Sculptra® Aesthetic Introduction
Sculptra® is a material known as poly-L-lactic acid. In its solid form, it’s been used for many years to make dissolvable sutures. In its liquid form, it makes a very helpful filler and collagen stimulator. At Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa, Sculptra® Aesthetic is frequently used to provide a gradual increase in a sunken or deflated-appearing area, using your body’s own collagen production mechanisms. This increase in tissue thickness restores a more youthful look. If you are seeking a solution that will give you facial fullness and three-dimensional contours that are synonymous with youth, Sculptra® Aesthetic is an effective, long-lasting choice.
Dr. Fiala explains that Sculptra® can be a very helpful non-surgical method to restore volume loss in your face, but it requires a little more finesse than regular injections. As with all dermal injectables, it is important to trust your face with a provider that has extensive knowledge of anatomy. For the best outcome, Sculptra® should be used in a highly diluted form, as this helps to avoid the formation of small lumps, known as granulomas. Correctly performed, Sculptra® can make the face look youthful and more natural. Results gradually become evident over the course of a few weeks to months. Although Sculptra® is long lasting, it is not permanent. Treatments have to be repeated in future years to maintain the optimum benefit.
If you would like to learn more about Sculptra®, we would be delighted to answer any questions and discuss any concerns that you may have. There are some types of wrinkles that are not good candidates for Sculptra®. Depending on your specific situation, we will customize a plan to improve your appearance and recommend alternate dermal fillers or cosmetic procedures if necessary. At Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa, we have administered thousands of injections and are very versed in determining which facial filler is best for you. Call us today to set up your complimentary consultation.
Sculptra® FAQs
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is a cosmetic injectable filler that contains Poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA. The Poly-L-lactic acid is a safe, synthetic, biocompatible, which means it will not harm your body. The Sculptra® injection has been used throughout Europe since 1999 to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, and sunken eyes. PLLA has been used many years in dissolvable stitches, medical implants, and was initially approved for the reconstructive purposes. In July 2009, Sculptra® was given FDA clearance for general cosmetic purposes and since then it has rapidly climbed in popularity.
How does Sculptra® Work?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a new type of facial injectable because it is a treatment that gives you subtle results over time. It’s not an overnight miracle. Sculptra® provides long lasting, natural results by replacing the lost volume that occurs during the aging process. Sculptra® is injected below the surface of your skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness by stimulating the growth of collagen. When Sculptra® is injected, it is first diluted with sterile water and lidocaine (for numbing) and following your injection, you will see the fullness caused by the water. This will disappear within a day or two as the water is absorbed by your body. The micro particles will remain, however, and begin to stimulate collagen growth. The first effects of Sculptra® injections will be noticeable about one month following your injection. The collagen growth will continue for four to six months and the volume achieved with Sculptra® will last approximately two to three years. Most patients require two to five injection sessions, four to six weeks apart to achieve optimum results.
What is the Sculptra® procedure like?
The number of facial injections and amount of Sculptra® needed varies among individuals and will be determined and discussed during your initial consultation. On the day of the procedure, the facial filler is skillfully injected in the desired areas. Some mild swelling may occur at the injection site, but this typically subsides within two days. The Sculptra® Liquid Facelift procedure is performed in Dr. Fiala’s state-of-the-art facility, Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa in Orlando. Very small needles are used, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. If you are concerned about pain issues, we can optionally apply a topical numbing cream and/or inject a local anesthetic prior to the filler. As with any cosmetic injection, bruising may occur and last from a few days to two weeks. Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, and alcohol may decrease your risk of bruising.
The procedure takes between 15 to 30 minutes and most patients return to their normal routine immediately following their treatment. As with all cosmetic procedures, the staff at Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa is available to assist you any way throughout your entire treatment process.
What are the side effects of Sculptra®?
One advantage of Sculptra® is that the side-effects are very minimal. The most common ones are: tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising, and discomfort at the injection points. For the most part, any complications are temporary in nature and will decrease in visibility between four days to two weeks. We will explain the possible complications and the remedies prior to your Sculptra™ procedure during your consultation.
What are the Benefits of a Sculptra™ Treatment?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a well-tolerated and long-lasting treatment for the signs of facial aging, particularly facial volume loss. Sculptra® works to gradually replace this lost collagen, providing a foundation that will gradually restore the look of youthful fullness. Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected to the area of fat loss. It achieves excellent results, providing you with a non-surgical Liquid Facelift, improving facial and jowl line volume.
At Fiala Aesthetics Medical Spa in Orlando, we frequently use Sculptra® to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns including:
- Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Sunken cheeks
- Marionette lines
- The temple area, which gets narrower as you age
- Jowl line creases