Before treatment, then month 2, month 7, and month 20 after first injection (all photos untouched). Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary. Each set of photos reflects the benefit realized by the person in that set of photos, and not necessarily the viewers final results.
Sculptra Aesthetic in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Sculptra Aesthetic is the long-lasting remedy for deep facial wrinkles and hollow areas. This FDA-approved volume enhancer is made of poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable, biocompatible substance that stimulates your skin to produce new collagen. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., Sculptra is used to gradually restore fullness to the face and backs of the hands, creating natural results that can last two years or longer.
What Is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, biocompatible volume enhancer injected below the surface of the skin. It is made of microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable material that has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches and other medical implants. Unlike temporary hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, Sculptra stimulates your skin’s own fibroblasts to generate new collagen, increasing the fullness and thickness of the skin over time.
Sculptra was first approved in Europe to address the signs of aging. In the United States, it was originally approved to restore facial fat loss and was later FDA-approved to correct facial volume loss associated with normal aging and to fill in lines and wrinkles.
Areas Sculptra Can Treat
Contour and volume loss in the cheeks, temples, chin, glabella, and eye areas are restored gradually over weeks to months as new collagen forms. Sculptra can also add volume to the backs of the hands as part of hand rejuvenation. With a sufficient amount of product, Sculptra can produce a remarkable non-surgical lifting effect.
Before treatment, then month 2, month 7, and month 20 after first injection (all photos untouched). Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary.
Gradual, Natural-Looking Results
The benefits of Sculptra are not immediate. At your first visit, it may look as though Sculptra worked right away because of swelling and the water used to dilute the product. Within a few days, as the swelling subsides and the water is absorbed, you may look as you did before treatment. Over the following weeks and months, Sculptra gradually corrects depressions in the skin by stimulating and regenerating your own collagen, so your improvement develops subtly and naturally.
Before treatment, then month 2, month 7, and month 20 after first injection (all photos untouched). Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Dr. Lowenstein will determine the appropriate number of sessions and the amount of Sculptra needed at each one. Most patients require three to six treatments, depending on the degree of volume loss being corrected, spaced approximately four weeks apart. In clinical studies, results lasted up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients, and touch-up treatments may be used to maintain the effect.
Comfort, Side Effects, and Safety
As with any injection, you may feel mild discomfort. Sculptra is injected in small amounts with a very fine needle, and a topical or local anesthetic may be applied. The most common side effects include tenderness, redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site, which usually last a few days and rarely up to fourteen days.
A possible delayed side effect is the formation of small bumps under the skin in the treated areas, usually within the first six to twelve months. These bumps are often not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the skin; occasionally they resolve on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change, have rarely been reported. As with all injectable fillers, there is a small risk of infection, ulceration, and scarring. Results cannot be guaranteed, and benefits may not be as great or last as long as hoped.
Who Should Not Have Sculptra?
Sculptra should not be used by patients who are pregnant or nursing, or who have a history of a bleeding disorder, abnormal scarring, or autoimmune disease. Patients taking immunosuppressants or blood thinners should not receive Sculptra. Please tell Dr. Lowenstein if you have a history of cold sores (oral herpes simplex).
Aftercare Instructions
- Use ice packs wrapped in a towel during the first 24 hours, ten minutes on and ten minutes off.
- Massage the treated area vigorously with a moisturizer five times daily for five minutes during the first five days.
- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows for the first few days to minimize swelling.
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories such as Motrin, Aleve, and Celebrex, and alcohol for the first few days; Tylenol may be used for discomfort.
- Avoid exaggerated movements of the treated areas for several days.
- Avoid hot foods and gum chewing for several hours while the area is numb.
- Avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure until swelling, bruising, and redness resolve.
- Most patients return to normal activities right away, and makeup may be applied a few hours after treatment.
- Contact us right away if you experience significant swelling, bleeding, eye pain, vision loss, dusky skin discoloration, excessive pain, or fever.
See more results in our Sculptra before and after gallery, or explore our other injectables, including Radiesse and Dysport and Letybo.
Sculptra Aesthetic FAQs
How does Sculptra Aesthetic work?
Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid microparticles that stimulate your skin’s fibroblasts to produce new collagen, gradually restoring volume and thickness.
How long do Sculptra results last?
In clinical studies, results lasted up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients.
How many Sculptra treatments will I need?
Most patients need three to six treatments spaced about four weeks apart, depending on the degree of volume loss.
Will I see Sculptra results immediately?
No. Initial fullness from swelling fades within days, and true results develop gradually over weeks to months as new collagen forms.
What areas can Sculptra treat?
Sculptra restores volume in the cheeks, temples, chin, glabella, and eye areas, as well as the backs of the hands.
What are the side effects of Sculptra?
Common side effects include temporary tenderness, redness, bruising, and swelling. Small bumps under the skin can occasionally develop, usually within six to twelve months.
Why do I need to massage the area after Sculptra?
Massaging the treated area five times daily for five days helps distribute the product evenly and reduces the risk of bumps.
Rebuild Volume Naturally With Sculptra
Schedule your Sculptra Aesthetic consultation at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.