Sculptra

Sculptra Aesthetic is a cosmetic filler that reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the nose, mouth and chin. Over several weeks, its unique formula helps your skin become firmer and smoother, rejuvenating your appearance. If you’re in Buncombe or Henderson County, NC, discover the benefits of Sculptra by booking an appointment at SkinOvation Advanced Aesthetics.

Sculptra at SkinOvation Advanced Aesthetics

Sculptra was developed by Galderma, the makers of Restylane, and first approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s a longer-lasting alternative to traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers with incredibly natural-looking results. 

As you age, your skin produces less collagen, a protein that supports cellular growth and maintains skin’s elasticity and firmness. Skin with reduced collagen will sag, wrinkle and fold, making you look older. Sculptra addresses this issue by increasing the production of collagen in your skin. 

This formula contains microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), an absorbable implant material. When injected into the dermis, the middle layer of skin, PLLA is converted into lactic acid, which stimulates collagen production. 

Over the course of approximately 6 months, the PLLA breaks down and is absorbed by your body. Its effects remain visible for 1 to 2 years.

Before and After Photos

Please note the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with Sculptra. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes Sculptra will obtain these or similar results.

Who are the Best Candidates for Sculptra?

The best candidates for Sculptra are men and women who have wrinkles and folds around their nose, mouth or chin. The majority of our Sculptra patients are in their 40s and 50s, but we see clients of all ages; it’s approved for people aged 18 and older.

This treatment is ideal for people who prefer to make cosmetic changes gradually over several months rather than achieve dramatic, overnight results that traditional HA fillers offer.

Sculptra is not recommended to anyone who is immunocompromised, or has an inflammatory condition, bleeding disorder or history of keloid scarring. 

To discuss your eligibility for Sculptra, book an appointment with one of our certified cosmetic injectors.

What Can You Treat with Sculptra?

Sculptra is FDA-approved to treat several kinds of wrinkles on the lower face including:

Nasolabial folds

These folds, or lines, run alongside the nose to the corners of the mouth. They’re caused by smoking, sun damage and the natural aging process.

Marionette lines

These lines run from the outer corners of the mouth down to the chin. They’re a natural part of the aging process but are more pronounced in some people than others, likely due to genetics.

Chin wrinkles

With age, repeated movements and overactivity in the chin muscles can cause dimpling or creasing. People who carry tension in the jaw are more likely to develop chin wrinkles.

What to Expect During Your Sculptra Treatment

At your Sculptra treatment, one of our board-certified cosmetic injectors will first numb your skin with a topical anesthetic. Once this has taken effect, they’ll cleanse your face with an alcohol wipe and draw lines to map out where the product will be injected.

Then, they’ll insert a long, thin needle under your skin and administer the Sculptra in a fan-shaped pattern, starting at the highest point of the treatment area and working downward.

Once all the injections have been made, your provider will vigorously massage your face for several minutes; this process helps the PLLA microparticles distribute evenly throughout the skin. The entire appointment typically takes about 45 minutes. 

Sculptra results

After your Sculptra injections, you’ll immediately see increased volume in the treated areas. However, this is a temporary effect of the carrier solution in which the PLLA microparticles are suspended. This solution will be naturally absorbed by your skin within a few days.

Over the next 4 weeks, collagen production in your skin will increase, gradually building volume in the treated area. Pronounced wrinkles and folds will be less noticeable, and dimples on your chin will soften and smooth out.

Sculptra is a product that should be built up over time. We recommend three sessions scheduled 4–6 weeks apart for most of our clients. However, the exact number of injections you’ll need depends on the severity of your wrinkles or folds. 

Once the series is complete, you can expect the effects of your Sculptra injections to last for 1 to 2 years. 

Related Treatments

At SkinOvation, we offer multiple services addressing wrinkles and folds in the lower half of the face. As alternatives to Sculptra, you might consider:

• Radiesse – If you’d prefer faster results than Sculptra can offer, Radiesse addresses the same concerns more quickly, although results last for a shorter period of time

• Restylane – A family of HA fillers that can add volume to cheeks or lips, and fill out depressions below the eyes

• Bellafill – As an alternative to HA fillers, Bellafill’s unique formulation treats wrinkles in the short term while encouraging skin to increase collagen production over the long term

• Botox – This popular neurotoxin can smooth lines around the nose and mouth; depending on the nature of your volume loss and wrinkles, Botox may be a more effective option than fillers

Some of these treatments can also be used in conjunction with Sculptra for optimal results. At your consultation, we can discuss the best combination of products to meet your aesthetic goals.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost? 

Like many injectables, Sculptra is priced by the vial. Therefore, the cost of your treatment is based on how much of the product is necessary to achieve the look you want. For more information about our pricing, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sculptra FAQ 

Do Sculptra injections hurt?

Most people do not find Sculptra injections painful. However, in the week after treatment, you may experience soreness, bruising and swelling. You can address these side effects by applying a cloth-wrapped cold pack to your face and taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

What are the risks associated with Sculptra?

Sculptra is considered very safe, and PLLA has been used in medical settings for decades. Rare side effects include lumps, small bumps, bleeding and inflammation. 

Reduce the risk of these adverse effects by choosing a reputable, board-certified injector for your Sculptra treatments.

How do I care for my face after Sculptra?

After your session, avoid excessive sunlight until all swelling and redness has subsided.

Starting the day after treatment, massage the treated area for five minutes, five times a day for five days. This is important to help the product distribute evenly in your skin.

How do I maintain my results?

After the initial series of three treatments, many of our patients schedule yearly upkeep appointments. While your skin will continue to age, adopting good lifestyle habits such as eating a healthy diet, wearing SPF 30 sunscreen every day, getting adequate rest and not smoking will help you maintain a more youthful appearance.