What is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic works within the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues of the body. Within the deep dermis, your skin’s structure is reinforced as Sculptra Aesthetic helps to replace lost collagen. This reinforced collagen structure provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness of your shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds* that has been depleted over time. The result? Sculptra Aesthetic is different because it gradually and subtly corrects these facial wrinkles. This can provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance that can last more than two years!
What makes Dr. Shah unique in using Sculptra Aesthetic?
Dr. Shah injects with a variety of facial fillers including Sculptra aesthetic. Since he uses a variety of products he helps to choose the best product for the patient. Dr. Shahs reconstitutes Sculptra differently as he believes higher volume reconstitution of the product leads to lower granuloma and nodule formation (one of the chief concerns with this product). Finally, Dr. Shah uses Sculptra in specific areas where this product is safe but does not place it other areas where the product is likely to become visible or form nodules. Dr. Shah has a conservative approach with the product and prefers multiple injection sessions for the facial application of Sculptra rather than single high volume approach used by some injectors.
Side Effects
Side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic may include injection site pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching, or swelling. Other side effects may include small bumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area.
Where is it used?
Dr. Shah uses Sculptra to fill:
- Deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds) also called smile lines
- The lines framing your mouth (marionette lines)
- Chin wrinkles
- Temples
- Decolletage
- Arms
- Gluteal region
What is the Recovery Time?
There is no recovery time needed after Sculptra, which is considered a minimally-invasive treatment. Most patients return to work or other daily activities immediately.
How does Sculptra Aesthetic work?
Sculptra Aesthetic gradually replaces lost collagen. Collagen is a key structural component that keeps skin youthful looking and smooth. As you age, your body’s collagen production decreases, and you may begin to see wrinkles. Sculptra Aesthetic works to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, as it replaces lost collagen, which can help provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance.
Am I a good candidate for Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is intended for use in people with healthy immune systems as one-time treatment regimen of up to 4 injection sessions that are scheduled about 3 weeks apart for correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles. The number of injections per session varies from person to person.
*Actual Patient
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does Sculptra Aesthetic cost?
There are a few factors that figure into how much treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic will cost. Some of these include:
- How many treatment sessions are needed
- How much Sculptra Aesthetic (number of vials) your physician uses per treatment
- The degree of correction you and your physician decide upon
- Your physician’s fees
- Discounts and special offers
How does the price of Sculptra Aesthetic compare with other anti-aging treatments?
Comparing the cost of facial rejuvenation options to each other can be challenging because so much depends on desired results, the amount of product your doctor recommends, your response to the treatment, the amount of time results last, and your specific physician’s fees.
A treatment that lasts up to 3 to 6 months may cost less up front than one that lasts much longer, yet generally, require additional treatment sessions to maintain the effect for the same duration. You may want to consider the total cost over time.
When comparing the price of Sculptra Aesthetic to other injectables, it can be helpful to weigh cost against treatment duration. Of course, the best way to determine how much a treatment option will cost is to talk to your physician and discuss your needs.
Are there patient discounts, rebates, or special offers available?
Coupon or rebate programs through the manufacturer and/or the physician may be available from time to time. It’s a good idea to ask your physician if there’s a current discount program available at the time of your consultation.
What questions should I ask my physician about Sculptra Aesthetic?
A discussion with a physician is a great way to get more information about Sculptra Aesthetic. It’s good to start thinking about what you want to get out of your anti-aging treatment. For example, with Sculptra Aesthetic, you get a natural-looking appearance without looking like you’ve had work done. And the results can last more than 2 years.
Of course, individual results may vary. Our discussion guide has questions and thought-starters so you can have a more productive conversation with your physician to help determine if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you.
What are most women looking for in an anti-aging treatment?
According to a survey, most women prefer gradual results that can last longer versus shorter-term options. Sculptra Aesthetic is in line with what most women say they are looking for – an anti-aging treatment that works gradually with results that can last more than 2 years. Of course, individual results may vary.
Can Sculptra be used for Brazilian butt lift?
Yes, Sculptra can be used here. The best candidates are patients who do not have a large amount of fat present in their body and are desiring changes to the gluteal region. Sculptra here often requires large amounts of product. Patients early on should not sit on their buttocks as it may redistribute the location of the product. The benefit of Sculptra is that it is a longer lasting filler and can be used when fat is not an option.
Will I need more than one treatment for Sculptra?
It depends on treatment goals and your body’s response. Since Sculptra is a biostimulator it relies on your body’s response.
Are there any patients who do not respond as well to Sculptra?
Yes, smokers and older patients typically do not have a vigorous response to Sculptra. Patients who are extraordinarily thin and work out intensely may not respond as well.
Can Sculptra be used in patients with HIV?
Yes, in fact, Sculptra was originally designed for patients with lipodystrophy. The newer medications available for HIV are much more effective in avoiding facial lipodystrophy, however, it can still be present in some patients.
Do I have to do anything after Sculptra injections?
Yes, the rule of 5’s is important. Since Sculptra is a bioactivator, patients should massage the area in a circular fashion for 5 minutes 5 times per day for 5 days.
Can Sculptra be injected into the temple area?
Yes, Sculptra can be injected into the temples to help fill this area. The temples are often overlooked area when injecting the face and can benefit from some volume placed here.
What is Dr. Shah’s philosophy on Sculptra?
Sculptra in the properly selected patient can create smooth soft volume of the face. There is no other filler with the same characteristics as Sculptra (most other hyaluronic acid derivatives) making it a unique product. For some patients, no other product is effective due to the patient’s metabolism and body’s individuality. Overall, Dr. Shah likes the conservative use of this product in a properly selected patient.
Where is Dr. Shah’s office located?
Dr. Shah’s office is located in Chicago Illinois. His office is on the 9th floor of the Water Tower Building in Suite 934E which is found on the esteemed Michigan Avenue.
Does Dr. Shah reconstitute Sculptra differently than other physicians?
Yes, Dr. Shah uses a slightly higher volume of saline when reconstituting the product as he believes this leads to lower granuloma and nodule formation.
What is Sculptra made up of?
PLLA is a biocompatible, immunologically inert, semi permanent filler which induces neocollagenesis from fibroblasts. Made from corn dextrose fermentation and prepared as micronized and lipophilic with an average particle size is 40-63 micrometers
When was Sculptra FDA approved?
FDA approved for HIV lipoatropy in 2004. Later on, it was approved by FDA for facial rhytides, shallow to deep nasolabial folds.
How does Sculptra work?
Produces a gradual, long-lasting tissue augmentation which can increase dermal thickness and volume for more than 2 years and can improve dermal volume loss and bony deficits in multiple layers
Can Sculptra be used to treat the neck and chest?
Typically use a more dilute version of Sculptra to address a larger surface area can sometimes address the neck and chest and can thicken the dermis.
Can Sculptra be used on gluteal augmentation?
It can be used for subtle augmentation of the gluteal region.
Can Sculptra be incorporated with Growth Factors?
Sculptra has even longer duration with the use of Growth Factors which provides an influx of growth factors at the time of duration.
Can Sculptra be injected into the lips?
No, it is not recommended for lip injections.
Can Sculptra be injected underneath the eyes?
Sculptra can be used on the cheek area but not within the orbital region or tear trough.
Related procedures: Mohs Reconstruction, Non-surgical Facelift, IPL Laser.