Sculptra®

What is Sculptra^®?

Sculptra^®, also known as PLLA (poly-L-lacticacid), is a bio stimulant used to restore soft tissue volume loss. PLLA is derived from fruit acids. Originally, this product was introduced in 1999 for HIV associated lipoatrophy or severe volume and soft tissue loss. Since that time this product has been used successful to also treat the volume loss associated with aging.

How does it work?

Sculptra^®stimulates collagen production slowly over time and therefore provides not only volume in a gentle way, but also improves the firmness in the skin. It is good to correct areas of facial fat loss such as the cheeks, the temples, the lateral facial areas and the chin.

It’s also used on body areas such as the buttocks, legs, arms and abdomen.

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How does it compare to hyaluronic acid fillers?

Sculptra^®is not a filler, although it is injected like one. It is a biostimulant that simulates the results of a filler.

However, contrary to hyaluronic acid fillers that deliver immediate results, Sculptra® provides visible differences that appear progressively over time. The results appear as collagen is progressively replaced, resulting in a fuller plumper appearance in the areas injected. The full effect of Sculptra® is seen over a period of several weeks but visible results will last longer.

How many sessions are required?

The average number of sessions required for full correction varies from person to person depending on the amount of volume lost.

Typically, 2-3 sessions over a 2-3 month period are required. Over this period, Sculptra® is discretely building collagen improving the areas of depression.

It goes without saying that the more volume loss a patient has, the more sessions are required.

Also, since collagen remodeling decreases with age, older patients may require more sessions to produce the desired results.
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How long does it last?

Once the patient is satisfied with the results, treatment results can last up to 2 years.

Is maintenance required?

Given that we continue to age, maintenance is always required as with any filler, bio stimulant or injectable.

A yearly visit is generally recommended.

What areas can Sculptra^® treat?

In many parts of the world Sculptra^® is successfully injected in the body for volume and skin laxity.

An area that is popular for injection is the buttocks, also known as “Sculptra Buttocks Lift” or “non-surgical buttocks injections.”

For the buttocks, Sculptra^® is very good for volume enhancement and creates a lifting effect. It’s also a great injection to improve cellulite, especially in post-liposuction depressions.

It can provide volume in aging arms and improve texture of crêpey skin in the arms and the abdomen.

Like facial injections, several sessions are required. We generally recommend 3 sessions scheduled one month apart, and then reevaluate several months later.

As with the face, results will easily last 1-2 years and maintenance will be required.

Sculptra^® is approved in Canada for facial injections.

Injections with Sculptra^® on the body are not approved in Canada and are considered off label.