What Is Sculptra?

Not all injectable products are created equal. There are key differences in the formulas, the areas that can be treated, and the results that the treatments produce.

Sculptra is an FDA-approved facial-volumizing filler. Many other dermal fillers are designed to fill a fine line or wrinkle instantly, but Sculptra works differently. Once injected, Sculptra stimulates the natural production of collagen, which in turn gradually replaces lost facial volume.

The star ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a collagen stimulator that works deep within your skin. PLLA helps improve the structure of your face. Eventually, the PLLA is naturally absorbed by your body, leaving only beautiful aesthetic results behind. That’s what makes Sculptra such an exciting option for facial rejuvenation!

How Does Sculptra Compare To Other Dermal Fillers?

Many dermal fillers work immediately upon injection to replenish lost facial volume. Sculptra, a collagen-stimulating filler, targets visible aging a bit differently. Instead of offering rapid results, it encourages collagen production in your skin to gradually diminish the look of lines and wrinkles.

The treatment regimen for Sculptra is also unique in the world of dermal fillers. It typically consists of three injections over the course of three or four months. And the results are in a league of their own. Sculptra can improve the appearance of your skin for up to two years!

Is Sculptra Right For Me?

Facial volume loss occurs as you age. It can begin in your 20’s and may become particularly noticeable after the age of 30.

Thankfully, the lost volume can be replenished using injectables. If you are concerned about the signs of aging due to volume loss, you may be a good candidate for Sculptra.

A variety of areas can be treated with Sculptra, including:

• Deep folds between the nose and mouth, also called nasolabial folds or “smile lines”
• Lines that form the shape of parentheses around the mouth, also known as “marionette lines”
• Volume loss in the cheeks, temples, jawline and around the chin

Sculptra is not injected around the lips or eyes, areas for which Restylane is a better alternatives. The volume restoration associated with Sculptra restores youthful contours of the face and helps improve sagging skin.

What Are The Risks Of Sculptra?

Sculptra treatments can have some mild and temporary side effects. In a clinical trial, the most commonly reported side effects following these injections were:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Injection site pain
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Itching
• Lumps

The different types of side effects and their duration may vary.

Remember, the best way to minimize side effects is to visit a skilled provider. You can also do your part to ensure that everything goes smoothly by following all of your treatment guidelines.

What To Expect From Your Sculptra Treatment

Like most injectable treatments, Sculptra can be administered in a short amount of time. Dr. Reddy adds lidocaine, a numbing agent, to the Sculptra vial before the injection to minimize any potential discomfort.

The most common side effects of Sculptra include injection site reactions such as bruising and swelling. These usually resolve on their own within the first few days after injection. Occasionally, palpable but not visible lumps under the skin may occur after Sculptra injection but these too usually resolve on their own.

Sculptra, like other injectables, is considered a no downtime procedure. You can return to your normal routine — with a few additional aftercare steps to follow — after leaving the office. Many patients even come in during their lunch break and then return to work.

Sculptra Results

Your results will not be visible immediately. Sculptra is designed to create a gradual, natural aesthetic improvement. While you may not notice results several days after your treatment, you will be able to see an improvement over the course of several months.

Sculptra is one of the longest lasting fillers we offer. Sculptra may last 2 years or longer, though yearly “touch up” treatments are recommended to maintain optimal results.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost?

At Medi-sculpt, we provide a comprehensive pricing package so that you can get an idea of what your treatment may cost. The price of Sculptra is R33 000 for 3 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart.

However the exact cost of your treatment will vary depending on the amount of product that Dr. Reddy uses, and the areas that you want to address. Dr. Reddy will be able to give you a personalized estimate during your consultation. In younger patients fewer sessions may be needed.

Since Sculptra lasts longer than many other types of filler, it’s a cost-friendly option. And it doesn’t have the high price tag of a surgical procedure like a facelift.

I am always so excited to talk about the various innovations and trends on the aesthetic market. If you have a question or a request, please do leave a message on our website, Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter. If you enjoy our social media content, don’t forget to follow us and “Like” and share our posts!

To book an appointment for any treatment or procedure I offer at Medi-Sculpt, please call us on +27 11 958 2261 or email info@medisculpt.co.za