Sculptra

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that can significantly improve facial volume and promote a more youthful appearance. It works by stimulating more collagen production in the skin, which is an important component in skin health and appearance. (1) People who choose Sculptra for facial rejuvenation can enjoy long-term results of smoother, less wrinkly facial skin and more volume that appears natural.

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Amber Allen is a cosmetic surgeon with over 10 years of experience who offers Sculptra for patients who are looking for an effective, non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment. She has an artistic eye and takes a personal approach with each of her patients as she helps them achieve their aesthetic goals.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen at her Raleigh office, fill out the contact form online or call the office at (919) 676-5052. Allen Plastic Surgery is conveniently located just off 540, near the North Ridge Country Club.

To learn more about the treatments Dr. Allen has to offer, visit the Allen Plastic Surgery blog. Here, we compare different treatment avenues and elaborate on popular topics.

About Sculptra

If you have noticed that your face has taken on a somewhat hollow or sunken look, this could be a result of a loss of facial volume. Facial volume loss is often a normal part of aging, but it can also result from significant weight loss, illness, or even sun damage. Sculptra can help you rejuvenate your facial appearance by plumping up the skin and increasing collagen production in key areas.

Sculptra is made out of a substance called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is biocompatible, which means it can exist in harmony with the natural facial tissues. When Dr. Allen injects PLLA into the skin, the Sculptra formula triggers collagen production. Collagen is a protein that keeps the skin looking more youthful and healthy, but its production may slow or diminish over time, resulting in volume loss that can be unflattering and difficult to resolve on your own. The body can generate collagen production as a part of the inflammatory response, which PLLA initiates when it interacts with the structures within the skin. (1)

By producing significantly more collagen in the skin, the Sculptra formula helps smooth out the skin and provide patients with a more youthful look. Because collagen production is gradual, the results from Sculptra often develop gradually as well. The skin will continue to absorb the injected PLLA formula over the course of about 6 months, and patients can enjoy results for as long as 2 years. (1)

Benefits

Sculptra injections have many benefits for patients who are looking for an effective, long-lasting facial rejuvenation technique. These benefits often include:

  • Natural-Looking Results: Due to the gradual collagen development, the effects blend seamlessly into the surrounding tissue and create volume in the areas that need it most.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: Patients can expect results that can last for up to two years with optimal treatment, which is longer than most other dermal fillers.
  • Collagen Stimulation: Sculptra initiates the natural production of collagen, improving skin texture gradually for long-term benefits.
  • Non-Surgical Procedure: There is far less downtime with Sculptra compared to invasive surgical options. Despite its simple injection procedure, it still helps patients achieve desired results.
  • Minimal Discomfort: Your cosmetic professional will use a local anesthetic beforehand to ease any discomfort during injections.
  • Improved Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence following their treatment, as the skin will appear more youthful and healthy.
  • Biocompatibility: Made from a naturally occurring substance, Sculptra integrates well with the body and reduces the risk of negative reactions.

Candidates

Candidates for Sculptra include patients who are seeking a facial rejuvenation technique that has the potential to create longer-lasting results than other fillers. You must be at least 18 years old to receive a Sculptra treatment, and you should have realistic expectations about cosmetic treatments.

Dr. Allen does not recommend Sculptra for patients who have coagulation disorders or active infections in the treatment area. Because smoking can inhibit the body’s healing mechanisms, Dr. Allen will recommend that you stop smoking before your treatment, if applicable. If you choose to receive Sculptra, you should refrain from receiving other dermal fillers for the time being. (1)

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation at the Allen Plastic Surgery office in Raleigh, Dr. Allen will discuss your aesthetic goals with you and review your medical history. She will perform a thorough examination of your facial skin and structures to evaluate which areas would benefit most from volumization or rejuvenation. This step is vital to ensure an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and aesthetic preferences.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen at her Raleigh practice, please fill out the contact form online or call the office at (919) 676-5052.

