One of the most common issues of aging is loss of facial volume, and there are a great many solutions for dealing with that. Sculptra treatments have not been around nearly as long as many other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as Botox, so not quite as much is known about it. A complimentary consultation at MD Beauty Labs in Palm Beach, FL is a great way to find out what type of treatment will best suit your specific purpose and facial type, but we like to provide as much general information as possible for people to access at their convenience.
How Long Will Sculptra Results Last?
Naturally, one of the most important factors in making a decision about facial rejuvenation is how long various treatments will last. It’s not surprising that the longer-lasting ones are very well-liked. Sculptra is one of these, the short answer is that this non-invasive technique actually lasts for years at a time.
Everyone is different so naturally there will be some variation between patients. However, once you have achieved the effect you are seeking, the benefits should last from two to three years. It’s not uncommon for patients to schedule an annual injection as a maintenance measure. On the other hand, there are some patients who are quite satisfied with their results for significantly longer than three years. Part of the reason for this is because of the way it works differently from other rejuvenation techniques.
How Is Sculptra Different From Other Treatments
This is not a traditional dermal filler, it differs from other cosmetic treatments in some very important ways.
Longer Lasting
As mentioned above, the benefits of this technique are counted in years. Most dermal fillers last only a matter of six to 18 months. That’s why this one is perfect for people who don’t really want to commit to a regular schedule of maintenance.
More Than Just a Filler
Not only does this method fill in areas where there has been a loss of volume, it does wonders for the texture of your skin. Fillers, implants, even full face-lifts will only affect the lines and wrinkles caused by aging. Those issues are due to the lack of elasticity that a lower amount of collagen causes. But a larger amount of collagen will also thicken and brighten your skin, so only your body’s own increase in collagen will add a natural healthy glow. You may be surprised at what an enormous difference that will make.
Gradual Results
Most fillers address the symptoms of facial aging. Sculptra, a brand name for Poly-L-Lactic Acid, actually zeroes in on the underlying cause by stimulating the body’s own collagen production. So, while the effects of other treatments are noticeable immediately, the changes from these treatments will both appear and dissipate very gradually. A lot of patients prefer that because the results are very subtle and natural looking, so they don’t all of a sudden look like they’ve “had work done”. The one thing you can be sure of with this technique is that your face will never look stiff or artificial.
Full-Face Effect
Instead of just filling in certain areas of the face, the body’s own collagen will rejuvenate your entire face. In fact, this technique is sometimes called a “fluid facelift” because it provides a natural lift and brightening to the entire face over time. It’s also been called the “champagne face-lift” because the results are so incredible and the entire experience is so easy.
Injection Technique
Other fillers are injected right into the folds or wrinkles that need to be repaired. But these injections penetrate deeper into the dermis and fan out into a cross-hatching pattern. This allows them to cover a larger area where volume loss has occurred. Also, unlike many other fillers, Sculptra is not a gel. It’s actually a powder that is mixed with water and injected as a liquid. Patients require an average of three treatments, every 8 weeks, usually 2 vials each. But then you’re done for years! This is a truly low maintenance solution to facial volume loss.
Easy Preparation and Aftercare
Most cosmetic treatments come with a list of suggestions to follow before you have them and after they’re done. This one actually requires no pre-testing or preparation whatsoever because it is minimally invasive. After the injections, patients just need to avoid the sun or tanning beds for a week or so and follow the “rule of 5s”. That just involves massaging the injected areas for about 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days. It just helps to ensure that the Poly-L-Lactic Acid is fully distributed. And that’s it!
Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid
A vast majority of fillers consist of hyaluronic acid. While our bodies contain more collagen than any other protein, both collagen and hyaluronic acid are produced naturally. Collagen keeps our skin smooth and supple. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the skin and keeps it hydrated. But collagen not only works with hyaluronic acid, it also works with elastin, which is the substance responsible for the elasticity of our skin. So stimulating collagen, as Poly-L-Lactic Acid does, gives you the advantages of all three: smooth and supple hydrated skin with elasticity.
How Does the Process Work?
During your first appointment with the doctor, you’ll furnish your medical history, including any conditions or allergies. When you go for your first treatment, your face will be thoroughly cleansed and the physician will map all of the places on your skin where he will be administering injections.
