Sculptra is the first and original FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) facial injectable. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of ageing caused by collagen loss, gradually helping restore skin structure and volume. Sculptra is a bio-stimulator that helps stimulate your natural collagen production to smooth facial wrinkles, improve volume loss, and enhance skin tightness.
Sculptra addresses the underlying cause of ageing skin: collagen loss. The poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) particles stimulate the natural growth of new collagen by activating fibroblasts in the skin. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for producing connective tissue such as collagen and elastin, resulting in fuller and tighter skin.
Sculptra can last up to two years. During this period, the PLLA particles continually stimulate collagen and elastin production through the skin’s regenerative abilities. After this period, Sculptra breaks down into water and carbon dioxide and is completely eliminated from the body.
Although Sculptra is administered similarly to some fillers, it is not a filler. Sculptra is a bio-stimulator that does not directly fill hollow areas as fillers do. The results are not immediate because collagen is stimulated over time, tightening skin and improving volume loss. In contrast, fillers provide immediate effects but do not stimulate collagen and are mainly used to enhance areas with volume loss without improving texture and laxity.
Sculptra is used to improve shallow-to-deep wrinkles and folds on the face. The treatment areas include the regions around:
The under-eye/tear trough area and the forehead are not indicated for Sculptra due to the thinness and different skin structure of these areas.
Sculptra is injected under the skin with a cannula after applying numbing cream. A cannula, a blunt needle that does not damage blood vessels, results in minimal side effects and bruising. Using a cannula allows for even distribution of Sculptra around the face, ensuring the PLLA microparticles are evenly distributed under the skin for optimal results. Your doctor must be experienced and familiar with the specific technique required for Sculptra administration.
Most clinical study participants saw results as soon as 1-2 months. These results will continue to build as new collagen takes up to 6 months to form.
Depending on the initial condition of the skin and the desired result, 1-3 sessions of Sculptra can last for 12-24 months.
There is usually minimal downtime, with slight puffiness of the face being the most common side effect. This puffiness is very mild and typically subsides within a day. Some soreness at the injection site can also occur.
As with all injectables, there is a slight chance of bruising. However, using the cannula method for Sculptra significantly reduces this risk. If done incorrectly or too much is injected in one area, there can be lumpiness due to uneven collagen and volume production. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the doctor administering Sculptra is experienced in the procedure.