Sculptra

Sculptra injectable poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable polymer used for the correction of age-related facial imperfections. Sculptra is incredibly effective for restoring tissue volume that has been lost over time. At our Long Island and Manhattan plastic surgery offices, we use Sculptra to treat conditions like the following:

• Nasolabial folds
• Facial depressions or contour deficiencies
• Middle and lower facial volume loss
• Laxity of the jaw line

Why should I use Sculptra?

The aging process brings a progressive loss of skin volume, caused by a range of different factors. The dermis can become thinner, flatter, and lose its structural integrity. Fat loss and fat redistribution occur and radically change a person’s appearance, causing hollowness, wrinkles, folds, and other contour deficiencies.

Sculptra was developed to treat the signs of facial fat loss. After you receive an injection of Sculptra, your tissues respond to the compound and eventually break it down, but meanwhile a collagen stimulating response occurs, allowing the results to last a considerable length of time. It’s not unusual for patients to see results lasting beyond 18 months. Sculptra is also biocompatible, so you don’t need an allergy test before treatment.

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The Sculptra Injection Technique

Because Sculptra stimulates delayed collagen deposition, the injection technique must be modified accordingly. The first treatment may require a very small amount of product. It is somewhat rare to administer a full volume correction in the first session. Using a 1 cc or 3 cc syringe and a fine 25-26 gauge needle, Sculptra is injected beneath the skin in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, or elsewhere. Special injection techniques called “cross hatch” or “fanning” are often utilized during treatment.

When will I see results from Sculptra?

It is generally advised that patients wait at least 4 weeks between Sculptra treatments, because it takes about that long for results to become evident. However, results may continue to improve for up to 1 year.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra was originally approved to treat lipoatrophy in persons with human immunodeficiency virus, but surgeons consistently found it useful in cosmetic applications and administered it “off label.” The United States FDA granted clearance for cosmetic use of Sculptra in 2009 and it is now marketed under the moniker Sculptra Aesthetic.

Are there Sculptra side effects?

The formation of granulomas is a concern with every dermal filler, but with Sculptra they can appear months or years after treatment. Although they are unpredictable, the incidence of detectable granulomas is low and they often resolve without treatment. As with any other filler, lumps or bumps can occur, as can swelling and bruising. Dr. Pfeifer takes every necessary precaution to ensure these risks are minimized for her patients. If you’re concerned about side effects, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

For more information on Sculptra at the New York Plastic surgery office of Tracy Pfeifer MD, contact us today.