Sculptra: How Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fills Wrinkles
Sculptra Aesthetic can fill in a variety of age lines and restore volume to hollow regions of the face. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic-acid-based injectable. It promotes collagen production in the treatment area and can be used in the face, neck, hands, and the décolleté area. In 2009, it was okayed for marketing for beautification purposes.
How It Works
Sculptra promotes collagen production in your body. Collagen is what keeps your skin smooth, tight, and supple. Fibroblasts are cells that are responsible for collagen production, and as we get older, they produce less and less collagen. Our skin starts to sag and wrinkle, and we begin to exhibit a gaunt look in our cheek and temple area.
Sculptra’s poly-L-lactic acid, when released in the layers of your skin, causes controlled damage in the fibroblasts, forcing them to produce collagen to make up for the breach.
While this collagen production begins almost immediately, it isn’t apparent for about six weeks, depending on where you are in the aging process. Substantial results can be observed six to eight weeks after the first treatment.
Sculptra vs. HA Dermal Fillers
Despite being classified as a dermal filler, Sculptra is not your standard filler. It is a collagen stimulator rather than a traditional filler Hyaluronic-acid dermal fillers temporarily fill in wrinkles and areas that have begun sagging with age. Sculptra, on the other hand, goes much deeper than that and addresses the real cause of the issues.
Sculptra can be used in the temples, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and the chin area from where jowls originate. It can also be used in hands, décolleté, and neck for cording and wrinkling.
Sculptra takes longer to show results than hyaluronic-acid fillers, which is why it is less popular than Juvederm or Restylane. However, its results are more natural-looking and last much longer, up to five years in some cases. Knowing where you stand in the collagen production and depletion process will help you realistically predict how long you can experience the effects.
Sculptra requires you to get two to three treatments over a six-month period. Full optimal results are visible eight months after the last treatment.
The Injection Procedure
Dr. Kaye begins the Sculptra injection process by applying a topical numbing cream to the treatment areas. The Sculptra is then injected into these areas. Sculptra spreads more evenly than HA fillers, as it is diluted with water.
After the Procedure
You may experience some amount of temporary swelling or bruising after treatment. Apply ice to the area for the first 24 hours to help with this. To ensure that the product spreads evenly under your skin, you will be asked to massage your face for around five minutes multiple times a day for five days.
Come In for Sculptra Treatments
Experienced surgeon Dr. Mitchell D. Kaye will be happy to get you started with your Sculptra treatments after coming in for a consultation. During a consultation, he will be able to examine your face and discuss ideal solutions for your aesthetic issues. Schedule your consultation – contact our office today.