Sculptra – why it will change the aesthetic world

Contents

What is Sculptra?
How does Sculptra work?
What are the benefits of Sculptra?
Revitalize your skin with Sculptra

Sculptra is a cosmetic procedure that helps maintain a youthful appearance. This injectable dermal filler fixes the loss of facial volume that comes with aging.

The various visual changes that characterize aging aren’t always desirable. Over time, researchers have devised several means to mitigate and control them. Today, there’s a large pool of anti-aging procedures, each claiming to be the ultimate antidote.

Only a few of these procedures live up to expectations, among which is Sculptra. Want to know more about this cosmetic treatment? Continue reading as we discuss everything you need to know, from its history and benefits to how it operates.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a non-invasive, injectable form of dermal filler. It’s shown to treat aging signs like wrinkles, deep lines, folds, and creases. Sunken eyes, hollowed cheeks, and an indented chin are other imperfections it addresses.

This cosmetic treatment replaces volume loss and changes the bone structure. It rejuvenates your physical looks and restores your once-youthful skin.

It makes use of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a substance approved by the FDA. PPLA is a biocompatible synthetic particle that activates the secretion of collagen.

The procedure is an outpatient process that requires little to no downtime. You can get back to your regular routine once the treatment is over.

History of Sculptra

Sculptra has been around for decades. It was first approved in Europe in 1999 for cosmetic and medical use.

In 2019, the FDA approved the cosmetic filler under the brand name Sculptra Aesthetic. The agency endorsed it for folds, deep facial wrinkles, and compromised immune systems.

The United States recorded around 3,410,730 soft tissue dermal filler procedures in 2020. Approximately 134,123 treatments were performed with Sculptra.

How does Sculptra work?

Aging makes your skin lose its firm foundation through collagen and elastin depletion. These substances are responsible for the skin’s structural support. The older you grow, the less the extracellular matrix cells produce them. Sculptra addresses this deterioration directly.

This cosmetic injectable treatment is more natural than other facial fillers. It works within your dermis to restore facial fullness and adjust bone structure. The injected microsphere, PLLA, is a natural collagen stimulator that encourages a softer and plumper appearance.

When administered, your body reacts to PLLA with an inflammatory response. The microparticles are then broken down into molecules. These molecules are metabolized into water and carbon dioxide, making them easily absorbable by your body.

Through this process, Sculptra triggers the natural production of collagen fibers. It’s also how it builds collagen and elastin matrixes, helping restore lost facial volume. The result? You develop firmer and smoother skin.

You don’t need to make any special preparations ahead of a treatment session. Your doctor will typically only ask for your medical history. To limit the risk of bleeding, you may have to cut off NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, among others.

The Sculptra treatment process is straightforward. Your physician starts by highlighting the injection area. They then cleanse the spot and apply a topical anesthetic. This substance numbs the area so you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure.

Your healthcare provider then injects PLLA deep into your dermis. Administration is done using a small needle. The process is short, so you should be done in no time.

When can I expect the effects of Sculptra?

Your Sculptra results may not be noticeable immediately post-treatment. It can take a couple of months before the results become obvious.

You may need multiple treatment sessions to get the aesthetic results you desire. Your specialist can help you decide on the ideal amount. On average, most treatment protocols require three injections over 3–4 months.

How long do the effects last?

While this procedure isn’t a permanent cosmetic solution, its effects are long-lasting. Sculptra results are typically visible for longer than other procedures.

You only require limited sessions every few years to maintain the effects. The results from a single treatment can persist for a minimum of two years. With a proper maintenance schedule, you can add several more years.

The results last long because the treatment’s approach to aging isn’t superficial. The injected filler gel penetrates deep into the layers of your skin.

How safe is the process?

Sculptra is a safe procedure approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. Biodegradable microspheres, like PLLA, are also regularly used in the healthcare community.

