The evolution of the wrinkle filler has led to an amazingly effective product called Sculptra. But Sculptra is not a wrinkle filler, it’s a volumizer. It replaces the natural volume (fat) loss that occurs as we age – the volume loss that is responsible for the appearance of age.
Sculptra is the trade name for the substance Polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a simple synthesized sugar that once injected into an area, gradually stimulates the production of collagen. It can be used to naturally fill out cheeks, temples and the hollow under your eyes with your own collagen.
The product is designed to breakdown naturally into lactic acid which your body has a natural pathway to further breakdown into carbon dioxide and water. The results, in general persist through 25 months (greater than 2 years) with some patients obtaining even longer lasting results.
What’s Sculptra made of?
Dr. Kagan: Sculptra is made up of poly L lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic biodegradable polymer that is both resorbable and bio compatible. PLLA has been widely used for many years in dissolvable sutures so it’s compatibility with the body is proven.
How does Sculptra™ work?
Dr. Kagan: Sculptra is not a wrinkle filler, but a bio activator or “volumizer”. It works by stimulating the body to produce new collagen at the sites of injection, thereby replacing lost volume and contours to restore a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Where can Sculptra™ be used?
Sculptra™ can be used to restore volume to hollow areas of the temples, cheeks, chin and under the eyes, as well as to define the jaw line. It is not recommended for use in and around the lips. Lips and wrinkles are best treated with other products such as Restylane or Juvederm.
How is Sculptra used?
Most of the patients are pretreated with a topical anesthetic.
After treatment, an ice pack may be used to reduce swelling. The area should also be massaged thoroughly to allow for an even distribution of the product.
How painful are the treatments?
Other than the initial “needle poke” sensation, the treatment is quite comfortable and free of burning or stinging.
Q: How many treatments are required?
Dr. Kagan: Dr. Kagan will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra™ you will need at each session. Patients generally require at a minimum 3 treatment sessions, at about monthly intervals, although more treatments may be necessary. The younger the patient the fewer treatments needed, the older the patient the more treatments needed.
Q: How long does Sculptra™ last?
Dr. Kagan: You will notice immediately after the treatment that your skin has more volume. This effect, however, will be temporary, for it’s a direct result of the water in the Sculptra solution. The real changes begin after the water is absorbed and the active ingredient in Sculptra (the poly-L-lactic acid) starts to stimulate the new growth of collagen. This process takes weeks. You’ll need to be patient.
The lasting effects of Sculptra™ vary from patient to patient, however studies have shown that some Sculptra™ patients have seen results last up to or greater than two years from the first treatment. Periodic touch up treatments will maintain the desired effects.
Q: Who should not use Sculptra™?
Dr. Kagan: You should not use Sculptra™ if you are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra™. Sculptra should not be injected while you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area.
Call our office TODAY at 323-937-2269 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kagan to find out which procedure is best for you
