Sculptra Sherman Oaks
Biostimulatory dermal fillers like Sculptra are used to stimulate collagen production effectively. The collagen production as a result can fill hollowed areas and smooth out deep wrinkles, creases, and facial lines. They work not only by stimulating new growth of collagen fibers but also by progressively replacing damaged collagen. The outcome of this filler is a glowing, more youthful, and fuller appearance of your face.
Sculptra is especially popular for enhancing the lift and volume in the buttocks and filling in the hip dips. Compared to the unnatural and uncomfortable surgical butt implants, Sculptra-induced collagen blends into one’s own tissue and doesn’t behave like a separate implant.
Sculptra, unlike traditional fillers, doesn’t give immediate results. Rather, it achieves progressive and natural-looking effects over time. This is because it takes time for your body to produce collagen once Sculptra signals it to do so. This biostimulatory method induces self-produced fullness in the targeted region. Therefore, the long-term benefits from it can last two years or more.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable procedure that employs a synthetic substance called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) to address the underlying reasons for aging skin. The injection is intended to gradually restore lost collagen and thereby diminish deep wrinkles, face lines, and folds. It has been used for its collagen stimulatory effects in medical applications for decades as PDO suture threads (threads used to stitch up cuts and wounds). So its safety profile has been well established.
Sculptra’s main benefit in cosmetic dermatology is its ability to promote the body’s natural collagen synthesis, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Sculptra Benefits
Sculptra is a highly effective treatment for patients looking to enhance their facial volume, combat the thinning of their skin, promote a glowing and refreshed skin texture, and reduce the signs of aging without the use of hyaluronic acid.
What Results to Expect:
- FDA-Approved Filler: The filler initially received its FDA approval for restoration or correction of facial fat loss in HIV patients. Since it worked so well without serious complications, it soon after received FDA approval for shallow to deep NL folds and other facial wrinkles for use in the general population.
- Long-Lasting Results: The results from Sculptra treatments last up to two years or more (studies were stopped at 2 years for evaluation of efficacy, but clinically it tends to last longer).
- Collagen Stimulation: The injection is used to reduce thinning of the skin, deep wrinkles, facial lines, and folds by gradually restoring lost collagen.
- Poly L-Lactic Acid-Based Filler: Unlike hyaluronic-based fillers, Sculptra is a PLLA-based filler that improves volume in a larger surface area.
- Wrinkle Reduction: The filler is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds.
- Not Immediately Reversible: while results do dissipate over time, Sculptra does not have an immediate-acting reversal agent like Hyaluronic acid fillers.
Sculptra is Popular for these Purposes:
- Butt Enlargement
- Smoothing out the Hip Dip: Sculptra smoothes out the area between the buttock and the outer thigh that caves in to create a more hourglass figure by rounding out the buttock and thigh region;
- Butt Lift: Sculptra reverses the droopiness that happens with age by enhancing the collagen and building volume on the top part of the buttock;
- Skin Texture Enhancement: The procedure improves collagen stimulation in crinkly areas (upper arm, upper chest or decollate, upper knee, abdominal area, outer cheeks) to thicken and firm the skin and provide a glow;
- General Facial Volumization: This volumization is good for athletic faces or those who have lost a lot of fat in the facial area, especially in the temple and lower cheek areas;
How Long Will Results Last?
The results are usually more even than other instant fillers, and with facial movements, it behaves more like tissue rather than an injected gel. The results usually last beyond 2 years, but it is not instantly reversible. It is contraindicated in areas with circular muscles such as the lips and around the eyes. It is also discouraged for patients with a history of keloids as in theory, they may over-respond to the stimulation.
The results are not appreciated for about 6 weeks after the injection as the body needs time to produce the collagen. It commonly needs to be reapplied for a total of three treatments spaced six weeks apart to reach the desired result.
Sculptra Cost & Pricing Structure
When considering Sculptra injections, patients should understand the procedure’s general price, which is normally influenced by the number of vials used, the provider’s experience level, and office location. Usually, 3-4 vials are recommended divided over three visits, each spaced 6 weeks apart.
- US National Average: $700-$1,000 per vial;
- Our Price: $ competitive, and we offer added monthly specials;
- Additional Costs: No additional costs unless an additional product is requested;
- Insurance: Sculptra for cosmetic uses is typically not covered by insurance;
Our team has years of experience in providing Sculptra Treatments. Get in touch today!
How Sculptra Works
Like other fillers, Sculptra injections require pre-treatment guidelines to avoid any concerns and risks. Therefore, the step-by-step guide below will help you prepare yourself for the treatment.
Before & Preparation
- When planning to have this product injected, a call to our office the day before your appointment is required to confirm your appointment;
- While it was previously needed for our patients to notify us in advance so that we could prepare (reconstitute) the vial, current FDA approval no longer requires early reconstitution of Sculptra products. We can now safely and effectively prepare your vial during your visit.