After treatment, you may experience these side effects in the injection area:

• Tenderness
• Bumps
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Redness
• Itching

These side effects are often temporary and minor. Your doctor should recommend a self-care regime to eliminate them quickly. This routine may include:

• Putting a cold pack on the injected sites for some time after treatment. This can be both preventive and remedial.
• Massaging the affected spot for a specified period for some time post-procedure. For instance, five minutes, five times daily, for the first five days.
• Avoiding sunlight penetration or tanning beds until the side effect disappears.

Consider taking over-the-counter NSAIDs if recommended by your physician. They can help with any soreness that may come post-treatment. Consult your practitioner if bruising, soreness, or pain on the injection site persists for more than a week after taking NSAIDs.

Lumps and skin discoloration are less common side effects of Sculptra. According to a 2015 study, this only happens in 7–9% of all cases. The reason for this seems to be the depth of the injection. This is why working with a qualified professional can’t be overemphasized.

Complications may arise for people allergic to some of Sculptra’s ingredients. The filler also isn’t recommendable if you’re naturally slow at healing when injured. Chat with your doctor to confirm your eligibility status.

Who should administer the procedure?

Safety isn’t only about eligibility and side effects. It also depends on the expertise of the administering practitioner. A trained professional limits the risk of complications and guarantees satisfying results.

The following factors help you determine the credibility of a treatment provider:

• Their certifications
• References from credible parties
• Reviews from past clients
• Pre-treatment and post-procedure pictures of past clients

What are the benefits of Sculptra?

Why should you choose Sculptra over other treatments? To answer that, let’s talk about some of its notable advantages.

It guarantees comprehensive rejuvenation

Sculptra addresses aging issues at the root level. It takes a comprehensive approach to fixing bone structure and other facial imperfections. It triggers the secretion of fresh collagen fibers. This, in turn, repairs the underlying scaffolding of your facial skin.

This well-rounded approach makes your face plumper, eliminating wrinkles, folds, and facial lines. It also softens the bony parts of your face, like the cheekbones.

The results are natural

Building the collagen-elastin matrix is a natural way of revitalizing the skin. This is why it may take weeks before you notice your Sculptra results. The gradual manifestation of the effects means your face doesn’t feel over-filled.

Over-filling makes the face look suddenly and drastically different. It commonly occurs with surgery and more invasive treatments.

It’s an outpatient process

The cosmetic procedure is typically performed in less than an hour. It also comes with no downtime. You can go back to your normal activities immediately after treatment.

The effects are semi-permanent

Since Sculptra essentially rebuilds the underlying infrastructure of your face through collagen regeneration, the results tend to last longer than those of other injectables.

It’s low-maintenance

Sculptra requires minimal maintenance. You can enjoy the benefits for at least two years under optimal conditions. Maintenance sessions and top-offs at regular intervals aren’t required.

Create an excellent skincare routine and stick to it. The following lifestyle changes are also recommended:

• Adequate rest: Resting through sufficient sleep is important. Make it a regular habit.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated by consuming a lot of water. It keeps your skin moisturized, which is good for its health.
• Stress avoidance: Physical stress worsens the symptoms of aging, like wrinkles and facial lines. By avoiding stress, you can get the best out of your Sculptra sessions.
• Reduction of sunlight exposure: Excessive sunlight can affect skin quality. Consider using sunscreen, especially until the results manifest fully.
• Healthy eating and drinking: Watch what you eat. Unhealthy diet habits may affect the longevity of the results of your treatment. Alcohol, for instance, is best cut off from your diet. It damages skin health by dehydrating the body.

Revitalize your skin with Sculptra

Sculptra is a facial volumizing filler with satisfying and long-lasting results. It’s a safe, natural, and non-invasive way of rejuvenating your skin. Opting for this procedure can deliver cosmetic excellence.

Discover how to revitalize your skin by scheduling a consultation with LIVV Natural. Our team is adept at crafting treatment protocols that address various cosmetic concerns. Reach out to us for a personalized plan that suits your aesthetic goals.

Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy