Just like a fine wine, Sculptra has only gotten better with age since its FDA approval in 2004. It often gets compared to other rejuvenation treatments such as Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvéderm, etc. but Sculptra is completely different. Before you begin looking up “Sculptra near me”, we’re going to break down the 12 things you need to know about Sculptra in this complete guide!
- What is Sculptra?
- What are the benefits of Sculptra?
- How does Sculptra work?
- Sculptra Before and After Photos
- How much Sculptra do you need?
- What are the possible side effects of Sculptra?
- Sculptra versus Popular Cosmetic Rejuvenation Procedures
- How long does Sculptra last?
- Where can I get Sculptra on my body?
- What is a Sculptra Butt Lift (BBL)?
- Am I a good candidate for Sculptra?
- How much does Sculptra cost?
What is Sculptra?
More than just an injectable filler, this cosmetic injection works by stimulating natural collagen production. Sculptra can improve the appearance of deep wrinkles all around the face, correct hollowed temples, add volume to define cheeks and be used as a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift!
Sculptra provides a full face rejuvenation, rather than just a “spot treatment” done with traditional fillers. And Sculptra continues to improve skin elasticity for months after your visit!
This cosmetic treatment is most commonly used to diminish fine lines, facial wrinkles, and folds and has been clinically approved to treat smile lines, wrinkles around the nose and mouth as well as chin wrinkles.
What are the benefits of Sculptra?
This section is basically a love note to Sculptra for every reason you should do it! There are many benefits to this treatment but we’ve narrowed it down to our four favorite Sculptra benefits. For the TLDR version, we’ve listed the main benefits here:
- Sculptra is minimally invasive
- Sculptra has less downtime
- Sculptra helps reduces cellulite
- Sculptra has longer rejuvenation results
Sculptra is minimally invasive
First off, Sculptra is considered a minimally invasive procedure because it is injected beneath the skin and doesn’t require any major anesthesia or OR time. This is great for any patients who may be considered higher risk for more invasive procedures such as a traditional facelift or butt lift.
Sculptra has less downtime
Next, Sculptra has considerably less downtime due to its injectable nature! Most patients report some social downtown of two-to-three days by choice. For reference, traditional facelifts may take up to eight weeks to recover depending on the type of facelift and how long/deep the incision was. The most common Sculptra side effects include redness, tenderness at the injection site and itching. which is slightly more comfortable than dealing with an incision wound and a formal post-op recovery.
Sculptra helps reduces cellulite
As mentioned above, the injectible biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid works to stimulate collagen growth. If targeted in areas with Cellulite, the new collagen production continues to work over time and gradually helps to fill in cellulite dimples.
Other cellulite reduction treatment options include laser treatments such as Profound and radio-frequency microneedling, Cellulaze and Renuvion.
Sculptra has longer rejuvenation results
Sculptra is considered a longer lasting solution to collagen loss when it’s compared to other treatments such as Botox, Dysport, Restylane and Juvéderm which tend to carry more frequent touch-up appointments.
Sculptra is officially FDA-cleared to last for up to two years when used in the face at the recommended dosages (the company’s recommendation is one vial per decade of your life, given over a three-month period). Although it is approved to last for up to two years, many of our Imagen Body Sculpting and Cosmetic Center Sculptra patients receive one-to-two vials per year for maintenance. This helps to keep your collagen levels higher and prevents the up-and-down cycles of waiting until it’s gone to have your next injection.
Please note: individual results may vary.
How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler formulated with poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA, a biocompatible, biodegradable compound that has been used in dissolvable stitches for years. When this compound is injected under the skin, it stimulates your body to produce more collagen in the treated area. The body then breaks down the PLLA and leaves behind your body’s own collagen, filling in the lines and replacing lost volume!
Sculptra Before and After Photos
Please note that results may vary.
How much Sculptra do you need?
This is a tricky question to answer. The right amount for your unique case will depend on your age, the condition of your skin and volume now, your skincare routine (including sunscreen) and your genetics. A good starting point for planning your treatment is to use Galderma’s recommendation of one vial per decade of your life, given over a three-month period when targeting the face. Our specialists can help you determine if you may need more or less than this amount.
If you’re interested in a Sculptra Butt Lift, expect that several vials may be required in order to meet your goal size. Keep in mind that your lower cheeks are larger than the upper ones! Click here to learn more about Sculptra Butt Lifts or keep on reading below!
What are the possible side effects of Sculptra?
Just like with any dermal filler skin treatment, you may experience some swelling, bruising at the injection site, redness, tenderness, itching etc. Many patients make the personal choice to do a social downtime period of two-to-three days after the procedure but unless instructed by your provider, this is more so based on your comfort level than anything!
Be sure to follow all of the post-injection instructions given by your provider. Sculptra shouldn’t be used by patients with a history of irregular scarring or anyone with allergies to the ingredients of Sculptra.
Sculptra versus Popular Cosmetic Rejuvenation Procedures
A lot of people wonder if Sculptra is better than fillers? But, really they have different uses and mechanisms of action, it’s not really an apples-to-apples comparison. Both are great for certain aspects of rejuvenation and both have shortfalls. Often, we combine Sculptra and fillers to get the best of both worlds!
To learn more about other dermal fillers, click here.
Sculptra versus Botox and Dysport Filler (Neuromodulators)
This is really an apples to cucumbers comparison. The popular wrinkle relaxer Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxina) is used to reduce the frequent muscle contractions that are part of facial expression. This results in a more relaxed, stress-free, and youthful appearance. Botox is derived from clostridium botulinum and has been used in millions of patients worldwide to treat undesirable frown lines between your brows, forehead wrinkles and to soften crow’s feet around the eyes. But that’s not all it can do — click here to learn more about what Botox can be used for!