- You should provide your medical history and advise the healthcare professional about any existing health issues, history of keloids or hypertrophic scars, allergies, or drugs you are taking.
- Avoid eating fish, fish oils, or omega 3s, drinking alcohol, or taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, naproxen, and aspirin for at least 3-5 days before the procedure, as it might increase the chances of bruising.
During the Procedure
- The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
- To ensure your comfort throughout the treatment, the healthcare expert may administer a local anesthetic or numbing lotion.
- Sculptra will be injected beneath the skin to promote collagen formation.
Aftercare & Recovery
- To reduce the chance of bruising, avoid alcohol or exercise for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
- To avoid potential risks of pigmentation, protect your skin from direct sunlight and UV rays after any type of injection or pricking of your skin as with Sculptra or any other fillers.
- Stop taking any blood-thinning drugs or supplements after the procedure for 24 hours.
- Avoid physical activity for 24 to 48 hours following treatment to reduce the risk of edema and bruising.
- Schedule any suggested follow-up sessions to monitor your progress and, if required, discuss further treatments.
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- Patients who are immunocompromised or who suffer from autoimmune problems (MS, Lupus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis) may have a higher risk of side effects even though Sculptra is FDA-approved for HIV patients.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for Sculptra will be at a healthy weight before treatment, with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular diet and exercise.
- Typical Age: 18 and older;
- Weight: Healthy weight (reduced caloric intake can minimize the body’s ability to create collagen)
- Health Restrictions:
- The body “overheals” and produces too much tissue around the site of an injury or a surgical site. This is an excess amount of collagen and therefore would not be beneficial considering Sculptra causes the production of collagen. These are, however, conditions that we can treat for you.
- Anyone with a medical condition should have an evaluation with our expert medical professionals for approval. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Sculptra treatments due to the lack of safety trials in these groups.
- Patients with a keloid history should understand the risk of keloid recurrence with the use of Sculptra.
Side Effects & Risks
The common side effects include site reactions that last from 3-14 days:
- Bruising
- Pain and Redness
- Swelling
- Itching and Heat Sensation
Other risks that are less common are:
- Lumps and Bumps
- Keloid Formation
Our team has years of experience in providing Sculptra Treatments. Get in touch today!
Sculptra FAQs
How long does Sculptra last?
Sculptra results usually last beyond 2 years. They leave some residual effects even after that so fewer injections may be needed for maintenance. Additionally, daily low-calorie intake can break down collagen, and Sculptra results faster, reducing its longevity. Bear in mind that Sculptra results are not instantly reversible like Hyaluronic acid fillers, so choosing an experienced injector is of utmost importance.
Is Sculptra better than filler?
Compared to hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Sculptra is biostimulatory. It is a PLLA-based injection that activates our own body to produce natural collagen. So it’s a better filler for those who do not want gel as the volumizing agent. However, since Sculptra is not instantly reversible, many choose hyaluronic acid-based fillers instead due to their ability to be instantly dissolved.
What does Sculptra do?
Sculptra is a PLLA-based filler whose main benefit is its ability to promote the body’s natural collagen synthesis. This results in a more glowy skin texture and re-inflated, youthful appearance. Additionally, the filler is used to reduce the thinning of skin which results in the reduction of wrinkles and folds. The results are usually more even than other instant fillers, and with facial movements, it behaves more like tissue rather than an injected gel.
What is the downside of Sculptra?
The downside of Sculptra is the possibility of lumps, bumps, or keloids that may not be instantly reversible. We generally recommend against its use in patients with keloid history and autoimmune problems. Common side effects of any injectables in general such as bruising and pain can also apply.
Can Sculptra go wrong?
Sculptra, like any medical procedure, has risks and side effects, but when given by a trained healthcare practitioner, the possibility of negative effects is greatly decreased. However, lumps, bumps, keloids, and injection site responses are all possible complications.
What is the best age for Sculptra?
There is no “best” age for Sculptra because it is dependent on individual cosmetic concerns. In the prevention of collagen decline, the best age may be from 28-30 years old. However, it’s often used to treat indicators of aging, so it’s more about addressing issues as they arise at any age. The only caveat is that as one passes 65 years of age, collagen production and response to Sculptra declines.
Does Sculptra lift the face?
Sculptra is essentially a collagen-stimulating therapy rather than a lifting procedure. However, when gaunt facial features are re-inflated with Sculptra, some lifting of the skin and facial structures will happen.
Can one session of Sculptra be enough?
One session is not enough to get the volume improvements you want. Healthcare experts suggest at least three sessions spaced 6 weeks apart to get the results you desire.
What works better than Sculptra?
The comparison of Sculptra to other procedures is dependent on the individual’s goals and needs. Sculptra is one of the most effective procedures for collagen stimulation. But for contouring of facial features, Sculptra may be too dispersed. Based on your specific intended goals, other fillers such as hyaluronic acid or surgical treatments such as facelifts may be looked into.
Get the results you’ve always wanted from the nation’s leading physician for Cosmetic Injectables!