Scultpra® Aesthetic
What is Sculptra®? It is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid/collagen stimulator that has been approved for cosmetic use to treat shallow-to-deep nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles.
Injectable poly-L-lactic acid thickens skin and stimulates the body to replace lost collagen, the primary structural protein found in skin. It provides the supple, elastic quality associated with youth. Unfortunately, our body’s natural supply of collagen is depleted as we age.
Sculptra® Aesthetic provides subtle results over time. A full course of treatment includes as many as four sessions spaced between three and eight weeks apart. The results may last for more than two years.
Because Sculptra® is reconstituted with sterile water and lidocaine, most clients find the treatment far less uncomfortable then they anticipated. Your provider may offer topical or injectable anesthetic to block the nerves so you don’t feel pain. Pro-nox™ (a nitrous oxide/oxygen delivery system) is becoming increasingly popular for use during injectable procedures, as well. (Pain is subjective, and many people report experiencing little-to-no pain with Sculptra® Aesthetic.)
Sculptra® was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for facial "wasting" in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. It has long been used in the face to provide volume lost to aging, genetic predisposition or disease process.
As is true of most fillers now, Sculptra® is often used to treat “off label” areas (not yet FDA approved). With the increased emphasis world-wide on minimally invasive whole body rejuvenation, much attention has turned to the use of bio-stimulating fillers to treat areas other than the face, and these areas are trending in a big way!
Getting a lot of buzz are the following areas of the body – needing volume restoration (without bulking) are:
- Treating laxity to the skin of the upper arms, abdomen, inner thighs and upper knee,
- Sculptra® is becoming a popular choice for the injectable “butt lift” and to treat cellulite.
Side Effects may include:
Bleeding
Pain/discomfort
Redness
Bruising and/or swelling
Small bumps and lumps under the skin
Infection
Sculptra® Aesthetic side effects tend to occur at the injection site. The “5 rule” of massaging the treated areas five times daily, for five minutes, for five days after each treatment may allow for more even distribution and lower risk of some side effects.
Sculptra® Aesthetic cost varies based on how many treatments and vials are needed. A general guideline is that you’ll need a vial per decade of age to restore vibrancy to the face. We are all different, however, and some may need more, particularly if they are exceedingly thin/gaunt. Prices vary by location of practice but you can expect to pay roughly $1,400 at Cielo for each treatment to the face. Sculptra® is on sale this month (June), making it a perfect time to seek treatment – whether for your face or body!
