Sculptra®

Injectable treatments allow adult patients of all ages to target common signs of aging without resorting to cosmetic surgery and the lengthy downtime that it often requires. Botox and dermal fillers are popular treatment options, although the duration of their results can prove to be too short for some patients. At Time 4 U Med Spa, board-certified Dr. Lisa Gulcher offers effective and clinically-proven anti-aging solutions to her patients, including minimally invasive Sculptra® treatments. Sculptra provides longer lasting results than other injectable treatments with no downtime and minimal side effects.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that uses synthetic lactic acid—a naturally occurring substance—to stimulate collagen production in the body. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the main active ingredient in Sculptra, acts as a stimulating agent. Once injected, the PLLA works to strengthen and rejuvenate facial tissue beneath the skin for natural anti-aging results that radiate outward. Sculptra treatments are performed in a series of minimally invasive appointments to target mild to severe facial wrinkles and volume loss.

Unlike other injectable treatments that simply replace lost volume by filling the skin with hyaluronic acid, Sculptra stimulates the body to fix the volume loss and skin laxity itself for seamless and natural results. Once injected, the PLLA increases the body’s production of collagen for several months. Sculptra injections can tighten skin to eliminate wrinkles and correct volume loss with minimal side effects, no downtime, and no risk of rejection or allergic reactions.

What Can Sculptra Treat?

Sculptra can be used to treat a wide variety of facial cosmetic concerns, including:

• Gaunt cheeks
• Volume loss in the mid-face
• Hollow temples
• Mild to moderate jowls
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Mild to severe facial wrinkles

Sculptra’s ability to build better skin from within allows for patients to target more severe wrinkles than is possible with other injectable treatments. Sculptra is injected into the deeper dermal layers, creating a visibly improved appearance that begins below the surface. Dr. Gulcher can determine if Sculptra can address your cosmetic concerns during an in-person consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sculptra?

Sculptra is an effective treatment option for many middle-aged or older patients interested in naturally rejuvenating their appearance with long-lasting results. Men and women with mild to severe wrinkles throughout the face make good candidates for Sculptra treatments, as do patients who have experienced noticeable volume loss due to aging or extreme weight loss. Sculptra is also the treatment of choice for patients who suffer from lipoatrophy, a loss of fat tissue associated with certain health complications like diabetes, HIV and multiple sclerosis.

Sculptra does not produce immediate results like injectable fillers do, although the results are well worth the wait. Patients will need to undergo a series of treatment sessions for results that last much longer than traditional filler treatments. Sculptra is generally recommended when patients need more volume loss or wrinkle correction than is possible through dermal fillers, would like to avoid cosmetic surgery, or are interested in longer lasting results than traditional fillers can provide. Dr. Gulcher can determine if Sculptra is right for you following an in-person evaluation and discussion of your desired results.

What Should I Expect During My Treatment?

Sculptra is injected with a very fine needle and most patients find the treatment to be tolerable on its own. If desired, Dr. Gulcher can apply a topical numbing cream to maximize comfort during the procedure. Dr. Gulcher will map out the injection sites throughout the face prior to beginning treatment to ensure accurate and precise results that align with the patient’s desired outcome. Once the anesthetic has been applied and the injection sites have been chosen, Dr. Gulcher will administer the Sculptra through a series of injections.

Sculptra treatments generally only take 15 minutes or less, although more time will be required to allow for the effects of any anesthesia to numb the site. Following treatment, patients are allowed to resume all normal activities.

What Are the Potential Side Effects?

Sculptra’s PLLA is entirely synthetic and does not use any animal products in its formulation, making the risk for rejection or allergic reactions nonexistent. Sculptra’s side effects are limited to those inherent with injectable treatments of any kind, including redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness. Patients can expect a mild to moderate amount of swelling and tenderness that may last up to one week. As an experienced injector, Dr. Gulcher minimizes the risk of bruising for her patients. Makeup may be used as desired to cover up any visible side effects.

Does Sculptra Require Any Downtime?

Sculptra does not require any downtime. Patients are free to return home or to work immediately following their appointment. Some patients may wish to minimize time spent in public for the first day or two if noticeable side effects are present, although this is not required.

How Many Sculptra Treatments Are Necessary?

Sculptra offers natural results that manifest in gradual improvements. The most significant changes take place below the surface of the skin and may not be immediately visible. Most patients will require two to four treatments to achieve optimal results. Up to six treatments may be necessary for some patients, depending on the severity of their aesthetic concerns and their desired results. Sculptra appointments can be scheduled every four to six weeks. Dr. Gulcher will help you create a treatment plan that works with your schedule during your initial consultation.

What Kind of Results Can Be Expected?

Following a Sculptra treatment, patients will experience gradual but visible changes in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and volume loss throughout the treated area. Each treatment session will compound upon the previous results, finalizing in a significant improvement in appearance. While results may be visible a few weeks following the first treatment, patients will need to come in for multiple treatment sessions for a truly visible and satisfying outcome. Final results are visible a few months following the last treatment, as the increased collagen production will continue to combat skin laxity and correct volume loss long after the final appointment.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results from Sculptra last much longer than typical dermal fillers because Sculptra prompts the body to build a better foundational layer, rather than simply fill in wrinkles with hyaluronic acid. Most patients enjoy their results for about two years, although some patients have reported visible results up to three years following their final Sculptra treatment. Maintenance appointments may be scheduled as needed to ensure results last well into the future.

Naturally Youthful Skin at Time 4 U Med Spa

At Time 4 U Med Spa, our anti-aging treatments speak for themselves. With Sculptra, we can help you overcome common signs of aging with naturally beautiful results and no downtime. If you are interested in a minimally invasive treatment option for targeting your volume loss and wrinkles, call us today to schedule a consultation. Together, Dr. Gulcher will work with you to properly understand your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan that’s right for your unique needs.

*The information about Sculptra was reviewed by Dr. Lisa Gulcher. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.