As men and women begin aging, one of the first signs many notice is a loss of fat in the face. This “sunken look”—characterized by indentations in the cheeks, hollow eyes, and skin that is more likely to show deep lines and wrinkles—seems to happen virtually overnight for many. Luckily, there is a treatment for the problem that works just as fast.
Used by plastic surgeons to treat more than 150,000 patients since 1999, Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler that can provide up to 80% improvement in the appearance of aging skin by increasing the skin’s thickness and reducing sunken areas in the face. Even better, patients can expect to see lasting results for up to two years.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable facial filler used by plastic surgeons to increase volume in the faces of patients suffering from signs of facial fat loss, also known as lipoatrophy. As such, the product is the first of its kind approved by the federal government to treat the lipoatrophy condition.
So how does it work? Because Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic and biocompatible material, plastic surgeons can inject it below the surface of any area of skin experiencing fat loss without any prior patient skin testing required, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although Sculptra itself is relatively new to the U.S. market, the poly-L-lactic acid material that forms the basis of the product has actually been in use for many years.
Once a patient has received an initial consultation with a doctor and determined that Sculptra is the right course of treatment, he can begin his first session immediately. Because Sculptra’s results can sometimes be gradual since it may take days for the skin to thicken along the face, you’ll be encouraged to return to the doctor’s office within a few weeks of your initial appointment to determine if you’ll need follow-up treatments to achieve the desired results. Although there is no downtime with Sculptra, some facial swelling or bruising may occur.
Patients can expect their Sculptra treatment to last anywhere from three months to two years. However, some people, especially those suffering from severe lipoatrophy, may choose to return to their doctor for additional Sculptra treatments on more frequent basis.
On occasion, some plastic surgeons may recommend combing the Sculptra treatment with other facial techniques such as Botox injections, FotoFacials, or non-surgical face lift procedures for optimal results.
Who are the best candidates for Sculptra?
Sculptra can be used to treat a variety of patients suffering from a loss in facial fat. However, because it is commonly used to treat patients suffering from facial lipoatrophy as a result of HIV or AIDS, those suffering from the condition should take special precaution before using Sculptra.
Before using any injectable fillers, candidates should check with their primary care doctors. In addition, anyone suffering from a skin infection or rash may not be considered an optimal candidate for Sculptra.
For otherwise healthy candidates, be honest with the doctor about what you hope to achieve with the procedure. If you have unrealistic goals or beauty neuroses, you’ll likely be let down by the results, and therefore not considered a good candidate for Sculptra.
What are the benefits of Sculptra?
If you are suffering from a loss of fat in the face—either due to illness or natural aging—Sculptra can restore volume and create the look of a younger, more vibrant face. Specifically, the technique can minimize fine lines around the cheeks and mouth by stimulating the body to reproduce the facial collagen adults naturally lose with age.
Rather than aiming to create an entirely new look, surgeons using Sculptra aim to help you look like a more youthful version of themselves. Because of this, Sculptra is an ideal solution for those looking for a natural refresher, rather than an entirely new face. Those hoping for a more drastic look should research surgical options, such as a face lift.
What risks are involved?
As with any facial procedure, a number of risks are involved for patients using Sculptra for the first time. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, side effects may include small bumps under the skin, bleeding, tenderness, bruising, swelling, or redness at the site of injection.
Patients can minimize their chance of risk by being completely honest with their doctors before the procedure and disclosing any medical conditions you have experienced now or in the past, along with any medications you take regularly. Anyone with allergies to any medicine should tell their doctor well in advance. In addition, don’t use Sculptra while you are experiencing a skin injection or inflammation on the face.
