Sculptra
- Sal
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is supplied as a vial of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) powder that is a synthetic polymer, biocompatible (easily accepted by our body),and biodegradable(safely degraded by our body) .
What is Sculptra’s mechanism of action?
When injected under the skin, it promotes a subclinical inflammatory response that stimulates deposition of collagen in the extracellular space for soft-tissue augmentation. Sculptra restore volume loss of the concavity of the cheeks and temples resulting in rejuvenation o of wrinkles, folds and deep furrows such as nasolabial folds.The resultant restoration of facial volume occurs in a controlled, predictable manner and is long lasting.
How Sculptra is prepared before injection?
Sculptra should be reconstituted (mixed) with sterile water to a total dilution of 9cc (8cc sterile water + 1cc xylocaine) for face injection.
It is reconstituted to a total dilution of 18cc (16cc sterile water + 2cc xylocaine) for neck injection.
The reconstituted Sculptra is allowed to hydrate for 72 hours before injection and the xylocaine was added immediately prior to injection.
What can you expect during Sculptra injection?
Sculptra injection is a non-surgical medical procedure requiring specific training, knowledge and skill to ensure safe treatment and natural-looking results. It begins with a consultation, during which you will meet with our cosmetic doctor to discuss your medical history (allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications), your concerns and goals.
First the area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the area prior to injection. Our doctor will then inject a precise amount of Sculptra strategically into the deep dermis( skin ) or into the subcutaneous( under skin ) layer by needle or cannula and “blanketing” the surface area to be treated at that session is the end point.
You can notice some improvement immediately after receiving Sculptra injections but seeing the Sculptra’s complete results needs at least three session treatments that are 4 weeks apart.
Who is not a good candidate for Sculptra injection? (Contraindications)
Sculptra may not be appropriate for people with certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders, certain neurologic disorders, pregnant/breastfeeding, being on a blood thinner, a known allergy/hypersensitivity to the filler materials or the lidocaine mixed in the syringe of the filler, active infection near the site of injection.
What Risks are associated with dermal Sculptra injection?
Common risks include:
Bruising
Redness
Swelling
Pain
Rash
Less common risks include:
Inflammation
Infection
Allergic reaction
Necrosis (tissue death). This is the most serious risk associated with Sculptra injection and it happens when the material is accidentally injected into a blood vessel causing skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness. While the chances of this happening are very low, if it does happen, the resulting complications can be serious and may be permanent.
What should be avoided before Sculptra injection?
Avoid any blood thinning agents or supplements, including St. John’s Wort,
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking for about 24 hours before your procedure.
What should be avoided after Sculptra injection?
Don't sleep on your face
Don't apply makeup.
Avoid hot temperatures.
Don't drink alcohol on the day of treatment and try to avoid it for 2 days after.
Avoid exercising for 2 days or until swelling subsides.
What is aftercare for Sculptra?
To further enhance the distribution of the product, you are required to massage using the “rule of 5s”:
5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.
When you can see the results of Sculptra?
You should understand that treatment is gradual,and you need multiple treatment sessions ( at least three session 4 weeks apart) and periodic maintanace (once per year) for an enduring effetcs.
What is the difference between dermal filler and Sculptra as a method of volume restoration?
Sculptra stimulates collagen production for gradual, long-lasting volume restoration, while dermal fillers provide immediate volume enhancement by physically filling in areas of volume loss with substances like hyaluronic acid.