What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable that works deep within the dermis to increase collagen production creating volume in the area. We offer Sculptra for both facial injections as well as non-surgical buttocks augmentation.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Sculptra?
Sculptra is a great option for anyone looking for a subtle lift to the buttocks, or anyone looking for more proportion and volume in their face. It is important to have the correct expectations with this non-surgical treatment as it is best for patients seeking improvements, not perfection.
Is Sculptra Painful?
Sculptra may be painful for some patients. This will be discussed during your consultation with our team to properly prepare you for treatment.
Benefits Of Sculptra
- Natural looking results
- Volume and fullness
- Minimally-invasive
- No anesthesia involved
- Non-surgical
How Long Does Sculptra Last?
Sculptra can last up to 2 years but results vary by each patient.
How Does Sculptra Work and How Is It Injected?
Sculptra is injected into the deep dermal layer of the skin. This is the base of the skin’s second layer. Unlike typical dermal fillers, Sculptra requires more than a single session: it is injected in three sessions over the course of three to four months. Like typical fillers, Sculptra’s gel initially provides volume where injected and pushes the depressed area back upward, but this is only temporary. After a week or so, the wrinkle can re-form to a lesser degree, but this is when Sculptra really gets to work. Microparticles of PLLA work within the deep dermis to rebuild lost collagen and provide structural skin support. As the PLLA is absorbed a collagen framework is created. This reinforced collagen structure provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness to shallow to deep wrinkles and folds on the face and to flattened buttocks.
Is There Any Preparation Necessary Before Having Sculptra Injected?
You do not need to make any preparation prior to your Sculptra injections. You do need to remember that Sculptra is injected in a series of three sessions over the course of three or four months, so you can plan your time accordingly.
How Is Sculptra Different From Other Dermal Fillers?
Sculptra is categorized as a “synthetic” filler because of its poly-L-lactic acid microparticles. Fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane are categorized as “natural” fillers because they are made primarily of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for plumping and hydrating the skin. When these fillers are injected beneath a wrinkle, the hyaluronic acid binds with nearby water molecules and instantly plumps the skin, erasing the wrinkle. This is a more ephemeral treatment, as these fillers do not encourage new collagen production. When the body eventually absorbs the hyaluronic acid in 6-12 months (the duration of most fillers), the wrinkle or crease will return.
Sculptra provides results for up to two years because the PLLA microparticles stimulate the body to produce new collagen in the areas of the injections. Once injected, the body begins to absorb the PLLA, and this triggers new collagen to be produced. These new collagen strands gradually restore facial volume naturally, and the wrinkles and folds are erased or dramatically lessened in appearance. It works the same way when we use it to augment the upper buttocks.
Is There Any Recovery After My Sculptra Injection Session?
There isn’t any recovery after your Sculptra injections. We can apply some ice, or you can do this at home, to minimize any swelling. We also recommend massaging the area to distribute the material. This needs to happen within 24-36 hours. This massage will be done according to the 5-5-5 protocol — 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days. Other than that, you can get right back to your normal activities. The injection sites can be sore for a day or two.
How Long Before I Will See Results With Sculptra?
Because the poly-L-lactic acid in Sculptra stimulates your body to produce new collagen, your results are not immediate. Yes, the gel that holds the PLLA microparticles does provide some immediate filling where injected, just as typical dermal fillers do, but this initial result only lasts for a day or two. It will appear as if nothing has been done, but Sculptra is just getting to work. As the PLLA particles start stimulating new collagen synthesis, you’ll start to see improvements beginning in about six weeks. Then comes the second injection session and the third. At that point, your results will be fully realized and lasting.
Will I Need More Than One Sculptra Treatment?
Yes, Sculptra is injected in a series of three sessions over the course of three to four months.
Will Sculptra Affect the Way I Sleep After the Injections?
If you’ve had Sculptra for buttocks augmentation, it’s good to sleep on your side for the first day or two after your injection session. This allows the injected gel and PLLA microparticles to settle into place. The injectable won’t impact your sleep, however.
Is Sculptra Safe?
Sculptra is FDA approved and has been used worldwide for over 20 years. The poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body has been used for years in dissolvable sutures. Sculptra does not contain any human or animal components, and allergy testing is not needed prior to treatments. These are safe, effective treatments at New Look Skin Center.
What Are the Side Effects With Sculptra?
The most common side effects with Sculptra are like those with any dermal filler:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Slight Bleeding
- Itching
- Formation of small lumps
These issues pass quickly. PLLA is a biocompatible, biodegradable substance that the body accepts; it has been used in dissolvable sutures for decades. Still, if you have numerous allergies, you should check with Dr. Etehad or any of our Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants and they'll share Sculptra’s ingredient list with you.
What People Say About Us!
"I am very pleased with the services I have received here. I’ve not only recommended your center to family and friends, i have brought my sister, mom and aunt all for services. Though your Glendale location is closest to me, it is still quite a drive…BUT totally worth it. Very satisfied customer.
Amanda Hamlin
Wilmington, CA"
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Schedule A Sculptra Appointment
If you're interested in Sculptra for non-surgical butt lift or adding volume to your face, please call New Look Skin Center at 818.662.5005. Alternatively, you can contact us online and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Our practice has three convenient offices in Glendale, Encino, and Irvine, CA.
