Frequently asked questions about Sculptra Aesthetic

To help determine if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you, we have answered a few frequently asked questions.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra Aesthetic is a facial injectable designed to replace lost collagen, correcting shallow to deep wrinkles and restoring lost volume. Sculptra’s primary ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) – a biodegradable, biocompatible material that has been used by plastic surgeons for many years. PLLA is also commonly found in sutures used during surgery. Sculptra works deep in the skin to stimulate your own collagen production. Many patients enjoy the natural look of Sculptra due to the gradual results of just that – your own collagen production! Collagen keeps the skin looking youthful and smooth. As you age, your body’s collagen production decreases and you may begin to see wrinkles and/or volume loss. Sculptra works to correct this issue by replacing that lost collagen, which can help provide a more rested looking appearance.

Am I a Candidate?

If you are bothered by any fine lines, wrinkles and/or volume loss throughout your face, you may be a candidate for Sculptra treatment! Sculptra can benefit patients in a wide range of age groups – whether you’re in your 50s and are looking to restore lost collagen and volume, or you’re in your 30s and wish to add more fullness to your cheek area. Here are a few common treatment areas:

Deep lines between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds), known as “smile lines”
Lines framing the mouth, known as “marionette lines”
Jowl and pre-jowl areas
Wrinkles around the chin
Hollow or sunken areas under the eyes
Hollow or sunken areas of the cheek and/or mid face
Hollowing in the temple area

As an added bonus, Sculptra can also improve the skin’s texture. Many patients have noticed an improvement in their skin’s overall appearance in the areas treated with Sculptra, adding even more youthfulness!

How long do results last?

Sculptra is rapidly becoming a physician and patient favorite, mostly due to the long-term, natural looking results. Sculptra is best known for being one of the longer lasting injectable treatment options. The natural looking results of Sculptra emerge over time, typically over a few weeks to a few months, and can last upwards of 2 years. Patient results may vary, as everyone develops and retains collagen at a different rate. Sculptra can be a great alternative or addition to the shorter lasting hyaluronic acid fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm. Click here to read about the differences between Sculptra and other injectable fillers.

What is the downtime?

Another one of the many great things about Sculptra is that it does not require much downtime. Patients are a bit puffy or swollen immediately following treatment, but this fullness subsides in about 24-48 hours. As with most injectable treatments, it’s usually a good idea to clear your schedule for a few days following treatment, just in case you experience any bruising or undue swelling. If any bruising does occur, it usually clears up within a few days. Most patients do not experience any major bruising and/or obvious swelling.

What can I expect during my appointment?

Check out this post here, in which we discuss a Sculptra treatment from start to finish!

What is the cost of Sculptra?

Treatment costs can vary from patient to patient, depending on the total number of vials recommended by Dr. Hilinski. Most patients require either 2 or 3 treatment sessions, involving 1-2 vials each visit. Treatments are typically spaced apart by about 6-8 weeks.

Is Sculptra FDA approved? Are there any side effects?

Yes, Sculptra is FDA approved in the United States and has been used by plastic surgeons for many years. Most patients do not experience any negative side effects, but as with other injectable fillers, some reported side effects include injection site pain, redness, bruising, nodule formation, bleeding and/or swelling.