Is Sculptra® Safe?
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Sculptra® fights wrinkles and sagging skin and reduces fine lines for a more youthful appearance for your face. Sculptra® is able to do this because it is a biostimulator, which means that it stimulates the body to produce its own type 1 collagen over time. This is not only a safe method to improve your skin and appearance but it is actually one of our favorite procedures because it gives you a permanent result!
Sculptra® is a great alternative to derma fillers like Botox. This wonder procedure will help you fight those wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin similar to a derma filler giving you a more youthful appearance. Sculptra® is safe because it’s main ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is classified as a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last up to two years.
How does Sculptra® work?
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved injectable that is injected into the skin to diminish facial wrinkles. The PLLA then stimulates the body to start producing collage more which helps to gradually restore fullness to facial wrinkles and folds. This results in a softer and more youthful appearance. You may notice immediate results, but it can take a few months to see the full results of your treatment considering the body will now be in the process of producing more collagen.
Why is producing more collagen important?
As we age, the natural production of collagen decreases. This is why it is so important to have stimulators like Sculptra® or Morpheus8 (a microneedling and radiofrequency treatment) done to boost that production back into gear. Collagen is the most common protein in the body that is used to form a framework to support cells and tissue. It is responsible for keeping the skin firm and plump. Starting in your mid-20s, you slowly begin to lose collagen. Women can lose up to 30% of the collagen in the first 5 years of menopause.
OK, what about those collagen supplements- can I just take those?
Although there are many new products coming to market with collagen in them, like pills and powders, it is important to help the body produce it’s own rather than take an oral supplement that can only go so deep. Producing your own collagen will provide faster results that you can actually see. Because the improvements brought on by Sculptra® are gradual, it will be much less likely that anyone suspects that you’ve had any treatment done. Since volume is added slowly, the improvement looks very natural.
What can Sculptra® treat and are there other benefits?
In addition to stimulating the production of collagen, Sculptra® enhances skin tone and texture & improves skin health. Sculptra® can be used to treat droopy eyebrows, crows feet, frown lines, lip lines, forehead crease, and under eye wrinkles. Sculptra® also can help with hollow cheeks and mid-face reconstruction as it restores the fullness in the areas treated.
Sculptra® has many off-label uses, including nonsurgical butt lift or buttock augmentation, correction of cellulite, creating definition, and the look of extra muscle mass on the glutes, thighs, biceps, triceps, pectorals. What is interesting, is that Sculptra® is actually NOT a good treatment choice for the lips.
How quickly will I see results from Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment — so downtime is minimal. Immediately following the procedure, you will not see the full results which means that it will not be obvious to the people in your life that you have had anything done- well, unless you brag all about it! You will see the best results eight weeks after initial treatment, although you may decide to go with a series of treatments over a period of time to see the best possible results. As we continue to age, it is recommended to repeat Sculptra® injections once per year to maintain the best results.
Who should not use Sculptra® and how would I know it’s not right for me?
It is important to note, that Sculptra® is safe and effective but isn’t recommended for people with allergies to any of its ingredients or for those with medical conditions that cause irregular scarring. It is vital to work with an experienced doctor to ensure you are a good fit for the treatment. Dr. Perich has been working with Sculptra for years and would be pleased to have a consultation with you to determine your best treatment method for your specific needs.