How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is a dermal filler that works a bit differently than traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) based and other fillers. It’s active ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Sculptra doesn’t fill in lost volume with its own ingredients the way that traditional fillers do, instead it acts as a stimulatory filler, which stimulates your body into building up collagen and elastin and forming new fibrous support structures under the surface of your skin. In other words, Sculptra gets your body to produce the necessary elements that will fill out areas that have lost volume and tighten areas that have lost elasticity resulting in smoother, more supple, and younger looking skin.
Typically Sculptra works best when one vial is injected for every decade of your life. So if you’re 40, we would inject 4 vials, spread out over two visits. Everyone is different though, and the amounts injected are also dependent on how much volume loss and skin laxity you have.
When you come in for your complimentary consultation with one of our providers, we’ll talk to you about how many vials will be optimal for your skin needs.
Sculptra is most commonly used to treat moderate to deep facial folds and sunken areas, as well as to improve and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s great for areas like the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, the cheek hollows and other skin depressions, as well as chin wrinkles.
At BelleBeauté MedSpa in Markham, Sculptra works gradually to stimulate collagen production and restore facial volume.
Procedure
Sculptra injections take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, and the treatment is similar to other dermal filler injection treatments. It is injected into the skin with a fine needle or cannula.
In order to successfully stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your body, Sculptra needs to be injected into deeper layers of the skin.
After your injections your provider will massage the filler into your face in order to make sure that it’s evenly distributed, and also to minimize the risk of the formation of any nodules or lumps.
After your treatment you’ll need to massage the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. When you come in for your appointment we’ll send you home with the appropriate after care guidelines.
Most patients need one vial for each decade of life.
You may need anywhere between 1 and 3 visits. A detailed quote will be provided to you during your complimentary consultation.
Quick answers to questions you may have
Is there any downtime?
There’s not much downtime with Sculptra. You can return to work or your daily activities immediately after treatment. Any swelling or redness around the treatment area should resolve itself within 24-48 hours following your treatment. Bruising, discomfort and tenderness can last for up to 2 weeks. You should avoid direct sun exposure for a few days after your treatment.
Is Sculptra for you?
Sculptra is an excellent treatment for anyone who is looking to treat moderate to deep facial folds and skin depressions, and for anyone looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as for overall skin rejuvenation.
Who should not consider having Sculptra?
You should not have Sculptra if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have an active infection at the site of injection. If you have any auto-immune disorder, or if you are immunocompromised, speak to your provider before undergoing treatment. If you are prone to keloid and/or hypertrophic scarring, your provider may decide Sculptra is not indicated for you. The best candidates for Sculptra are those looking for a long-lasting and natural improvement of their facial volume and structure.
Who should not consider having Sculptra?
You should not have Sculptra if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have an active infection at the site of injection. If you have any auto-immune disorder, or if you are immunocompromised, speak to your provider before undergoing treatment. If you are prone to keloid and/or hypertrophic scarring, your provider may decide Sculptra is not indicated for you. The best candidates for Sculptra are those looking for a long-lasting and natural improvement of their facial volume and structure.
When can I expect to see results?
Sculptra results are progressive and take time. Because Sculptra works as a stimulatory filler, that works to build up collagen and elastin in your body, you will most likely not notice much of a difference immediately after treatment. You’ll start to see noticeable results within 3-6 months of your initial treatment session, and then full results several weeks following your third or final treatment session. Your results will continue to improve in the weeks and months following your final treatment as your body builds up a new collagen base and tissue structure that will maintain your results long after the poly-L-lactic acid has been absorbed by your body.
Will I need more than one treatment
For optimal results we recommend 3 initial treatments sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After that yearly maintenance treatments are recommended. The results of Sculptra are known to last on average 2 years.
Are Sculptra treatments painful?
The vast majority of patients feel comfortable during their Sculptra treatment. However, a cream or ice can be applied to the injection sites beforehand to numb them. That will make any discomfort less likely, and it should help you relax if you feel nervous about injections.
Will The Injections Hurt?
Some patients report that being injected by either of the products feels like a pinch. Your nurse may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, she may also apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
How do I prepare for my Sculptra treatment?
I’ll provide you with advice on preparing for your Sculptra treatment during your free consultation. Some of the most important steps include: Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment, as that may slow your healing process and lead to bruising. Avoid direct sunlight for one week before your Sculptra treatment, and apply high-SPF sunscreen whenever you need to go out. Avoid skincare or cosmetic products that may irritate your skin for at least two days before your treatment. Avoid aspirin, garlic supplements, and essential fatty acids for one week before your treatment (as they can make bruising more likely).
What should I do to maximize the results of my Sculptra treatment?
It’s understandable that you want your Sculptra treatment to achieve noticeable results that last for years. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your skin and general health. You may feel comfortable to continue with your usual routine as soon as your Sculptra treatment ends, whether that means going back to work or seeing friends. Some temporary swelling and redness is common, but usually lasts no longer than 24 – 48 hours. It’s crucial that you massage the treatment areas for five minutes, five times each day, for the first five days. That encourages even distribution of the Sculptura and collagen production. You should also: Stay upright for 3 -4 hours Avoid heavy exercise for 3 – 4 hours Not apply makeup to treated areas for 24 hours A number of lifestyle factors can also affect how long the results of your Sculptra treatment last, including: Not smoking Only drinking alcohol in moderation Avoiding direct sunlight and wearing high-SPF sunscreen Staying hydrated Eating nutritious meals Exercising (if possible) You’ll receive more personalized aftercare advice during your consultation and following your treatment.
Restore volume and enhance your natural features with Sculptra at Belle Beaute Med Spa in Markham, proudly serving the Greater Toronto Area. Our skilled team provides tailored treatments that gradually build collagen for smooth, youthful-looking results. Book your consultation today and start your journey to refreshed confidence.
