SCULPTRA®

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.