Facial Volume with Sculptra
Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) is a unique approach to skin
restoration. Rather than just filling the skin, it is a collagen
stimulator. We consider this treatment important for the foundation of
the face, while fillers can be used to address localized concerns in
specific areas.
This process helps to restore lost volume and correct the signs of facial fat and collagen loss that we develop as we age. Dr. Brown was one of the first physicians to start using Sculptra to rejuvenate the face since it was first FDA-approved in 2004. It can also be injected in other areas to treat volume loss, such as decolletage, forearms, and lower thighes. Sculptra consists of biodegradable particles that are injected in a series of monthly treatments to slowly stimulate your own body's collagen production to build up the skin. The Sculptra product itself is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water and then taken away by the body. However, these injections are slowly replaced by more of "you" - more natural collagen in the skin.
Are the results immediate?
No. Immediately after your treatment, it may appear that
Sculptra filled in the area because of swelling from the injections and
water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, however, the swelling goes
down and you will likely look just as you did before the treatment. Because
your body gradually produces its own collagen with this procedure, results
will be subtle and gradual over time. This is typically a good thing,
though, since you don’t have to reveal your procedure to anyone and no one
will have to know exactly how you are achieving your youthful look.
How many treatmentsare required?
Every patient is different, but most patients require a
minimum of 3 sessions, with 1-2 vials per session. The standard
guideline is to inject 1 vial per decade of age. So, a 50-year-old
woman will likely need 5 vials spaced over time. However, patients
with mild volume loss may only need 3 vials, while someone with significant
aging may need much more than 6. The wonderful aspect about this
procedure is that we can inject a series of treatments and monitor for
results 4 months later, and then add more treatments as desired.
How longdo treatment results last?
Results will vary among patients, but treatments typically
last for up to 2 years or longer. However, because we are constantly losing
collagen as we age, it is highly recommended to repeat a booster treatment
at least once a year to continue the collagen stimulation. Several
patients prefer to repeat a single treatment twice a year for even better
results.
What should I expectduring a treatment session?
- An office consultation before your treatment will ensure that this treatment is the best option for you. We can develop a long-term game plan for you at this time.
- Before your treatment, we will apply potent numbing cream for about 1 hour to make the treatment more pleasant.
- During the 20-minute procedure, Dr. Brown will inject the Sculptra in strategic areas for the best results.
- You are welcome to run errands afterwards, but localized bruising and mild swelling may be evident. We advise against scheduling important activities for several days afterwards.
What should I do and expectafter treatment?
Right after your treatment session, you may experience
redness, swelling, pain, or bruising in the area. These effects are not
typically severe and often resolve in a few hours to a few days. Make-up can
be applied a few hours after treatment if no complications are present (such
as open wounds or bleeding). For the first 24 hours after treatment, you
should apply an ice pack to the area for a few minutes at a time to help
reduce swelling. For one week after treatment, you should massage the
treated area twice a day. Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning beds until
any swelling and redness have completely resolved.
How soon can I go back to myregular daily activities?
Most patients feel comfortable after a Sculptra treatment and
are able to resume normal activities immediately. However, it is not wise to
plan an important social function for several days after the procedure, just
in case you experience bruising or other side effects.
Do the injectionshurt?
Our office applies a topical numbing cream to the entire
area to minimize any pain with the injections. Patients may still feel some
discomfort, but this is typically minimal.
Is Sculptrasafe?
The material in Sculptra hasbeen widely used in U.S.
medicine for many years as dissolvable stitches and various implants.
After its approval in 2004, we have had almost 2 decades of experience with
this treatment. Dr. Brown has also injected herself with Sculptra
almost two dozen times through the years. Sculptra is biodegradable
(easily broken down by the body) and is converted into natural components of
the body. Also, Sculptra is synthetic, meaning that it is not derived from
animal or human tissue. So, there is no need for a skin test before
treatment, and there is no theoretical risk of acquiring an infectious
disease from the product.
What are the possibleside effectswith Sculptra?
The most common side effects with Sculptra can occur after any
injection and include bruising, bleeding, swelling, redness, tenderness, or
pain. These effects can last, on average, 3 to 17 days. As with any skin
injection, there is also a risk of infection.
One possible delayed side
effect with Sculptra is small bumps under the skin in the treated area.
These small bumps are typically not visible or bothersome, and may only be
noticed when you press on the treated skin. The skin bumps tend to occur
within 6 months after the first treatment. They may slowly resolve on their
own with massage. Fortunately, Dr. Brown can treat these issues in the
office.
Sculptra Instructions
For more information,please visit the Sculptra web site.
Aspire Rewards
This reward program is from the makers of Dysport, Restylane,
Sculptra, etc. It is free to join and easy to use. Sign up before your
first treatment for an extra introductory rebate. Each time you have a
treatment with any of their participating products, you will earn points
towards savings on your next treatment. Additional savings rebates are
occasionally available for members. By the way, if you can never
remember your login password, you can always have us keep it handy for you
in your private chart in the office.
Join today or login for you status
https://www.aspirerewards.com/landing