Everything About Sculptra!
Are you looking for a way to age gracefully, I know I am! As we continue to take annual trips around the sun, we lose volume in our face along with collagen and elasticity form our skin, resulting in wrinkles, volume loss and sagging. By the time we are 35, we will have already lost 15% of our collagen and 35% by the time we are 55. That’s about 1% collagen loss a year starting in our 20’s! How unfair is that?! It is this very collagen production, which is responsible for providing the underlying framework and foundation for our skin. The good news is that we can slow this process down…WITHOUT looking overdone! Recent advancements in aesthetic treatments can boost collagen and elastin production helping the skin regain firmness.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an exceptional anti-aging solution for enhancing facial features. Sculptra is different from other dermal products on the market. Dermal fillers typically consist of hyaluronic acid; working on areas such as cheeks, chin, jawline, lips, or under the eyes. Such fillers may show instant results but only produce results for 6-18 months. Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and is used in areas such as the temples, hairline, high cheek in front of the ears, and the jawline impacting the structure of the face and rejuvenating the skin. Sculptra aids in smoothing wrinkles, fine lines and addresses volume loss in the face.
How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra is a biostimulator, that provides long lasting, natural looking results. It is unique in its ability to stimulate new collagen production and correct lost facial volume without downtime. With the replacement of lost collagen, Sculptra is an injectable filler that gives you both a gradual replacement of your body’s natural collagen, and restores the youthful appearance of your own skin…not to mention that this is a perfect option if you are trying to hide your anti-aging routines from your significant other!
It takes effect gradually over 4 to 6 weeks after each Sculptra treatment and depending on the area, it can take three or four treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart. Ultimately, after about four to six months of treatment, you will see the full cosmetic results of your Sculptra injections.
How long does Sculptra last, and how many Sculptra treatments are needed?
Sculptra, results can be seen as early as two months after the initial treatment and can last up to 24 months. Yearly boosting treatments are optimal to continue in the production of collagen. The boosting treatments will require less vials and sessions compared to the beginning phases. Patients will see a gradual improvement. The number of treatments required varies per individual.
The number of treatments is dependent on the amount of collagen or volume loss in the body before treatment. Consultations before treatment will determine how much Sculptra is needed for each patient.
How many vials of Sculptra do I need?
The number of vials needed for your face depends on both your age and your desired treatment results. In general, more mature patients with more volume loss, will require 2-3 vials per treatment session and younger patients 1 vial for each facial treatment. The chest, hands, and knees, all generally require 1 vial per treatment session. The buttocks and hip dips require more vials, and the larger the desired shape and the more volume loss, the more vials needed to treat the area. In general, 6 to 10 vials are needed for each treatment session in this area.
A good rule of thumb for how much product is needed in the face is one vial per decade of age; this number is approximately how many vials are needed. For example, if you are in your 30’s your total estimated dose would be 3 vials. Maintenance is recommended once per year at approximately 1 vial per year. For the body, it takes 4-5 vials per side on average per treatment to add volume to the buttocks. It takes about 1-2 vials per side per treatment for cellulite reduction
What can I expect at my appointment?
The treatment areas and the amount of product used will determine the length of the procedure. Appointments typically range from 45-60 minutes. A needle or cannula (blunt needle) can be used to inject the product. We offer topical and injectable lidocaine for your comfort. The site will be massaged after injection and you will be instructed on how to do the massage so you’re comfortable and capable of doing this on your own. This product needs to be massaged for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days.
Procedure for Sculptra:
During the consultation, the injector will run a comprehensive assessment of the skin that needs to be treated. The injector will review details regarding the patient medical history, medications, or any allergies. Medical history is crucial to avoid any risks and complications during the procedure. Patients will need to stop any blood thinners for a few days to reduce the risk of bleeding. The procedure begins with mapping injection sites and proper cleansing of the area. Topical anesthesia will be given to reduce any discomfort. The injector will begin the procedure by delivering multiple injections into the skin. This treatment is only minimally invasive, and you will be allowed to go back to your routine instantly post-treatment. Your injector will advise you of any special instructions.
General guidelines:
Ice pack the treated site intermittently after the procedure.
Avoid direct sunlight until the swelling is gone.
Do not perform any excessive physical activity for 24 hours.
Sculptra can be injected in various places of the face and body including the following treatment areas:
Sunken cheeks
Sunken temples
Facial jowls and marionette lines
Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Facial jaw
Facial forehead
Facial chin wrinkles
Décolletage
Buttocks
Hip Dips
Hands
Inner arms
Upper knees
Let’s Get Started!
Please contact us at Wisdom and Youth in Westport, CT for a consultation. We can perform and evaluation and customize a plan best suited for you and your needs.