Sculptra® Aesthetic Facial Volumizer

Sculptra Aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected to correct the effects of fat loss, natural age-related bone loss, genetic contours and facial asymmetries.

Sculptra™ is an injectable volumizing treatment that stimulates the regeneration of the body’s own collagen to smooth out lines and wrinkles and restore lost facial volume to give you a fuller, younger-looking face.

Sunken cheeks, temple indentations, and hollows under the eyes regain lost volume over time by Sculptra's ability to promote production of your body's natural collagen in the treated areas. This process of natural-restructure of the skin continues long after the course of treatment has been completed.

Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. Volume effects have persisted in numerous patients for over 3 years.

Total Dermatology Sculptra Patients
Photo Source Nissan Pilest, MD

Sculptra has been in use since 1999 (first under the trade name New-Fill in Europe) for a variety of facial volume and contour deficiencies. In 2004, the product was approved in the United States for large-volume corrections of the signs of lipoatrophy (facial fat loss) and was subsequently approved for restoring volume for cosmetic purposes.
Safety Information

Because the main component in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid, is a polymer synthetically derived from natural components and is a biocompatible substance (does not harm the body), there is no need to test for allergic reactions. Poly-L-lactic acid has been used in surgical products for more than 20 years.

Sculptra is the "patient" patient's ideal restoration procedure. Since it takes time for your body to manufacture new collagen, the results can not be instant. But patience has rewards because the new volume is that of your own tissue. Sculptra injections can be more globally injected in the face, thereby providing even, soft, natural collagen layers that "age with you."

As with all injectable fillers, technique is a vital component in delivering the best potential outcome. For this reason, aware patients will choose a dermatologist or surgeon who has the special required knowledge of anatomy and extensive experience.

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What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

View Animation of Sculptra In Action

Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra?

No skin testing is required prior to use.

Are the results from Sculptra immediate?

No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra™ worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra™. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra™ takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Dr. Pilest will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more Sculptra™ injections.

How many treatments are required?

Dr. Pilest will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra™ you will need at each session. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions. First sessions most always start with 2 vials to create the proper "priming" level of new collagen production.

How long do treatment results last?

Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

Do injections of Sculptra™ hurt?

As with any injection, injections with Sculptra™ may hurt. Sculptra™ is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Dr. Pilest will apply a topical or local anesthetic.

What can I expect to happen at a treatment session?

• Make-up should be removed and the area where the injections will be given
  will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
• Sculptra™ will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a very fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed.
• An ice pack will be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
• After the treatment session, the area is thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.

What can I expect after treatment?

Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra™, redness, swelling, pain, bruising or all of these signs can happen in the treatment area. These signs usually go away in a few hours to a few days. Some patients have had some bruising that has lasted about a week. You will be given specific post-treatment care instructions which will include massaging the area a few times each day for several days after the treatment session.

What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra™?

Adverse events include immediate and transient injection-related adverse events such as bleeding from the injection site, discomfort, erythema or inflammation, ecchymosis, pruritus, and edema. Other adverse events include the delayed occurrence of subcutaneous papules, which were confined to the injection site and were typically palpable, asymptomatic, and non-visible. Visible nodules, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported. In the pivotal clinical study the numbers of papules and nodules were low and most resolved without treatment. www.SculptraAesthetic.com

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Other Related De-Aging Treatments

Restylane - Hyaluronic filler (synthetic)
Juvederm- Hyaluronic acid filler lasting up to one year
Radiesse - Calcium hydroxylaptite filler (same substance as found in teeth and bones)
Botox - Dynamic wrinkle reduction
IPL (Photo Facial) - Removes sun-induced diffuse hyper-pigmentation
Cosmelan De-Pigmentation - Effective on resistant chloasma and melasma pigmentation
Vbeam vascular laser - Removes spider veins and reduces redness of Rosacea
Thermage - Skin tightening and lifting using noninvasive radiofrequency technology