Preparation

Before your Sculptra appointment, Dr. Allen may request that you undergo relevant skin testing. This will allow Dr. Allen to prepare for your treatment and get to know the needs of your skin better.

You should also adjust your medication regimen per Dr. Allen’s instructions. This can include not taking any medications that cause blood thinning, and ceasing smoking and nicotine use before your treatment. On the day that you are to receive Sculptra, you should remove any makeup and plan to arrive at your appointment on time. Dr. Allen will further prepare your skin for treatment by cleansing it thoroughly. (1)

After Sculptra Treatment

After your Sculptra injection, you may notice immediate differences in the skin. However, this original reaction will subside and give way to a more gradual process. The time that the body will take to develop new collagen and produce results can differ from person to person. You might not see results until after several weeks of collagen development.

Though this is a slower process than alternatives like hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, Sculptra offers more long-term results and benefits. Dr. Allen will recommend that you wait for results to fully develop from your first injection before receiving more. This will prevent over-treating any one area with enhancement. Before your next injection, Dr. Allen will assess your skin to help you determine if you are eligible for another Sculptra treatment. (2)

After a Sculptra injection, you may experience some swelling, redness, or bruising, but this will most likely subside within one week. To help minimize discomfort, Dr. Allen may recommend that you apply a cold compress immediately after your injection. You should also be mindful about your sun exposure, and limit your time in the sun whenever possible to optimize your results. (1)

Results

While you may see immediate changes to your skin after your first Sculptra injection, these are not the long-term results. Any initial augmentation will resolve within 2 to 3 days, and the skin will continue to improve more gradually. The PLLA will act within the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production over the coming weeks. (1) Most patients undergo 2 to 3 sessions at 1 – 3 month intervals for best results. Yearly maintenance injections are also recommended to maintain your result as the aging process continues to deplete collagen stores.

As a result of Sculptra treatment, you will notice that your wrinkles gradually become less apparent and your facial volume improves. You may seek to enhance your results by receiving multiple Sculptra injections spread out over time. Dr. Allen will ensure that your skin is ready for your next treatment by assessing the skin. Sculptra effects can last for as long as 2 years. (2)

Cost of Sculptra in Raleigh

The cost of your Sculptra treatment will be influenced by the number of vials used and how many times you receive the treatments in total. A comprehensive evaluation during your consultation will give you a better idea of pricing that is consistent with your specific needs and preferences.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen at her Raleigh office, fill out the contact form online or call the office at (919) 676-5052.

FAQ

How many Sculptra treatments do I need?

The number of Sculptra treatments you receive is ultimately up to you. However, patients may witness optimal results from a series of three treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After the first Sculptra treatment, you should wait at least 4 weeks, but treatments can be done at 3-week intervals after that.

Is a Sculptra treatment painful?

Your professional will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area to minimize any pain during injections. Afterward, it is normal to experience some swelling and redness in the treated area. This will subside in the days after your appointment, and your professional may recommend applying a cold compress to further enhance comfort.

How long does it take to see results from Sculptra?

It is important to keep in mind that results from Sculptra develop at a gradual pace. Initial improvements may be observed within a few weeks, with full outcomes becoming evident after a few months as collagen builds up. While they do take some time to develop, results are long-lasting and patients can enjoy improvements for as long as two years.

Can Sculptra be used at the same time as other dermal fillers?

It is not advised to combine Sculptra with other dermal fillers.

How does Sculptra differ from other fillers?

Unlike traditional fillers that provide more instant results, Sculptra works gradually to improve your appearance by stimulating collagen production over time. Many other fillers contain hyaluronic acid, while Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid.

References

  1. Sickles CK, Nassereddin A, Gross GP. Poly-L-Lactic Acid. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/
  2. Bauer U, Graivier MH. Optimizing injectable poly-L-lactic acid administration for soft tissue augmentation: The rationale for three treatment sessions. The Canadian journal of plastic surgery = Journal canadien de chirurgie plastique. 2011;19(3):e22-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3269336/