Aesthetics
Sculptra
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that restores lost facial volume and reduces wrinkles by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that provide immediate volume, Sculptra works as a “biostimulator,” with results appearing gradually over several months. The improvements can last for two years or longer.
The main ingredient is polylactic acid which is a biodegradeable and biocompatible polymer used in medically in drug delivery systems and absorbable sutures.
Its original use in the face was to treat loss of facial fat in HIV patients.
Treatment snapshot
Number of Treatments
3
Recovery time
3 - 5 days
Final results
3 months
Procedure time
60 mins
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic mixed
Duration of results
5+ years
Discomfort level
Mild
Cost from
£2000, or course of 3 £5700
Treatment snapshot
Number of Treatments
1
Recovery time
1 - 2 hours
Final results
2 weeks after check up
Procedure time
30 - 60 minutes
Anaesthetic
Numbing cream/nerve block
Duration of results
6 - 18 months
Discomfort level
Minimal
Cost from
£300
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra works by using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres to stimulate the body’s own natural collagen production, a process called neocollagenesis. The PLLA particles act as a temporary scaffold and attract fibroblasts, which synthesize new collagen fibers over several weeks to months. This gradual accumulation of new collagen rebuilds dermal volume, improves skin texture, and creates long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation.
The collagen stimulation process:
- Injection and initial volume: Sculptra is injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue. The immediate fullness seen after injection is temporary, resulting from the water used to suspend the PLLA particles. This initial swelling resolves within a few days.
- Inflammatory response: The PLLA microparticles provoke a mild inflammatory reaction, which is a key step in initiating the healing process.
- Fibroblast activation: The inflammatory response attracts and stimulates fibroblasts. These are the cells in the skin responsible for producing collagen.
- Neocollagenesis: Over the following weeks and months, the fibroblasts generate new collagen fibers, a process called neocollagenesis. The PLLA microparticles act as a scaffold, providing structure for this new collagen growth.
- PLLA absorption and natural results: The PLLA particles are biodegradable and are gradually absorbed by the body. As the PLLA breaks down, it is replaced by the body’s new, naturally formed collagen. This process reinforces the skin’s structure from within, leading to a natural-looking increase in volume and improved skin elasticity.
Areas we treat with Sculptra?
Facial treatment areas
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines): The lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Cheek wrinkles: Sculptra is approved for the correction of fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek area.
- Temples: Addresses the sunken or hollow appearance that can occur with age, which can make the face look more aged.
- Cheeks and mid-face: Restores lost volume, which helps to lift and contour the face and combat deflation of the zygomatic arch (cheekbone area).
- Marionette lines: Softens the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin.
- Chin and jawline: Helps define the jawline and improve the appearance of jowls caused by volume loss.
- Preauricular area: Injected in front of the ears to restore volume and improve skin laxity.
Body treatment areas
- Buttocks: Used for augmentation to create a fuller, shapelier appearance in a procedure often referred to as a non-surgical “Brazilian Butt Lift”.
- Hip dips: Corrects the inward curve where the hip meets the thigh for smoother contours.
- Chest (décolletage): Smooths out wrinkles and lines on the upper chest area.
- Arms: Treats loose skin and wrinkles on the upper arms.
- Hands: Restores lost volume on the back of the hands, making veins and tendons less noticeable.
- Knees and elbows: Addresses wrinkles and droopy skin around the knees and elbows.
- Cellulite and stretch marks: Improves the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks by stimulating collagen production in the affected areas.
Areas to be avoided
To prevent complications like lumpiness, Sculptra is generally not recommended for certain areas with high muscle movement or thin skin:
- Lips and the vermillion border
- Forehead
- Glabella (between the eyebrows)
- Nose
- Under the eyes
How has this helped out patients?
Our Results
FAQs
How does Sculptra® work?
Sculptra® is injected below the surface of the skin; it is injected directly into the area of fat loss. Skin thickness decreases as people age; Sculptra® works to restore a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.
Sculptra® will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.
Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra®?
No skin testing is required prior to use.
Are the results from Sculptra® immediate?
No. After your first treatment, it may appear that Sculptra® worked immediately; this is because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra®. After a few days, when the swelling goes down and the your body absorbs the water, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra® takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin and restore volume.
How many treatments are required?
For the butt 3-5 session a month apart and in the face typically one session (1 vile) per decade of life.
How long do treatment results last?
Treatment results will differ from person to person. In a clinical study, treatment results were shown to last for up to 2 years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch-up Sculptra® treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
When used for “butt lift” the results can last for a few years
Do injections of Sculptra® hurt?
As with any injection, injections with Sculptra® may hurt. Sculptra® is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle, and effort is taken to minimize the discomfort, apply a topical or local anesthetic if you desire.
What can I expect to happen at a treatment session?
Your practitioner will answer all of your questions and prepare you for the treatment.
Here are some basic guidelines:
Make-up should be removed. The area where the injections will be given will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
You and your practitioner will determine if a topical or local anesthetic is needed.
Sculptra® will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a very fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed.
An ice pack can be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling after the injections are administered.
After your Sculptra® treatment session, the injection area should be thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.
What can I expect after treatment?
Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra®, redness, swelling, pain, bruising or all of these signs may occur in the treatment area. These signs and symptoms usually go away on their own in a few hours to a few days. Some, however, have been known to last up to 17 days. Your practitioner will give you specific post-treatment care instructions. You should massage the treated area (a few times each day) for several days after your treatment. Within the first 24 hours after treatment, an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid putting ice directly on your skin, as prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures can be harmful. Avoid excessive exposure, and avoid UV lamp exposure until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
Report any worsening or longer-lasting symptoms.
How quickly can I get back to my daily activities?
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities following treatment. No downtime is usually required.
When will I be able to apply make-up after treatment?
You may apply make-up a few hours after treatment if no complications are present (for example, open wounds or bleeding) Do not apply make-up to cut, raw or bleeding skin.
What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra®?
The most common side effects that patients see with the use of Sculptra® include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, bruising, redness, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.
One possible delayed side effect that you may see with Sculptra® is small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible; you may notice them only when you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first Sculptra® treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.
Who should not use Sculptra®?
You should not use Sculptra® if you are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra®.
Do treatment results differ?
To get the best results, it’s important to go to a practitioner who is experienced in administering Sculptra®.