Dysport is also used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve a gummy smile, soften the jawline, and help with grinding teeth. Both Botox and Dysport are used for the same purpose, however, which product you choose depends on your personal preference. Dysport is growing in popularity because of its slightly lower price point and natural-looking results. To learn more about the difference between Botox and Dysport, click here.
Botox and Dysport are considered Neuromodulators because of how they relax the lines of facial expression. Sculptra doesn’t affect the movement of your facial muscles, it reduces the appearance of the lines of expression by increasing the collagen in the skin over the muscles. Beat results will come with a combination of the two treatments.
Sculptra versus Restylane and Juvéderm
There are several FDA-approved Dermal Fillers available such as Restylane and Juvéderm, but unlike other fillers that increase the facial volume just below wrinkles and folds for immediate results, Sculptra stimulates natural collagen production gradually over time. Restylane and Juvéderm contain hyaluronic acid whereas Sculptra is made with poly-L-lactic acid. We believe this gives a more natural-looking result in our patients. It also results in a full-face rejuvenation rather than “spot treatment” that is done with fillers.
While the results of fillers depend on the filler being present, the Sculptra results depend on how long your new collagen lasts. This typically leads to Sculptra having a longer result than most fillers. The results appear gradually as your natural collagen production increases and it may take up to three months to see the full results of your injections
Results for Restylane and Juvéderm are immediately visible. Sculptra, in contrast, sees a noticeable result about six weeks after the first injection with collagen growth continuously working over time so results may last up to two years.
Even so, we typically recommend that patients maintain their results with a plan for one-to-two vials per year. By following a regular maintenance treatment regimen, some patients avoid the need to repeat the entire initial series of treatment sessions.
Please note that individual results may vary.
How long does Sculptra last?
Patients tend to see a noticeable result about six weeks after the first Sculptra injection with collagen growth continuously working over time so results may last up to two years.
At Imagen, we recommend patients maintain their results with a plan for one-to-two vials per year. By following a regular maintenance treatment regimen, some patients can avoid the need to repeat the entire initial series of treatment sessions.
Please note that individual results may vary.
Where can I get Sculptra on my body?
Sculptra can be used on a number of areas of the body to replace lost volume and improve skin tone and texture! The most popular choices are:
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Neck lines
- Décolleté
- Hands
- Cellulite
In recent years, Sculptra has gained popularity as a non-surgical method to enhance the butt. Keep reading into the next section for more details!
What is a Sculptra Butt Lift (BBL)?
You may have also heard of this procedure as Sculptra Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or a nonsurgical butt lift, Sculptra buttocks enhancement or a Sculptra Butt Lift. A Sculptra butt lift applies the regular Sculptra injections into the buttocks to provide fullness, lift, and shape without surgery or downtime. Sculptra is a great option for patients looking for more subtle results or for those who want to avoid the risks and downtime of a traditional BBL. This procedure is not as permanent as a traditional fat transfer, requires no incisions or anesthesia and can be performed with minimal discomfort, side effects and recovery time. Best of all, you don’t have to avoid sitting or lying on your bum.
What are the Benefits of a Sculptra BBL?
- Sculptra is minimally invasive and does not require plastic surgery
- Assists patients with minimal fat to achieve butt augmentation
- Can be used to improve Cellulite
- Is performed with only FDA-approved materials
- Quick, in-office treatment
- Little to no downtime
- Results are long-lasting
When Sculptra is used as a butt filler, the poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA Microparticles are gradually broken down by the body while working deep within the dermis and subcutaneous tissues to reinvigorate collagen growth and production, improving the skin’s inner structure. As new collagen growth builds up over time, it adds subtle, natural-looking volume to the treated area. Sculptra is broken down over time and is usually completely gone one to two years after treatment. The new collagen remains and continues producing a fuller, more voluminous effect for years to come.
Sculptra can also be used to make minor adjustments to specific areas of the patient’s anatomy, such as filling out “hip dips” or providing plumping to flatter parts of the buttocks to achieve roundness and symmetry.
To learn more about traditional BBLs, click here.
Am I a good candidate for Sculptra?
Good news — Sculptra can be used for both rejuvenation and prejuvenation! Wherever you are in your body transformation or skincare journey, starting Sculptra in your late 20s or early 30s can help decrease collagen loss. Almost any patient who is interested in facial rejuvenation from age 25-70 could benefit from Sculptra.
Keep in mind that your collagen building capabilities diminish as we age and more vials will likely be needed for older patients. If your volume loss is severe, you may benefit from fat transfer or fillers in addition to the Sculptra. If your skin laxity is severe, you may need more invasive plastic surgery (such as a face lift) or other skin tightening treatments to attain your desired results.
Patients with diminished immune systems or abnormalities with collagen or connective tissue production may not be candidates for Sculptra. Patients using blood thinners or those with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring may have a higher risk of complications from Sculptra.
How much does Sculptra cost?
The total cost for your Sculptra treatment will depend on a couple different factors. Sculptra, like fillers, is priced by the vial. At Imagen Body Sculpting and Cosmetic Center, our price per vial of Sculptra is $700. The number of vials that you will need can be roughly estimated by your age (one vial per decade of your life), but will depend on the quality of your skin, the severity of your volume loss, sun damage, smoking history and other factors.
Book your Sculptra Consultation
Ready to take the next step with Sculptra? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of Imagen’s rejuvenation specialists today!
At your consultation, we’ll chat through your goals and create realistic expectations for your treatment and results. If you’d like, feel free to check out our financing and payment options ahead of your consultation. For our out-of-state patients, we also offer easy virtual consultations.
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