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 deep below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in soft tissue thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions. Sculptra® will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin fullness in the treated areas.
Are the results from Sculptra® immediate?
No. Sculptra® takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Dr. Weniger will see you again four weeks after an injection to decide if you need more Sculptra® injections. Dr Weniger 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.
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. It is thought that results of Sculptra® are “semi-permanent”. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect as the face ages over coming years.
Do injections of Sculptra® hurt?
As with any injection, injections with Sculptra® injections can cause some discomfort – however this is typically minimized using a very fine needle. Dr Weniger often applies a topical or local anesthetic if necessary.
What can I expect to happen at a treatment session?
-Ten days prior to treatment, avoid taking St.John’s Wort , high doses of Vitamin E supplements, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. – The area where the injections will be given will be cleaned and topical anesthetic will be applied. – Sculptra® will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a very fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed.
- An ice pack should be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
- Following a treatment session, the area should be 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 days. Some have been known to last up to 17 days. Dr. Weniger will give you specific post-treatment care instructions. You should massage the treated area (3 times each day) for 1 week after the treatment session. Within the first 24 hours after treatment, a cold pack can be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
How quickly can I get back to my daily activities?
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities immediately following treatment.
When will I be able to apply make-up after treatment?
Make-up may usually be applied a few hours after treatment
What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra®?
The most common side effects with the use of Sculptra® include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days. It is possible to develop a firm nodule at the site of injection.
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