Collagen. Everyone wants more of it because this protein is responsible for keeping our skin firm and free of wrinkles. It provides the structural framework beneath our skin. But our bodies aren’t on board with the whole collagen plan because every year after we turn 20, our bodies produce 1% less collagen than the year before. No wonder when we turn 50 we have areas of volume loss and lines and wrinkles — we’re now producing 30% less collagen than in our youth!
At AesthetiSpa, we offer Sculptra®, a long-term solution. Sculptra® is a dermal volumizer that triggers the body to produce new collagen where it is injected, filling lines and wrinkles and replenishing volume to the cheeks, temples, jawline, nasolabial folds, and various other parts of the body. Sculptra® can also be used to rejuvenate skin and improve texture, skin laxity, and wrinkles in the chest, arms, and thighs
What Is Sculptra®?
With most dermal fillers, their results are instant. They are injected and they “fill” the wrinkle from beneath, pushing the skin back up.
Sculptra® is different; its results are not immediate. Sculptra® is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which works within the skin to replace lost collagen. Sculptra® is the first facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time as collagen is replaced. This makes for a natural-looking appearance that improves over time, not an instant change as with other fillers. Sculptra® is injected in 3 sessions over 3 -4 months for the best results. These results can then last for 2 years!
Am I A Candidate For Sculptra® Injections?
There are a few restrictions with Sculptra®. If you have volume loss, texture changes or wrinkles Sculptra® can help fill these lines and provide a long-lasting solution by stimulating your body to produce more collagen. The only patients not eligible for Sculptra® are those with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring. And if you have any allergies, you’ll need to check the ingredient list to see if you have any conflicts.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
At AesthetiSpa, your provider will inject Sculptra® into the deep dermal layer of the skin. This is the base of the skin’s second layer. Sculptra® is injected in three sessions over the course of three to four months. Like typical fillers, Sculptra® initially provides volume where injected and pushes the depressed area back upward, but this is only temporary. After a week or so, the wrinkle can reform to a lesser degree, but this is when Sculptra® really gets to work. Microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) work within the deep dermis to rebuild lost collagen and provide structural skin support. As the PLLA is absorbed a collagen framework is created. This reinforced collagen structure provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness to shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. This new collagen framework provides results that last up to two years, more than twice as long as most other fillers!
Where Is Sculptra® Aesthetic Effective?
Sculptra® is effective for many areas:
- The lines framing your mouth (parentheses and marionette lines)
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), also called smile lines
- Chin wrinkles
- Temples
- Chest lines
- Jawline
- Wrinkles in front of your ears
Can Sculptra® Injections Be Combined With Other Injectables?
Because Sculptra’s® results are not immediate, you can opt to use an immediate filler, such as Restylane, to instantly fill the lines that Sculptra® will then build new collagen beneath. This would give both an immediate and then a long-term solution.
You can also combine Sculptra® with a Dysport, Botox, or Xeomin treatment on the same day. These products only work on the expressive upper third of the face — on crow’s feet, the 11s between the brows, and forehead lines — so there isn’t any overlap between the products.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Sculptra®?
Sculptra® improves volume loss, wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture while delivering results for up to two years. And it does this not by injecting gel to simply fill in a depressed space, but by stimulating your body’s production of collagen. The poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in Sculptra® is the key. Once injected, the body begins to absorb the PLLA, and this triggers new collagen to be produced. These new collagen strands gradually restore facial volume naturally, and the wrinkles and folds are erased or dramatically lessened in appearance.
Are There Side Effects With Sculptra®?
The most common side effects with Sculptra® are similar to those with any dermal filler:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Slight Bleeding
- Itching
- Formation of small lumps
All of these issues pass quickly. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable substance that the body accepts. Still, if you have numerous allergies, you should check with the AesthetiSpa staff prior to considering Sculptra® or other treatments.
How Soon After My Sculptra® Injections Will I See Results?
Sculptra® is designed to provide noticeable results that build gradually. There is an initial filling of the line or crease as the Sculptra® is injected, but the body absorbs this and you may feel that you look as you did before your treatment. This is normal. Over the course of your 3 injections given over 3-4 months, the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stimulates new collagen to build, and this provides gradual volume replacement.
Over the weeks following your injections, your results will continue to build, but they will do so naturally and gradually.
Schedule A Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about Sculptra® please contact us for a consultation with Dr. Cone at 843-849-9925 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.