Sculptra™
Sculptra is injectable poly-L-lactic acid approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to restore and correct the signs of facial fat loss or lines caused from aging.
Sculptra restores volume through a gradual increase in dermal thickness, which can remain effective for up to 2 years after the first treatment session.
Administrated by a trained professional, Sculptra is an injectable implant that contains microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer from the alpha-dydroxy-acid family. Lactic acid polymers have been widely used for many years in resorbable sutures and are typically nontoxic even in large quantities within the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sculptra?
Who is a candidate for Sculptra?
How does Sculptra work?
How soon will I see results with Sculptra?
How many and how often are treatments given?
How long do the effects of Sculptra last?
Are injections of Sculptra painful?
How should I prepare for a Sculptra treatment?
Are there any side effects from the Sculptra treatment?
What happens after treatment with Sculptra?
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a synthetic material known as ploy-L-lactic acid that is injected into the skin. This material is biocompatible and biodegradable and has been used for many years in dissolvable sutures, soft tissue implants and other types of implants.
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Who is a candidate for Sculptra?
Sculptra is intended for restoration and/or correction of facial fat loss due to lipoatrophy or nasal labial lines caused from aging.
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How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss to increase the thickness of the skin. Visible results generally appear within the first few treatment sessions. Sculptra will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance in the treated area by increasing the thickness of the skin.
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How soon will I see results with Sculptra?
The results are not immediate. At the first treatment, it may appear that Sculptra has worked immediately, however this is typically because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. However, within a few days when the swelling is reduced and the water is absorbed into the body, you will appear as you did prior to treatment. Sculptra takes time to gradually correct skin depressions. Dr. Vasquez will continue to consult with you every few weeks to determine the need for more Sculptra treatments. Dr. Vasquez has received training in the use of Sculptra and can work with you to determine the number of treatments and the amount of Sculptra used during each treatment to achieve the maximum possible result.
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How many and how often are treatments given?
The number of treatments depends on your particular situation. Follow-up is generally two to three weeks after each treatment to determine the need for further treatment.
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How long do the effects of Sculptra last?
In clinical studies, effects lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment. Every individual is different. In some cases, touch up treatment may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
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Are injections of Sculptra painful?
Sculptra is injected in small amounts with a very fine needle. However, there may be some discomfort as with any injection. Depending on your treatment area and the number of injections needed, Dr. Vasquez may recommend a topical anesthetic.
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How should I prepare for a Sculptra treatment?
Dr. Vasquez will discuss the treatment process and the preparation with you. You should discuss all the medications you are taking, including over the counter medications. Avoiding aspirin and other blood thinners or medications that may interfere with clotting is recommended. All make-up should be removed and the area specified for injections will be cleaned with an antiseptic. Sculptra is injected in small amounts into the skin using a very fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed during a treatment. Application of an ice pack will help reduce swelling. After the treatment, the area should be thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.
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Are there any side effects from the Sculptra treatment?
The most common side effects of treatments with Sculptra are those associated with any injection and can include bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising or swelling. These side effects generally resolve in 3 to 17 days.
One possible side effect with Sculptra can be small lumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible and you may notice them only when you press down on the treated area. If bumps occur, they tend to appear within the first six to twelve months following the first treatment. These bumps can go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change have been reported in some cases. Also, as with all procedures involving an injection, there is a possibility of infection.
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What happens after treatment with Sculptra?
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities following treatment. Immediately following a treatment with Sculptra, swelling, redness, pain and/or bruising can occur in the treatment area. These generally disappear in a few hours to a few days. Some have been known to last up to 17 days. Dr. Vasquez will provide you with specific post treatment instructions, including massaging the treated area a few times each day for several days following treatment. For the first 24 hours following treatment an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin by wrapping the ice in a cloth. It is also recommended that you avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure until any initial swelling and/or redness has disappeared. Make-up may be applied a few hours after treatment if no complications are present such as open wounds or bleeding.
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