Sculptra® is one of the newer filler treatments on the scene. It’s a type of dermal filler, but unlike Juvederm®, it’s not hyaluronic acid (HA)-based. Sculptra® has similar results to other types of dermal fillers, with a few key differences.
For one, Sculptra® is a biostimulator. We’re going to get into what that means, and more, in today’s blog. Sisu Clinic is a doctor-led aesthetic clinic based in Ireland, the UK, and the US. Our leading aesthetic doctors have given us the low-down on Sculptra® so we can share everything you need to know to look and feel your best with this innovative new treatment.
What is Sculptra®?
So what are Sculptra® injections? Sculptra® is a type of filler that has long-lasting effects on the quality and appearance of the skin. Unlike HA-based fillers that slowly break down in the body, Sculptra® is absorbed quickly - in just a few hours! It then continues to work in the skin, triggering your cells to increase their production of elastin and collagen. This is what makes it a biostimulator.
Elastin and collagen are the building blocks of the skin. We naturally lose collagen and elastin as we age, which is part of the reason why our skin becomes lax and sags when we get older. To prevent these visible signs of aging, we need to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The way to do this is to use Sculptra®.
But what exactly is Sculptra®? Sculptra® is an injectable compound containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) among other ingredients. PLLA is the most important ingredient in Sculptra®, because this is what activates the biostimulation. PLLA is biocompatible and biodegradable, which means that it’s gradually, naturally, and seamlessly absorbed by the body as it gets to work.
The main use of Sculptra® is to restore your intrinsic facial structure to keep you look youthful and refreshed, with long-lasting benefits.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
We already know that Sculptra® stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. But how does it do that? Sculptra® is injected within the deep dermis layers of the skin. The PLLA then stimulates the fibroblasts via a foreign body reaction, and thickens the dermis by acting as a dermal matrix.
A dermal matrix is essentially a skin volumizer - it creates space for collagen and fibrous tissue to ultimately fill. This can be compared to HA-based dermal fillers, which work by taking up space with hyaluronic acid to add volume into the skin.
This buildup of collagen takes time, so results aren’t immediate like with HA-based fillers. Sculptra® is usually performed across a series of treatments to gradually encourage collagen production and buildup. By the time you start to see your results, the PLLA has been absorbed by the body. You’re now left with your body’s own collagen.
Does Sculptra® Work?
In short: yes! There have been many studies that have tested Sculptra® to examine its safety and effectiveness.
A clinical trial published in 2008 found that Sculptra® continues to improve the quality of the skin for 13 months post-treatment. The researchers injected Sculptra® into the nasolabial folds for this study.
Another study, this time published in 2003, found that Sculptra® led to a three-fold increase in skin thickness, which was sustained for over two years.
A final study we’ll look at, this time published in 2020, examined the various studies conducted on Sculptra® to draw some conclusions on its safety and efficacy. The researchers concluded that it is an effective skin treatment, caused by collagen stimulation which continues to improve over time.
Where Can You Get Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is used to treat deep facial folds and wrinkles. The most common parts of the face to get Sculptra® include:
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Under eye region
- Chin
- Jowls
- Marionette lines
- Midface
- Lateral brow
Do you have another area that you are interested in getting Sculptra®? Click here to contact us about Sculptra®.
How Long Does Sculptra® Last?
Results of Sculptra® can last up to two years! Your Sculptra® results will last longer the more sessions you have, because with each session, more collagen is being stimulated. That’s why we usually recommend our patients to get at least one vial per 10 years. For larger areas or more advanced concerns, we may recommend more Sculptra® treatments to guarantee best results.
You may be wondering when you will see the results from your first Sculptra® treatment. It’s usually around six weeks. Once you receive Sculptra® injections, it will absorb into the skin over the coming hours and days. Then, over the course of the coming weeks and months, collagen will build in its place.
So if you’re not happy with your treatment for the first week, be patient! Sculptra® isn’t the same as other types of dermal filler as it’s not immediate. Remember, it’s a biostimulator that takes time to work. But when it does, you will love the effects.
How Much Does Sculptra® Cost?
When you get Sculptra® at Sisu Clinic, we base our pricing on three treatments, over the course of three to four months.
What is the Process of Getting Sculptra®?
So how do you get Sculptra®? The first thing to do is to book a free consultation at Sisu Clinic, located in Ireland, the UK, and the US.
