Sculptra

Sculptra® is a polymerized sugar in the form of microparticles which acts as a biostimulator. This means that when injected into the tissues, it creates a small inflammatory reaction which gives the signal to stimulate the production of collagen and to regenerate it. During Sculptra® treatments, your own collagen acts as a filler to restore structure and volume to the face. Injected more superficially, Sculptra® improves the quality of your skin and firms it. The entire process consists of 3-6 injection sessions of Sculptra® at 6-week intervals. The result of the treatment is gradual, natural and builds over several months. Results can last 2-5 years, however an annual maintenance session is recommended.

The treatment contains anesthesia (lidocaine) which makes it very comfortable. The Sculptra® works very well with the cannula, which minimizes entry points at injection sites and small bruises. The duration of a session is approximately 30 minutes.

All areas of the face can be treated except dark circles, lips, and the immediate perioral area. When a treatment plan requires addressing multiple areas of the face with hyaluronic acid fillers, or when skin quality requires some work – Sculptra® becomes the most cost-effective option for the patient in the long-term. However, one does not exclude the other! The combination of the two options (filling with Sculptra ® as well as with hyaluronic acid products) sometimes allows for a faster and more precise result.

Sculptra® treatments have also gained popularity for buttock fillers, cellulite dimples, skin quality treatment of various areas of the body, such as the decolleté.

For the first few days after treatment, your face may feel swollen and tender. After a week, you may feel like nothing is happening because final results may take 6-8 weeks to appear. The first sessions generally give some luminosity and a significant improvement in the quality of the skin. However, the effect on the facial structure can take up to 3-6 months. Once the signal is given, your body will need time to produce its own collagen.

There is a risk of small bruises or transient discomfort at the injection sites. The intravascular injection is very rare and very unlikely with our injection techniques. Rare cases of temporary collagen nodules have been reported with more concentrated dilutions than the one currently used. Asymetries are possible but unlikely because the treatment makes it possible to readjust and redistribute the doses to be injected into each area during subsequent sessions. Rare cases of infections and abnormal inflammatory responses have been reported in the literature. Although very rare, side effects are always regrettable. Our clinic has great expertise with Sculptra® and we are always ready to accompany you and take care of you quickly in the event of an undesirable side effect.

Sculptra® treatments are more expensive than hyaluronic acid fillers in the short term, but they are much more cost effective in the long term. Since our capacity for collagen production is proportional with age, a patient in her thirties could expect to require 3-4 of Sculptra spread over 2-4 sessions. A patient in her 40s might need 4-5 bottles, a patient in her 50s 5-6 bottles, and so on. However, an annual maintenance treatment is usually enough to maintain the results. For patients aged 60 and over, 2 bottles may sometimes be necessary for maintenance treatment.

You may be a good candidate for Sculptra ® if you have several areas to fill in a single treatment plan or if you have needs in terms of improving the quality (laxity, wrinkles, pores, etc.) of your skin.

It all starts with a consultation with a member of our medical team. Make your appointment with us now.