What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a long-lasting injectable filler made with poly-L-lactic acid, a substance derived from the alpha hydroxy acid family. Made by the pharmaceutical sanofi-aventis, Sculptra Aesthetic Issaquah is FDA approved for treatment of facial folds and other contour depressions on the skin.
Who Should Consider Sculptra?
There are many possible uses for Sculptra, but the most common indication is volume loss in the skin (facial lipoatrophy) that causes wrinkles and folds to appear. By injecting Sculptra into the skin, your doctor can provide a long term correction of conditions such as:
- Nasolabial folds
- Sunken temples or cheeks
- Chin wrinkles
- Marionette lines
- Other unwanted contour depressions
Often recommended for patients in their 30s or 40s who exhibit early signs of volume loss in the facial tissue. However, Sculptra is not considered a “quick fix” like other wrinkle fillers; it takes time for the results to appear over a short series of injection treatments.
Before your treatment, we will determine if Sculptra is a suitable option for your cosmetic goals. Those with an allergy to the ingredients or an infection present at the injection site are not considered good candidates for injectable filler treatment.
Left: Before Sculptra injections
Right: After 3 treatments, at 25 months (over 2 years)
Photo courtesy of Sanofi-Aventis?
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra works by stimulating fibroblasts (the cells in your connective tissue) to produce collagen. Therefore, the immediate results are not evident after one treatment.
During your first visit, the doctor will inject a conservative amount of Sculptra using a fine needle and a special cross hatch injection technique. After the first injection, the results are evaluated and a two more treatments may be necessary, typically at 4-week (or longer) intervals.
What to Expect After Your Treatment
After your series of treatments have been completed, you can expect results that last about two years. The results are not immediate and may continue to improve for one year as collagen deposition occurs in the tissue.
The doctor will provide specific post-treatment instructions, which you should closely follow for best results. You may be instructed to gently massage the treated area. Attend follow-up appointments if necessary and report adverse events to the doctor. Possible side effects include granulomas, which can occur months or years after treatment. Granulomas often resolve with (or without) follow-up treatment. Other adverse events that can occur include lumps, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching and swelling. Ask about side effects during your appointment if you are concerned about the risks involved.