A guide to Sculptra®
Sculptra is one of our most popular treatments for improving skin firmness and elasticity. It works by stimulating the skin to create more collagen, elastin and fat cells in the top layers of the skin, resulting in a smoother, plumper and more even complexion. This is our favourite treatment to maintain the youthfulness of the skin and improve early jowls and loss of skin elasticity.
How does Sculptra treatment work?
Sculptra is an injectable treatment made of PLLA, which is similar to what dissolvable stitches used in surgery are made from. The PLLA is a very fine powder, mixed with sterile water and some anaesthetic to make it more comfortable for you. Once it is injected, your body works to clear away the PLLA, resulting in your skin cells being stimulated to produce more collagen, elastin and fat. It works gradually over time, giving extremely natural results. We can change the pattern and placement of injection depending on what we are targeting, making it one of our most versatile and popular options for skin quality and rejuvenation.
What can Sculptra® be used to treat?
Sculptra can be used to treat the gradual loss of facial structure and tissue quality that happens with time and ageing. It is particularly effective for addressing:
- Facial volume loss from ageing in particular the cheeks, temples and sides of the face
- Flattening of the cheeks and midface where the face has lost some of its youthful shape and contours
- Temple hollowing by helping to gradually restore tissue thickness and contour
- Lower face ageing including loss of support around the jawline and early jowling, usually by treating the broader structural changes than injecting it directly into the jowl area
- Nasolabial folds and marionette area ageing – indirectly by improving surrounding volume and collagen support rather than simply filling the fold
- Skin laxity and thinning – improving collagen can make the skin feel firmer and look less crepey
- Overall facial ageing particularly for those who do not want obvious additional volume but want to look subtly more refreshed
- Body indications such as the neck, decolletage, under arms, buttock and inner thighs
What happens during a Sculptra® appointment?
During your appointment the skin will be thoroughly cleaned before a small numbing injection is used to make the treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Your clinician will then gently place the product in the skin. Once the treatment is complete, the area will be massaged to ensure an even distribution of Sculptra under the skin. Initially, you can look a little bit ‘puffy’ due to the water the PLLA is mixed with. This will settle within 12-48 hour depending on the amount of product used. Sculptra is measured in ‘vials’. For most patients, a course of 3 sessions, 6-8 weeks between each is recommended initially. Maintenance is then one session per year making it a low maintenance and long-lasting treatment option that continues to improve with time. In each session, 1-3 vials will be placed, which is why the treatment cost can vary between patients. The number of vials recommended will be discussed during your consultation.
How soon before I see the results from Sculptra®?
Most patients start to see improvements in their overall skin quality within the first 6-8 weeks, however optimum results build over 6-12 months. Due to the subtle and gradual nature of the treatment, it is normal if you do not see a significant change in the mirror, as the changes are happening slowly. After 1 year we recommend a single maintenance appointment to keep the results looking as good in the long term.
How long do Sculptra® treatments last?
Clinical studies with Sculptra show that after a course of 3 treatments the benefits can last more than 2 years. That being said we recommend a single session annually to maintain the results and prevent your skin returning to baseline.
Who can have Sculptra® treatment?
Most patients are suitable for Sculptra. We will discuss this in detail during your consultation. Patients with autoimmune conditions are unlikely able to have this treatment, however there are other options most of the time.
What should I do before Sculptra® treatment?
- We kindly ask that you do not wear makeup to your appointment
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment
- Avoid skin, beauty and other aesthetic treatments (unless discussed with your clinician) for 2 weeks prior to your Sculptra treatment
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, vitamin A and vitamin E (unless prescribed to you) for 7 days prior to treatment
- You must not have had any vaccinations (including Covid-19) in the last 2 weeks
- Do not undertake any invasive treatment for two weeks ahead of your appointment, including dental treatment, surgery or permanent makeup.
- If you have a special event coming up, please ensure that you schedule your appointment well in advance. We recommend at least 4 weeks.
- Do not attend for Sculptra treatment if you have had a cold, flu, infection, antibiotics or vaccination in the last 2 weeks. You must be feeling well to have this treatment.
- If you have a history of herpes/cold sores, please contact us in advance as you may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment.
Please contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns.
What should I do after Sculptra® treatment?
- Do avoid exposure to UV and getting too hot for 48 hours after treatment, for example strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, hot weather, sun beds, sauna, steam room. This is because heat causes increased blood flow which might cause increased swelling, discomfort and bruising. It also increases your risk of infection.
- You can keep the area cool with a cold compress, but do not press hard or apply ice as this can cause an injury.
- Massage the treatment site with clean hands for 5 minutes, 5 times per day for 5 days after treatment (your clinician will demonstrate how to do this)
- Don’t have any other facial massages, facial electric stimulation, dermaroller, semi-permanent makeup, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after your treatment unless advised by your clinician.
- Don’t apply makeup or have a spray tan until 24 hours after treatment. This is to reduce the risk of infection.
- Don’t wear tight caps/garments in the area that has been injected.
- Do not use retinol, acids or other vitamin A products on the skin for 48 hours.
Are Sculptra® injections safe?
Although there are risks associated with all treatments, overall this is considered a safe treatment with few reported adverse reactions. It is very important to book a consultation to discuss all possible risks with the clinician prior to treatment.
More common risks: swelling, bruising, redness, bleeding, bumps, tenderness at injection site
There are other risks to consider depending on where is being treated.
What should I expect after Sculptra® treatment?
Due to anaesthetic in the product, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the procedure, and have some moderate swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the areas treated. Some people experience a dull ache, and tenderness over the treated areas which usually subsides between 48-72 hours. Mild, non-painful swelling may last for up to 4 weeks in most cases. Bruising is usually visible initially, then more obvious the next day before fading over 7-14 days. A small minority of bruises can last for 4-6 weeks.
