- You are here
- Home
- Cosmetic Treatments
- Sculptra™
Cosmetic Treatments
Sculptra™
What is Sculptra™?
Sculptra™ is Poly-L-lactic acid, which is a collagen stimulating product and is used to correct facial ageing by replacing the volume that is lost over time. Sculptra™ has been described as the "liquid facelift" and should not be confused with dermal fillers due to it's unique collagenic properties.
Sculptra is a safe and biocompatible treatment which is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra treatment will provide a steady increase in skin thickness and improve the appearance of folds and sunken areas. The results from the first Sculptra treatment can last up to 2 years. Depending on the patient’s condition the dermatologist will determine the number of additional Sculptra treatments that are needed.
How does Sculptra™ work?
In facial ageing, there is loss of elasticity and volume through fat loss and migration. This leads to facial lines and wrinkles, sagging and jowls. Sculptra works by increasing volume and elasticity in key areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds and temples, restoring youthful facial proportions. The active ingredient (Poly-L-lactic acid) in Sculptra is diluted to form a suspension. This material is then injected directly into the deep dermis of the skin. Poly-L-lactic acid stimulates a cell called fibroblast to produce collagen, which in turn creates volume to correct the signs of facial ageing.
Treatment with Sculptra™
- Informed consent with pre-treatment photos
- Facial mapping to identify areas of volume depletion
- Local anaesthetic cream applied to increase comfort
- Sculptra™ injected via fine gauge (26g) needle
- Injection sites massaged to promote even integration into tissue
- Procedure takes around 30 minutes to complete
- Immediate results noted but dilutent absorbed within 24hrs
- True results visible after 6 weeks and improve subsequently
- Typical treatment course of 3-6 sessions at 6 weekly intervals
- Longer term results last 2-3 years depending on skin type
Sculptra™ aftercare
Massage is the most essential component of Sculptra aftercare and should be performed for 5 minutes, 5 times a day over the first 5 days. Thereafter, massaging twice daily for 5 minutes is sufficient. Massage is an integral part of the Sculptra treatment to ensure even distribution of the product in the tissue and to stimulate collagen production. This dramatically improves results and reduces the risk of nodules forming in the skin. It will regain the younger looking skin while diminishing facial lines and wrinkles.
Possible side effects with Sculptra™
- Immediate redness, swelling, burning and itching around the treatment site are COMMON and should settle within the first few hours
- Bruising and swelling lasting up to 2 weeks are LESS COMMON and should resolve spontaneously
- Tissue infection / abcess is RARE and can be treated with antibiotics
- Granuloma (tissue nodules) are VERY RARE and can be treated with injection of steroid into the affected area
- Hypersensitivity / allergy is VERY RARE and can be treated with antihistamines
Contraindications
You should avoid Sculptra™ if any of the following are relevant:
- Autoimmune disease and history of keloid scarring
- History of severe allergy or anaphylaxis
- Known bruising or bleeding disorders
- Anticoagulant and immunosuppressant drugs
- Pregnancy / breast feeding
- Any active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra
Contact Dr Raj Acquilla at Cheshire Cosmetic in Cheshire for Sculptra treatment in Cheshire to treat lines and wrinkles.
Sculptra™ Prices
| Number of vials | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | £450 |
| 3 | £1200 |
| 6 | £2200 |
Sculptra™ FAQs
What is Sculptra™?
Sculptra™ is a collagen stimulator and is used to correct facial ageing by replacing the volume that is lost over time. It has been described as the "liquid facelift" and should not be confused with dermal fillers.
How does Sculptra™ work?
The active ingredient (Poly-L-lactic acid) is diluted to form a suspension. This material is then injected directly into the deep dermis of the skin. Poly-L-lactic acid stimulates a cell called fibroblast to produce collagen, which in turn creates volume to correct the signs of facial ageing.
How is treatment with Sculptra™ performed?
- Informed consent with pre-treatment photos
- Facial mapping to identify areas of volume depletion
- Local anaesthetic cream or injections used to increase comfort
- Sculptra™ injected into skin via fine gauge (27g) needle
- Injection sites massaged to promote even integration into tissue
How long does the treatment take?
Most procedures can be completed within 30 minutes.
Does treatment with Sculptra™ hurt?
Some patients may experience a mild stinging or burning sensation as the product is injected. This is reduced significantly by application of a local anaesthetic cream prior to treatment.
How much does Sculptra™ cost?
The cost of Sculptra depends on the number of vials required to achieve the desired result. Typically a full course of treatment requires 3-6 vials, costing between £995-£1800.
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The minimum number of treatments advised is 3, although a full course involves 6 treatments. Each treatment session is separated by a 6 week interval to allow adequate collagen production and volumising to occur. Top up treatments are recommended 2-3 years after the initial course.
How long do treatment results from Sculptra™ last?
It takes around 6 weeks for visible results to occur and following a full course of 6 vials, results should last between 2-3 years.
Why is massage after Sculptra™ so important?
Massage is the most essential component of aftercare and should be performed for 5 minutes, 5 times a day over the first 5 days. Thereafter, massaging twice daily for 5 minutes is sufficient. Massage is an integral part of the treatment to ensure even distribution of the product in the tissue and to stimulate collagen production. This dramatically improves results and reduces the risk of nodules forming in the skin.
What are the risks and side effects with Sculptra™?
- Immediate redness, swelling, burning and itching around the treatment
- site are COMMON and should settle within the first few hours
- Bruising and swelling lasting up to 2 weeks are LESS COMMON and should resolve spontaneously
- Tissue infection / abcess is RARE and can be treated with antibiotics
- Granuloma (tissue nodules) are VERY RARE and can be treated with injection of steroid into the affected area
- Hypersensitivity / allergy is VERY RARE and can be treated with antihistamines
Who should not have treatment with Sculptra™?
Although most people would benefit from treatment, you should avoid Sculptra™ if any of the following are relevant:
- History of severe allergy or anaphylaxis
- Known bruising or bleeding disorders
- Anticoagulant and immunosuppressant drugs
- Pregnancy / breast feeding
