Sculptra® works by stimulating the body to grow new collagen, unlike the other dermal fillers we use at PCMC. It can be useful for men and women looking to correct volume loss, a gaunt look, hollow cheeks or cheek lines.
Sculptra® works gradually so does not cause a sudden change in appearance and can be long-lasting.
Sculptra® is an advanced dermal filler that requires experience to inject safely.
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is a volumising dermal filler so can help to compensate for the loss of facial fat, bone, muscle, and collagen that happens as we age. It is made of tiny granules of poly-L-lactic acid, a material used in dissolving stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid is made up of many molecules of lactic acid joined together. Lactic acid can also be used as a chemical peel and is produced by the fermentation of the lactose in milk in order to make yoghurt.
These tiny granules stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and it is this new collagen which gives the volumising and tightening effect of Sculptra®.
What are Sculptra®’s indications?
Sculptra® is one of the tools available to treat the signs of aging. Sculptra® works best in the lateral cheeks, in front of the ears and down to the jawline. Stimulating new collagen formation in these areas can lift the cheeks and jowls as well as fill cheek and temple hollows.
Sculptra® is also used to stimulate new collagen in the neck and chest which can reduce lines in these areas.
What can I expect from Sculptra®?
Sculptra® treatment only takes a few minutes and is administered by needle or fine cannula. Local anaesthetic is used for comfort. Bruises can occur and swelling can be noticeable for a few days.
Sculptra® results occur gradually and are usually noticeable by 6-8 weeks. Full results appear by six months.
Most people need three treatments spaced about a month apart in order to achieve the desired result.
Results have been shown to last up to two years. Most people choose to have a top up treatment to maintain results about every 12-18 months.
TAPS PRODUCT INFORMATION
Sculptra® is a poly-L-lactic acid injectable implant that is freeze dried and reconstituted with sterile water. Sculptra® is used to increase volume of depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions. Sculptra® may also be used for large volume restoration and / or correction of the signs of facial fat loss including HIV patients treated with antiretroviral drugs.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any components in Sculptra®, do not use in areas of acute or chronic skin disease (infection or inflammation).
Warnings: Only use subcutaneously or deep intra-dermally. Avoid superficial injections to avoid the appearance of early papule or nodules. Massage the treated area to minimise papules and nodules. Do not inject into blood vessels. Do not over-correct as the depression should improve within weeks. Caution when injecting into thin skin. Do not inject into the red area of the lip.
Precautions: Patients on anti-coagulants. Sculptra® has not been tested in pregnant or breast feeding women or those aged under 18 years. Do not use in patients with susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. Advise patients to avoid excessive sun or UV lamp exposure until initial swelling and redness has resolved. Avoid other cosmetic procedures in the treated area until the skin has healed completely.
Side effects: Injection site – haemorrhage, pain, induration, swelling, infection (including cellulitis, staphylococcal and abscess). Skin & Tissue – bruising, haematoma, atrophy & hypertrophy, erythema, urticaria, telangiectasis, papules, nodules, granuloma, scarring, skin discolouration. Immune system – hypersensitivity, angioedema, skin sarcoidosis.