Is Sculptra right for me?

Collagen is an abundant protein in our bodies, but as we get older, we simply don’t produce as much. After the age of 20, we lose about 1% of the collagen in our skin each year. At some point, aging comes for us all! As skin loses its collagen and elasticity, you may start to develop deep lines and loose or sagging skin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can work wonders for these signs of aging, but they’re not the only injectable option! We’re excited to announce that Sculptra, a collagen stimulator, is now available at Dermacare.

What is Sculptra and how does it work?

Sculptra is an FDA-approved cosmetic injectable. It restores facial volume that you may have lost over time, and it’s made with a biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA stimulates collagen production in the skin and gradually rebuilds your lost collagen..

This means that results appear gradually instead of immediately like they do with HA fillers. Results from Sculptra treatments can last 2 years or more!

How is Sculptra different from dermal fillers?

If you’ve found yourself wondering how Sculptra is different from dermal fillers, you’re not alone! It’s a valid question and one we get a lot! In a nutshell, Sculptra isn’t a filler in the same sense that the Juvederm family of fillers are fillers. Sculptra is an injectable. And while all fillers are injectables, not all injectables are fillers. (Ex: Botox is an injectable, but it’s not a filler, it’s a neuromodulator.)

Juvederm fillers are made from HA (hyaluronic acid), and they inject HA directly into the skin. The HA fills the skin giving the patient an immediate result. Dermal fillers are generally used to achieve outcomes such as—but not limited to—softening fine lines, adding definition, filling places where the skin has lost its youthful volume.

A Sculptra treatment involves injecting PLLA into the skin. Think of it like fertilizer for collagen. There is no immediate result like with HA fillers. Instead, your injector administers the Sculptra, and it starts to work slowly over time. Its special formulation stimulates your body to start producing collagen at and around the injection site. By replacing lost collagen, Sculptra naturally and gradually restores skin structure and volume.

Bottom Line: Sculptra addresses the underlying cause of facial aging vs just treating the symptoms.

Who’s a good candidate for Sculptra?

Sculptra is great for anyone looking for more gradual, natural results. But there are 3 main areas where Sculptra really helps patients achieve a more youthful appearance:

• Smile lines (between the nose and mouth)
• Marionette lines (also known as laugh lines)
• Chin wrinkles

Because Sculptra helps to gradually replace lost collagen, it’s great for patients who need a robust boost in facial volume. Patients who usually see great results with Sculptra tend to have more mature skin (but it’s also great for younger patients who want to preemptively address aging and collagen loss), skin that has lost much of its volume resulting in a gaunt, often jowled appearance. Sculptra can also help address texture! (Of course everyone is different, and we can find out if you’re a fit for Sculptra during a free consultation.)

What to expect after Sculptra treatment

Depending on your goals, most patients need a series of 3-4 Sculptra treatments to achieve desired results. It will take a few months for results to begin appearing, and they will last up to 2 years. There is no downtime associated with Sculptra treatments, but most patients can expect some redness and/or swelling and possibly bruising at the injection sites. Before you leave your appointment, your injector will advise you on how to massage the treated area in the coming days. After treatment, excessive heat and UV exposure should be avoided until any initial swelling and redness go away.

And that’s it!

For more information on Sculptra, call us at (757) 317-3549 or book a free consultation. Our Dermacare Experts love to talk about skincare and help patients find the right treatment(s) for their needs!