Sculptra

After your Sculptra treatment, you’ll notice your skin’s elasticity gradually improving as it reaches a more youthful texture. You may see some improvements within the first week of treatment; however, optimal, long-lasting effects will not develop until an average of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.

The improvement will continue for four to six months, at which point your results should reach their peak. Because the results occur throughout a gradual timeframe, you won’t experience a sudden, unnatural appearance that may be associated with surgical treatments.

Sculptra results can last more than two years, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

For ideal results, you will need three Sculptra sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. For long-term results, Sculptra really beats out the competition of other HA fillers on the market. Most fillers require maintenance injections every 6 to 9 months. However, the majority of patients see their Sculptra results last anywhere from one to two years.

Generally, one maintenance treatment per year is needed — usually with a smaller amount of product — to seamlessly preserve your results.

Plan for about 60 minutes total for your Sculptra appointment.

Sculptra injections are quick and very tolerable. The injections cause only very mild and temporary discomfort — they feel similar to a light pinching sensation.

However, all Sculptra fillers contain Lidocaine to ensure minimal discomfort during your treatment. Filler treatments last just minutes and require little to no downtime.

Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after Sculptra injections. However, some patients may experience slight swelling or minor bruising that will subside within a few days.

In this case, applying a cold ice pack to the injection site for a few minutes at a time within the first 24 hours will help speed along the recovery.

Yes, Sculptra was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004.

Sculptra results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Collagen loss is an unfortunate part of the aging process, and your body will continue to lose collagen over time.

Depending on the number of treatments, patients can typically expect their Sculptra results to last for up to two years. An annual maintenance treatment will help prolong the youthful results further.

Collagen is a protein found naturally in the body that gives skin its structure, strength, and firmness. It works alongside elastin, which helps skin stay flexible and bounce back, and hyaluronic acid (HA), which keeps skin hydrated and smooth by holding in moisture.

As we age, collagen production slows down. This leads to thinner skin, sagging, and the development of wrinkles or hollow areas — especially in the cheeks, jawline, and around the eyes. Collagen loss is one of the biggest reasons our skin starts to look older over time.

For optimal results, it’s important to follow these pre-treatment instructions.

• Avoid the use of Aspirin, NSAIDS and other blood thinners 1 week pre and post injection as they will increase your risk of bruising.
• Taking Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection can help reduce the risk of bruising.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your appointment.
• Discontinue Retin-A at least 48 hours before your treatment.
• Discontinue any tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone 48 hours prior to treatment.
• Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.

For optimal results, it’s important to follow post-treatment instructions.

• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment.
• You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort.
• After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days.
• You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising.
• You may continue your topical products like tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone above 1 week after injection.
• Avoid sun exposure and be sure to apply and re-apply sun protection throughout the day.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising.
• Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks post-treatment.