You only have to come in for a very quick visit, usually lasting under 60 minutes. There should be no pain, discomfort or bruising afterward, which means that there is very minimal downtime. So there is no reason why you can’t return to most of your normal activities immediately afterward, even work. In fact, many patients even come in on their lunch hour.
Where Can Sculptra Be Most Effective?
There are a number of issues that can be resolved by stimulating the collagen in your body, such as:
- Treats nasolabial folds, the lines between the mouth and nose
- Restores volume to hollow cheeks and temples
- Can lift and tone flat buttocks
- Reverse skin laxity
- Soften cheekbones
- Smooth wrinkles, including chins, lower neck and upper chest
- Reduce marionette, frown and brow lines
- Remove lines from around the mouth and eyes
- Eliminate cellulite, as well as fine or moderate lines
- Add definition to jawline
- Add plumpness to lips
However, this technique can actually improve the condition of your skin almost anywhere on your body. In addition to the above, it has been used to diminish wrinkles on knees and elbows. Some providers have even used it to add volume and increase definition of muscles such as biceps, triceps, and pectorals.
When Will I Start To See the Results of My Treatments?
Your face will actually look quite filled in after the very first treatment, but that will gradually subside a bit over the following 48 hours. Since it takes four to six weeks for your body to start producing its own collagen, most patients start to see dramatic results beginning after about two months. Your skin will continue to improve for up to six months, which is when the benefits of the injections should reach their peak.
At What Age Should I Start Sculptra Treatments?
The first signs of aging most commonly appear beginning in your 30s, because that is when the slowing down of collagen production in your body starts to become more noticeable. But collagen production actually starts decreasing at a rate of about 1% a year as soon as we turn 18. Since collagen is responsible for the suppleness of your skin, lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases will start forming in its absence.
The volume, elasticity, and tightness of the skin on your face and neck can actually be improved as soon as those signs become noticeable. But some of those problems develop for reasons other than aging. For instance, a pregnancy or significant weight loss may result in loose skin, regardless of age. This can be lifted on the face and neck, while volume can be added to lips for increased plumpness.
Is Sculptra Safe?
Poly-L-Lactic Acid has been in use all over the world since 1999. It’s been administered to more than 150,000 patients in 30 different countries, and was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2004. It is considered safe for both men and women, of all different kinds of skin types and skin tones. It does not harm the body or damage the skin in any way because the formula is completely biocompatible and fully biodegradable. It doesn’t contain any animal products or human DNA.
Allergy testing is not required, since there is no worry about allergic reactions, because the substance is synthetic. After it begins the collagen stimulation process, the Poly-L-Lactic Acid will just gradually be absorbed by the body. As a matter of fact, for decades before it became approved as an injectable, physicians were using it without any issues in absorbable stitches, soft tissue medical implants and other medical products. So the compatibility of this product with the human body has been indisputably proven.
Is Sculptra Right for You?
Long-lasting results are certainly desirable. However, they are not the only factor that has a significant impact on which treatment will best serve your specific purpose. Only an in-depth discussion with a professional will help you to determine that. But it’s hard to deny the appeal of a technique which is so quick, safe and easy, yet still provides such amazing results almost anywhere on your body. There aren’t a lot of cosmetic techniques that meet those criteria.
This volumizing dermal filler is an excellent alternative for those who would like long-lasting natural results with little maintenance required, but would prefer not to have laser therapy, facial fat transfer, or face-lift surgery. Also, it is often combined with other services, and there is no doubt about its popularity. One study found that 100% of patients would recommend this treatment to a friend.
Book a Free Appointment
While this treatment is easy for the patient, its delayed results mean that it requires a skilled experienced practitioner to administer the injections. That is the only way you can be assured of obtaining the long-term natural-looking results that this product is known for. Our doctors offer a number of injectable fillers, including Sculptra, and we invite you to benefit from our training and experience. Contact MD Beauty Labs in Palm Beach, FL today, to schedule a complimentary consultation so that you can speak to a professional in person. It is completely free, and we will be happy to help you devise a custom plan that will ensure you achieve your cosmetic goals.