Sculptra

WHAT IS SCULPTRA AESTHETIC?

• Sculptra Aesthetic is a unique class of injectable fillers called Collagen Stimulators
• It is made of injectable poly lactic acid or PLLA, the same substance absorbable sutures are made from
• It is injected just below the deep dermis of the skin to restore lost facial volume
• Facial wrinkles and folds around the mouth and chin are most commonly corrected
• Other areas of the face and hands can be injected as an “off-label” use of the product

HOW DOES SCULPTRA AESTHETIC DIFFER FROM OTHER FILLERS?

• Sculptra Aesthetic is a collagen stimulator rather than a filler
• Injection of Sculptra Aesthetic gently causes the body to produce collagen in the areas treated
• The increased collagen volume gradually corrects wrinkles and folds
• Treatment occurs over 3 sessions spaced 3 weeks apart
• Results take time to occur as the body produces collagen, so your treatment will not be obvious to others
• Once treatment is completed, the results last for over two years

HOW LONG DOES SCULPTRA AESTHETIC LAST?

The length of time that your results will last depend significantly on where you start, how much product is used, and your own unique characteristics.  For the average patient who completes their three treatments, the results last for over two years.  Long term studies were stopped at 25 months and results were not measured beyond that point.  Additional touch-up treatments in the future can prolong the treatment results without starting over.

WHAT ARE MY SCULPTRA AESTHETIC TREATMENTS LIKE?

The most important thing to remember is that Sculptra Aesthetic is not an immediate filler.  The results take time to be visible as the body produces its own natural collagen in response to the treatment.  This gradual change is a significant benefit to patients who have busy schedules and cannot afford to take time off.  It means that your improvement will occur gradually without giving away that you had anything done.  Everyone will know you look refreshed, but they won’t know why.  After your assesment, your face will be cleansed and topical numbing cream applied. The injection sites will be further anesthetized.  Sculptra is mixed as a liquid with a local anesthetic which makes injection comfortable and minimizes bruising.  The Sculptra Aesthetic is carefully injected by your doctor until the desired correction is achieved.  You will look fairly natural with perhaps minor swelling after treatment. This resolves within 24-48 hours.  You will go back to looking like you did not have anything done.  This happens as the body absorbs the liquid, leaving the product in place.  Gentle massage of the treated area is recommended for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days.  This helps the Sculptra Aesthetic evenly distribute to give you a nice smooth result without any lumps or bumps.  The body then gradually begins producing its own natural collagen in response to the treatment over the next 3-4 weeks.  At that point, another treatment is then performed to continue collagen stimulation.  This is repeated for on average 3 treatments, 3-4 weeks apart.  Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment as swelling is minimal and bruising is very uncommon.

WHAT ARE MY SCULPTRA AESTHETIC RESULTS LIKE?

The results from Sculptra Aesthetic treatments are beautiful, natural and quite rejuvenating.  Because the collagen stimulation occurs gradually over time, your results continue to be refined over time.  This leads to subtle but significant rejuvenation that is not immediately obvious to your friends, colleagues and even some family members.  It works really well in people who have lost a lot of weight through diet or exercise and the volume loss makes them look older.  It also works well in patients who have volume loss from aging and just want to look refreshed.  This long-lasting change is perceived by others as a gentle rejuvenation of your face that looks just like you!

WILL ANYONE NOTICE I HAD SCULPTRA AESTHETIC?

If you look at your photos before treatment and at the end of your three treatment session, the softening of facial lines, volume restoration and rejuvenation will be obvious to you.  Because the collagen stimulation occurs over a couple of months, the change will not be noticeable to those around you that see you everyday.  This is great because Sculptra Aesthetic treatments don’t give away that you had anything done.  After a couple of months, you and those closest to you will notice a subtle, but significant rejuvenation of the face…that lasts.

For more information about Sculptra Aesthetic Treatments, contact us at office@instituteplasticsurgery.com.