Sculptra is a dermal filler that increases tissue volume by stimulating the production of collagen. The amount of collagen the body produces is finite. Collagen is what keeps skin plump and youthful-looking. Unlike other dermal fillers, Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic particles and retriggers the creation of collagen, providing patients with beautifully smooth, volumized skin and results that gradually improve.
Dr. Patricia Guevara-Channell is a board-certified physician and member and fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging, so you can trust that she’ll be able to recommend the best treatments for rejuvenation and wellness. Channell Wellness & Aesthetic is conveniently located off Foothill Blvd in Rancho Cucamonga. To schedule your Sculptra consultation, give our office a call at (909) 483-1236 or fill out a contact form online.
Contents
About
Sculptra is a soft tissue filler that produces long-lasting results by working with your body to restore collagen. Sculptra lasts longer than other dermal fillers because it treats the underlying cause of lax skin and volume loss, not just the symptoms. Restoring collagen deep within the dermis successfully diminishes wrinkles and creates youthful volume. Sculptra is performed as a treatment regimen, typically consisting of two to four injection sessions scheduled three to four weeks apart. Sculptra is commonly used to address signs of aging in the lower third of the face but can also be used for non-surgical nose jobs or cellulite reduction.
How Exactly Does Sculptra Work?
As the years go by, our skin loses its ability to maintain the same firm foundation as it did in our younger years. The collagen that gives our skin its structural support, and keeps it firm and smooth becomes depleted. That’s because the cells in the extracellular matrix, the deepest level of our dermis, stop producing enough collagen. [1] This, in turn, creates wrinkles and a loss of volume and elasticity. Sculptra prompts the dermis to produce more collagen and restore a firmer foundation.
How exactly is this achieved, though? The body reacts to the poly-L-lactic particles with an inflammatory response shortly after Sculptra is injected into the dermis. Inflammation is the body’s natural defense to injury and the beginning of the healing process. The poly-L-lactic is then broken down into molecules which are metabolized into water and carbon dioxide, materials that the body can easily digest. [2] During this process, collagen is created and rebuilds the extracellular matrix which produces more volume and firmer, smoother skin.
Before and After Photos
Benefits
Sculptra is a great option for those who want a rejuvenated appearance without it being obvious that they’ve had a cosmetic procedure. This is because Sculptra produces subtle results gradually as the body creates collagen. Sculptra aids your body in providing its own rejuvenation. Collagen not only provides fuller, more supple skin, but it also supports hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. The injection process is quick and the results are long-lasting!
To see if Sculptra will provide the revitalized, natural-looking results you desire, schedule a consultation at our Rancho Cucamonga location by giving us a call at (909) 483-1236.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for Sculptra are adult men and women who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and add volume to the lower portion of the face without surgery. Common Sculptra treatment areas include chin wrinkles, smile lines, and laugh lines. There are several off-label areas that Sculptra can treat, like the hands and cheeks. Candidates should have realistic expectations and be accepting of the fact that results are not instantaneous.
Personal Consultation
Dr. Guevara-Channell listens intently to her patients during consultations to ensure that she understands their goals and concerns, and can recommend the best treatment to meet their needs. Medical history and allergies are also discussed to ensure that Sculptra is a suitable treatment. After a thorough discussion with Dr. Guevara-Channell, she will create a custom treatment plan. Pricing will be provided at the end of the consultation. In some cases, we can administer Sculptra injections right after the consultation. Please make sure to inquire about this option when scheduling your appointment.
Preparation
Preparation for Sculptra is similar to that of other dermal fillers. Blood thinning medications and herbal supplements should not be taken the week before injections, as these can increase the chance of bleeding and bruising. Avoid topical skincare products like retinol and glycolic acid. Treatment must be postponed for patients who have active rashes or cold sores.
Procedure
Sculptra injections are straightforward but require the meticulous eye of an expert injector to deliver a natural-looking outcome. The injection process takes about half an hour. The treatment area is first cleaned and then numbed if a topical anesthetic is requested. The thin needle is then inserted into the skin to reach the depth of the dermis. Instant augmentation might be noticeable, but that’s just a result of the volume of the fluid, and any swelling from the injections. You won’t see an immediate difference, because it takes about a month for collagen production to ramp up. A typical Sculptra treatment includes four injection sessions spaced at least three weeks apart.