During the initial consultation, a Sisu doctor will evaluate your face to assess which areas would respond best to Sculptra® to help you create a rejuvenated, refreshed look.
After this initial consultation, you will book in for your first Sculptra® treatment.
During this treatment, you will have a few injections into the targeted areas of the face. These are relatively painless, with patients only reporting some mild discomfort.
After this, you will schedule in for your next few Sculptra® treatments over the course of the coming weeks and months.
What to Do Before Sculptra® Injections
If you have decided to get Sculptra®, there are a few things you need to do before you get Sculptra® injections, to get the best results.
- Avoid medications that thin the blood like fish oil, aspirin, advil, and naproxen for a week pre-treatment. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to tell your Sisu provider which medications you are currently taking.
- Avoid skin irritants like retinol and benzoyl peroxide.
- Buy some arnica cream or tablets to help prevent bruising.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours pre-treatment.
What to Do After Sculptra® Injections
Now that you have had your injections, what should you do after Sculptra® to get the best results?
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or elevating your body temperature for one to two days post-treatment.
- Wear SPF and limit sun exposure, which can counteract the treatment benefits.
- Use ice and arnica on the injection site if bruising or swelling occurs.
Find Sculptra® Near Me
Ready to start your search for Sculptra® injections near you? We’re here!
Sisu Clinic is an advanced doctor-led aesthetic clinic that offers the most innovative non-invasive treatments like Sculptra®. Our aesthetic doctors are highly trained experts in Sculptra® and can guarantee you get the best results from your treatment.
To make a free consultation for a Sculptra® treatment near you, click here.
To learn more about Sculptra®, click here.
Key Takeaways
- Sculptra® is a bio-stimulating dermal filler.
- Once injected, it stimulates collagen production.
- Your body gradually absorbs PLLA (the main ingredient in Sculptra®), and in its place, leaves new collagen tissue.
- Sculptra® works best with three or more treatments, and results last up to two years.
- To make a free consultation for a Sculptra® treatment near you, click here.
Don't forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates and tips on beauty trends, treatments, and more. Embrace the aesthetic revolution today, and discover the power of personalized beauty at Sisu Clinic.
• Douglas Cork:
Achieve a regal look with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Douglas, Cork clinic. Book your consultation at our Douglas, Cork location.
• Blackrock Dublin:
Create a sleek silhouette with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Blackrock, Dublin clinic. Visit our Blackrock, Dublin location.
• Dublin City Centre:
Refine your neckline with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Dublin City Centre clinic. Make your appointment at our Dublin City Centre location.
• Galway City Centre:
Accentuate your elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Galway City Centre clinic. Schedule your consultation at our Galway City Centre location.
• Killarney Kerry:
Define your beauty with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Killarney, Kerry clinic. Book your consultation at our Killarney, Kerry location.
• Limerick City Centre:
Achieve a poised look with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Limerick City Centre clinic. Visit our Limerick City Centre location.
• Waterford City Centre:
Enhance your elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Waterford City Centre clinic. Make your appointment at our Waterford City Centre location.
• Cork City Centre:
Experience the transformation with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Cork City Centre clinic. Book your consultation at our Cork City Centre location.
• Castleknock Dublin:
Explore a refined elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Castleknock, Dublin clinic. Visit our Castleknock, Dublin location.
• Ranelagh Dublin:
Reveal your elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Ranelagh, Dublin clinic. Make your appointment at our Ranelagh, Dublin location.
• Sutton Dublin:
Unveil a new you with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Sutton, Dublin clinic. Schedule your consultation at our Sutton, Dublin location.
• Terenure Dublin:
Discover a sleeker silhouette with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Terenure, Dublin clinic. Book your consultation at our Terenure, Dublin location.
• Naas Kildare:
Embrace a refined look with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Naas, Kildare clinic. Visit our Naas, Kildare location.
• Greystones Wicklow:
Experience elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Greystones, Wicklow clinic. Make your appointment at our Greystones, Wicklow location.
• Belfast City Centre:
Discover your potential with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Belfast City Centre clinic. Schedule your consultation at our Belfast City Centre location.
• Hampstead London:
Embrace the elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Hampstead, London clinic. Book your consultation at our Hampstead, London location.
• Mayfair London:
Define your beauty with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Mayfair, London clinic. Visit our Mayfair, London location.
• Richmond London:
Experience a new level of elegance with Swan Neck Anti-Wrinkle Injections at our Richmond, London clinic. Make your appointment at our Richmond, London location.
.webp)