Sculptra®

An injectable collagen-stimulator that restores overall volume loss and skin quality and firmness

How Sculptra® works

Sculptra® is a form of PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid) mixed in an injectable solution, creating a biostimulatory filler. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra® does not have an immediate filling result. Since it works with your body to stimulate collagen, the results are seen gradually over 2-3 months. The results are natural replacement of lost volume with improved skin quality and firmness.

Like most regenerative aesthetic treatments, Sculptra® works best over time, in multiple sessions. Oftentimes, the treatment starts with 2 vials of product, jump-starting the collagen-stimulating process. Months later, repeat treatments will be performed to continue your collagen production and maintain results. The number of repeat treatments depends on aesthetic goals, age, and degree of volume loss/skin quality.

  • Prior to Arrival

    Prior to arrival, you would have received a questionnaire and consent for treatment. Dr. Tyler will review these forms with you and answers any questions you may have.

    Photos

    Dr. Tyler does photos with each visit. Not only does it show progress through your aesthetic journey, it also helps to understand and tweak subsequent treatments, based on outcomes from each encounter. Once images are obtained, Dr. Tyler will review the images and discuss different areas for injection to give the desired aesthetic result. Dr. Tyler is happy to offer a full facial rejuvenation plan or simply address your primary concern.

    Preparation

    The skin is cleansed and the anatomical areas are measured and marked for injection.

    Topical or injected anesthetic is provided for comfort. If topical anesthetic is applied, Dr. Tyler will wait 15 min prior to injecting.

    Application

    Injections may be with a cannula or sharp needle. Sometimes both are used, depending on the desired result and area being injected.

    After Treatment

    The areas injected will be swollen immediately after the treatment and do not reflect the final outcome. Post-treatment instructions will be reviewed prior to leaving the office. You will also receive written instruction delivered to the email you provided when you created your profile.

    Complications/Side Effects

    Bruising and swelling are expected after treatment. To lessen the chance of bruising, Dr. Tyler will attempt to place injections around vessels and no through them. The products themselves cause swelling as part of their mechanism of action. To lessen the chance of bruising, please refrain from alcohol, turmeric, fish oils, aspirin, and other blood thinning supplements/medications for at least 24 hours. If bruising occurs, arnica gel or tablets can assist in resorption.

    INFECTION

    Infection is rare. But because we are placing a needle through the skin and injecting gel material, it is possible. Dr. Tyler will cleanse the skin with antibacterial solution and use clean injection technique to prevent infection.

    NODULES

    Nodules, papules, and granulomas can occur soon after injection or even months from treatment. Delayed-onset nodules are treated with steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications, as they are due to your immune systems reaction to the treatment. Initial nodules can be prevented by following the post-treatment instructions and massaging the treated areas.

    VASCULAR OCCLUSION

    Vascular Occlusion (VO) is the most concerning of complications. It is incredibly rare with Sculptra®. A VO occurs when the product is unintentionally injected into a vessel. Safe injection technique is used to prevent this from happening, but it can still occur. Cannulas will also be used when appropriate, as they greatly lessen the chance of VOs. If a VO does occur, Limelight Medical Aesthetics has a protocol to address it. Warm compresses, massage, nitroglycerin ointment, and Hylenex will be used to dissolve the product and restore blood flow to the affected area. While this complication is often seen at time of injection, there are reports of it being delayed. If you are concerned about a VO, take a picture and send to our number immediately so Dr. Tyler can review and make recommendations.

  • Week 1: You’ll likely have mild swelling for the first few days. This is mostly from the water or saline used to mix the Sculptra®. You may have bruising at the injection sites.

    Week 2: Your swelling should be resolved at this point. You may be doubting the treatments efficacy, as your face may appear as it did prior to treatment. Please remember that Sculptra® works to stimulate collagen, which takes several weeks. Hang in there, the results you’re wanting are on the way.

    Week 6: Oftentimes, patients start to notice that their complexion is softer and may even have a glow. The treatment is starting to generate collagen now.

    Week 8: At the 2 month mark, most people notice improvement in facial volume, reduction in fine lines, and further improvement in skin quality. And these results can last up to 2 years! Based on your results, you may need an additional vial at this time.

    Week 16-20: Time for a maintenance treatment. While Sculptra® helped stimulate and build more collagen, your body is still breaking it down. So getting an additional vial or two every 4-6 months will help maintain your results.

Instructions + Forms

Prepare for your appointment and learn how to care for the treated area after your procedure.

    • In preparation for your Sculptra® treatment, if able, please have cleansed skin. Your skin will be sanitized before injection, but to give best results with least complications, cleansed skin is best.

    • If you enjoy regular exercise, please do so BEFORE your appointment. You cannot exercise for the remainder of th day after treatment, as there is risk for migration of product.

    • To decrease the chance of bleeding (and bruising) it is best to refrain from alcohol, fish oil, aspirin, and turmeric for 3-4 days before your appointment. You can also take arnica daily starting the week before your appointment to help with healing post-treatment. I also recommend taking zyrtec and pepcid the day of your treatment, as it can help with swelling.

    • If you have a history of cold sores, please let us know, as you may need to be on antiviral medication starting a few days before treatment.

    • 24 HOURS AFTER you can resume exercise and apply makeup.

    • AVOID extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.

    • Massage the areas treated in a circular motion 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each, for 5 days after treatment.

    • Wait a minimum of 2 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving laser treatments.

    • You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort.

    • You may apply an ice or cold gel pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising.

    Contact our Office

    • If you develop signs of infection (increasing swelling, pain, heat, or surrounding redness) or if the treated area appears to be getting worse.

    • If you are experiencing significant pain that is not relieved by the recommended pain medication listed above.

    • If you develop severe swelling, redness, or bruising, that does not improve after two weeks.

    Follow-up

    • 4-6 weeks after each treatment.

    • Additional treatment sessions may be recommended

  • Sculptra Consent to Treatment and Instructions

Science + Education

Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) was first introduced as a dissolvable suture material used in surgical cases. Sculptra® is the same molecule, but micronized in a solution.

When injected, Sculptra® starts working by creating a subclinical inflammatory reaction. In the tissue, PLLA attracts monocytes and other immune cells. The cells recognize the PLLA as foreign and start working to metabolize and rid it from the body. Through this process, collagen type III is created. Additionally, PLLA downregulates the expression of metalloproteinases, the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down collagen.

By increasing collagen and slowing its degradation, PLLA replaces lost tissue volume where injected.

Holistic Aesthetic Approach

regenerate with sculpture/hyperdillute radiesse

This treatment is used to regenerate collagen that is lost over time. Integrative and complementary treatments include those that delay/prevent collagen loss, such as microneedling and chemical peels. If you have more significant volume loss, you may want to consider dermal fillers.

Are you ready for your moment in the limelight?