Scupltra® Aesthetic

What is Sculptra and how does it work?
As you age, your skin changes.  One of these changes includes reduced collagen production and breakdown of existing collagen.  Over time, this loss of collagen in your skin results in facial wrinkles, folds, and loss of volume.  Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which is a synthetic substance derived from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family (fruit acids).  It is biocompatible (will not harm the body) and biodegradable (is broken down or metabolized by the body).  Once injected, Sculptra forms a matrix with the tissue and stimulates collagen growth.  Over time, Sculptra is absorbed by the body, but the new collagen that has formed remains, yielding a long-lasting result. 

What areas of the face can be treated with Sculptra?
Within this practice, Sculptra is used to treat the FDA approved areas where there are moderate to severe wrinkles and folds of the face in order to add volume and to smooth the face.  It is also used to treat the FDA approved areas of the face where facial fat loss has occurred secondary to HIV.  Additionally, within this practice, Sculptra is used to treat the non-FDA approved areas of the cheeks, chin, and jaw line for the purpose of tissue contouring and volume augmentation.  Areas of treatment will require between 2-4 treatment sessions that will be performed every 3-6 weeks.  Results from Sculptra injection typically last 2 years or longer when a series of three treatments is performed.  

What risks are associated with Sculptra treatments?
As with any medical procedure, there are associated risks.  The risks associated with Sculptra include but are not limited to:

• Redness and pain / tenderness at the injection sites.
• Bruising and swelling at the injection sites.
• Bleeding at the injection sites.
• Firmness at the injection sites.
• Uneven appearance (lumps / bumps) at the injection sites.
• Visible filler material in areas where the skin is thin. 
• Itching.
• Asymmetry.
• Discoloration.
• Migration of product away from the area originally injected.
• Damage to deep structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue that can be temporary or permanent in nature. 
• Amount of product agreed upon for treatment may not fully correct the facial defect.
• Infection.

You should not undergo treatment with Sculptra if you have any of the following conditions:

• You are allergic to any ingredients in the product.
• Each vial of Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (USP), non-pyrogenic mannitol (USP), and sterile water for injection (USP).
• You have a history of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring.
• You have an active skin infection or inflammation in the desired treatment area.
• You are pregnant or breast feeding.

How much discomfort is associated with a Sculptra treatment?
Within our practice, Sculptra dermal filler is mixed with a local anesthetic called Xylocaine, which is a fast-acting numbing medication.  This mixing of the products allows the tissues to be numbed at the same time the filler is being injected.  Most clients experience only mild discomfort at the beginning of the procedure that is associated with the initial needle stick.  Once the Xylocaine numbing medication has taken effect, numbness usually lasts for 1-2 hours.