Sculptra

At Derma Health Skin & Laser, we are committed to improve the overall health and structure of your skin. So when patients visit and express interest in Dermal Fillers we also take the time to assess the tone, texture and tightness of their skin. Laser skin treatments work deep below the surface to restore your radiant skin tone, create a smoother, more even texture and also tighten lax or loose skin. Treating the skin from the inside out with lasers creates a flawless foundation upon which to apply fillers.

When we think of fillers, we often refer to them as the icing on the cake. Fillers smooth lines and wrinkles and restore lost volume to lips, cheeks, temples and the mid or lower face. We love how effective they are and the immediate results they provide.

Over time, studies have shown that certain fillers, like Radiesse, may stimulate the production of collagen. But the filler that really packs a punch in this area is Sculptra.

What Is Sculptra?

While Sculptra falls under the Dermal Filler category, it has one important distinction: it contains poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible synthetic substance similar to our body's natural lactic acid, which also happens to be a powerful collagen enhancer.

Since your body starts slowing production of collagen in your early 20s, your original collagen network will start breaking down over time. Sculptra actually rebuilds this structure, restoring the collagen lost throughout the aging process.

What Areas Does Sculptra Treat?

Sculptra has been available since 1999 and is very versatile. It was originally approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat facial fat loss for people living with HIV. Then in 2009 the FDA approved Sculptra Aesthetic to treat deep facial wrinkles and folds in healthy adults.

Now, Sculptra can be used to:

• Restore facial volume, structure and support that may have diminished due to weight loss, aging or illness (sunken cheeks and temples, deep lines, creases and folds around the nose, mouth and chin);
• Restore or add volume to the buttocks (nonsurgical Butt Lift);
• Smooth out elbow, chest and knee wrinkles;
• Eliminate acne scars;
• Reduce the appearance of cellulite;
• Add volume and definition to glutes, thighs, biceps, triceps and pectorals.

How Much Will I Need?

For the face, the general rule of thumb is you'll need one vial of Sculptra per decade of life. So if you are a 40 year old, you’ll probably need about four vials of Sculptra per treatment for optimal results. The amount needed to treat the buttocks and other areas of the body can vary greatly depending on the patient and the results they hope to achieve.

The average treatment regimen is three injection appointments spaced out over four to six weeks.

What Can I Expect At My Appointment?

It is very important that you select your medical provider carefully. Like any medical procedure, Sculptra may have contraindications, side effects and complications if administered incorrectly. Derma Health's Medical Providers are trained in the latest, most advanced injection techniques and all have received extensive training in administering Sculptra.

If taking aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, you'll want to discontinue use a few days before treatment. If on Antibiotics, we recommend waiting at least 5 days.

During your initial consultation, your medical provider will want to understand which areas are of most concern to you. Your provider will then conduct an assessment and offer recommendations for treatment.

After cleansing the skin, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic. When the treatment area is numb, your provider will map the injection sites and begin administering your injections. You may experience some stinging or slight discomfort during the procedure, but generally our patients report little pain. Immediately after treatment your injection sites may appear flushed, red and swollen. Some patients may experience mild bruising.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

After your injections, you may see additional volume in the treatment areas. But since Sculptra is working below the surface to restore and rebuild your collagen network, results may not be apparent until up to 6 weeks later. Your provider will recommend follow up treatments for optimal results, typically 3 or 4 spaced 4-6 weeks apart. During this timeframe your collagen network continues to build and replenish. Results can last up to 2 years.

What Should I Do After My Appointments?

• You'll want to apply a cold pack to the treatment areas for a few minutes at a time for the first 24 hours. In addition, it's important that you massage the area for five minutes at a time, five times a day for five days.
• You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment. You can also apply makeup several hours later.
• You'll want to avoid excessive sunlight or tanning beds until all the redness and swelling disappears.

Note: Sculptra is not recommended for people with allergies to ingredients or people with medical conditions that cause irregular scarring.