Patients of Dr. Guevara-Channell are beyond pleased with their results. Don’t just take our word for it; the reviews speak for themselves.
Recovery
After treatment, it is normal to experience bruising, tenderness, and/or swelling. To ensure the healing process goes as smoothly as possible, it is best to stay out of direct sunlight and avoid anti-inflammatory medications for a couple of days post-treatment. Makeup can be applied 24 hours after injections. Any prolonged discomfort can be reduced with over-the-counter medications. Your week will not be interrupted after injections; you can return to work and normal daily activities immediately!
Results
Since your body is producing these incredible improvements, results will not be visible overnight. Patients enjoy gradual enhancement over the next month or two as the body breaks down the poly-L-lactic acid particles. The best results are typically seen after three to four treatment sessions and last up to two years after your final session. Sculptra patients see an improvement in skin smoothness, contour, elasticity, and fullness. Routine sessions are encouraged to maintain your reinvigorated appearance.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Sculptra is most often used to revitalize the appearance of the lower third of the face by smoothing laugh lines, smile lines, and chin wrinkles. If forehead wrinkles are also a concern, Channell Wellness & Aesthetics offers Juvéderm.
Juvéderm, a hyaluronic acid-based filler, offers several different formulations to smooth wrinkles and creases as well as add volume to other parts of the face. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally present substance in our bodies. It holds a significantly large amount of water which aids in the flexibility of the skin. Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid production dwindles with age. Reintroducing hyaluronic acid into the body can smooth deep wrinkles and creases. Additionally, Juvéderm is commonly used for temporary lip augmentation. This procedure can be performed at the same time as Sculptra.
For patients who want to treat their wrinkles and maintain wrinkle-free skin, combining Sculptra and Botox is a dependable plan. While Sculptra fills creases and wrinkles, Botox keeps them from reappearing. Botox is a neuromodulator that allows the epidermis to relax as the underlying muscle is temporarily inoperative. This effect is created when communication between the nerves and muscles is interrupted. Botox is a temporary cosmetic treatment that lasts about four months.
Dr. Guevara-Channell is happy to discuss all aesthetic enhancement options with you to ensure that you are more than happy with your final results. To get started, fill out our online form and a member of our staff will help you schedule a consultation date convenient for you.
Our blog will also keep you up-to-date on other popular cosmetic treatments in Southern California.
Cost
Each patient receives a custom quote during their consultation that reflects how many units of Sculptra are needed to reach their cosmetic goal. Optimal results can be achieved after two to four appointments spaced at least three weeks apart. If the recommended number of sessions are followed, patients can enjoy results lasting up to two years. Make sure to check out our specials page from time to time to see our latest offers. We also accept financing options.
FAQ
Is Sculptra safe?
Sculptra is safe and FDA-approved to inject for cosmetic enhancement. Biodegradable polymers like poly-L-lactic acid are commonly used in the medical world, like those in dissolvable sutures for instance.
What areas does Sculptra treat?
Sculptra is most often injected to correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and wrinkles on the chin. However, Sculptra injections can also:
Improve chin and cheek definition
Smooth fine lines and dimples
Reduce the appearance of jowls
Define the jawline
Fill hollowed temples and under eyes
Enhance buttocks shape
Add subtle volume to the decollete and hands
Are Sculptra results permanent?
While Sculptra is categorized as a semi-permanent injectable, the results of a single course of Sculptra injections are not permanent. Sculptra results can last up to two years after the last injection. Since Sculptra triggers your body to replenish collagen, a natural skin-strengthening and hydrating material, the results can last longer in some instances. The body will digest the poly-L-lactic microparticles several months after injection, at which point long-lasting results and additional volume have been achieved by the influx of collagen.
References
- Shin JW, Kwon SH, Choi JY, et al. Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging and Antiaging Approaches. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(9). doi:10.3390/ijms20092126
- Sickles CK, Nassereddin A, Gross GP. Poly-L-Lactic Acid. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed November 2, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/