching
- Fine and medium-deep wrinkle smoothing
- Skin texture homogenising
- Acne scar smoothing and correcting
- Skin elasticity and density improvement
- Lost tissue volume replenishment (face, cheekbones)
- Lifting effect, more pronounced cheek contours
When will I see the result and how long will it last?
Depending on the initial condition of the skin and the expected result, the Sculptra® treatment can be carried out as a single procedure or as 3-4 successive procedures about 4 weeks apart. With a single treatment, the effect lasts for about 1 year, whereas with the successive treatments, it lasts for 2-3 years. The most beneficial treatment plan is always suggested by a specialist depending on the client's individual indication and requirements.
A slight lifting effect and volume improvement can be observed immediately after the treatment, but the maximum effect has a gradual development – within weeks and months after the treatment, when collagen and elastin are newly formed and restored in the skin as a result of the poly-L-lactic acid.
Recovery after Sculptra® injection application
You can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment, but you should avoid sauna, steam bath, swimming pool or spa 1-2 weeks after the treatment. The same applies to solarium or fitness centre. All other activities are without restrictions.
Contraindications for injectable Sculptra® skin rejuvenation
The treatment cannot be performed in the case of pregnant or breastfeeding women, acute inflammatory skin illness in the application area or ongoing acute infection (e.g. herpes). The same applies to oncological treatments, certain systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (lupus erythematodes), a tendency to keloid scar formation or intolerance to the filler compounds.
This treatment is not suitable for people who are prone to keloid scarring. This is because the active ingredient, polylactic acid, stimulates collagen production in the skin, which could exacerbate keloid scarring.
The application is not recommended for patients with blood clotting disorders or other circulatory system diseases and should be consulted in advance with the attending physician in case of mental or chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Sculptra® effect last?
- The effects can last for 2-3 years after a series of 3–4 treatments. After a single application, the result is visible for about 1 year.
When will I see the first results after Sculptra® treatment?
- The first improvement, such as a slight lifting effect and volume improvement, are visible immediately after the treatment, but the maximum effects arrive gradually within 4-6 months.
What is the difference between Sculptra® and other dermal fillers?
- Sculptra® does not act as a traditional filler – instead of an immediate effect, it stimulates creation of the client's own collagen, which results in gradual and natural rejuvenation.
Does Sculptra® treatment have any side effects?
- Slight swelling, reddening or bruises in the application area are common, but they usually disappear within a few days.
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