What if we told you there was an injectable that worked like a magic, time-reversing elixir for your skin? It’s not too good to be true: Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating filler that works with your body to gradually restore your skin from the inside out.
In this blog post, we’re sharing the science of Sculptra and giving you the scoop on how it can help you appear more youthful (without anyone thinking you’ve had “work done”).
The Deets on Sculptra Injections
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable that stimulates your body to produce new collagen in the treated area. By harnessing your body’s natural rejuvenation abilities, Sculptra corrects fine lines and wrinkles and restores firmness for a more youthful-looking appearance.
Why is Sculptra unique?
Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) rather than hyaluronic acid (HA), which most common dermal fillers, like Restylane and Juvéderm, are composed of.
While HA is excellent for providing immediate volume, PLLA gradually restores collagen over time.
It all depends on what type of result you desire, plus plenty of other factors like the area of injection, your age, treatment history, and lifestyle. Often, we even use a combination of Sculptra and HA fillers to achieve our desired result.
HA fillers are commonly used to treat the lips, cheeks, chin, and jawline, adding volume and contour. Sculptra (PLLA) is used to treat cheek wrinkles, smile lines, marionette lines, and the temples. Plus, it can help with neck laxity and chest wrinkles. We can even use Sculptra in the booty to add fullness and shape!
Sculptra is amazing when you’re seeking a natural-looking, gradual glow-up. No one will be able to tell you’ve had filler; you just happen to look like you’re aging backward. 😉
How does Sculptra work?
The real magic of Sculptra begins in the days and weeks after treatment. This is when the PLLA microparticles in Sculptra start to stimulate fibroblasts (generative cells) deep within your skin.
As fibroblasts are stimulated and start working, the collagen-creation process begins. Gradually, you’ll begin to see the effects of this fresh collagen: firmer, younger-looking skin!
As collagen is produced and the PLLA particles finish their job, the body naturally expels them as carbon dioxide, water, glucose, and lactate.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein in the body that supports skin youthfulness. It provides the skin’s structural foundation plus helps maintain elasticity and hydration. (It also has essential functions in the body’s muscles, bones, and other organs.)
After we reach our 20s, we naturally begin to lose about 1% of our body’s collagen per year, which contributes to the appearance of aging. Lifestyle factors like unprotected UV and free radical exposure, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, and lack of sleep can further contribute to collagen loss.
However, when we use Sculptra to help restore collagen, review important lifestyle factors, and make the necessary changes, we can take advantage of the body’s intrinsic restoration abilities to turn back the clock on your skin’s appearance.
As your body begins to restore lost collagen after your Sculptra treatment, you’ll notice fewer fine lines and wrinkles and more plump and radiant skin. Combine this with implementing healthy lifestyle changes, and your skin will visibly thank you!
How many Sculptra treatments will I need?
Sculptra is typically administered over a series of injections. Your injector will determine your unique treatment plan based on your concerns and goals.
On average, a series of 3 treatments spaced six weeks apart is best for optimal results.
How long does Sculptra last?
The results of Sculptra are proven to last for up to 25 months.
How much does Sculptra Cost?
The cost of Sculptra can vary depending on factors like how much product you’ll need for best results, your location, your injector’s individual price structure, etc.
If you’re curious about the cost of Sculptra and if this treatment is for you, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a trusted injector.
If you’re in the Atlanta, Georgia, area looking for Sculptra treatment, book a consultation with Cult Aesthetics Team, and we’ll help determine the perfect treatment plan just for you.
Is Sculptra safe?
Sculptra has been proven in clinical studies to be safe and effective when administered correctly by a trained healthcare professional.
However, it’s important to remember that, like any injectable treatment, Sculptra is a medical cosmetic procedure. Sculptra must be administered by a trusted, experienced healthcare provider who understands the product, proper injection technique, and each patient’s needs and goals.
Before your Sculptra treatment, your injector should have a thorough Consultation with you. During the consult, your injector will review your medical history, discuss your goals and concerns, and ultimately determine if Sculptra is the right option for you. This is also a time when you can ask questions, learn more, view Sculptra before and after photos, and get a feel for the injector.
Sculptra Downtime
After your Sculptra treatment session, you may experience some swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness in the injected area. This is normal and should resolve completely within 1-2 weeks.
We recommend taking it easy for the 24 hours following injections, so avoid extreme heat, excess sun exposure, working out, and drinking alcohol for at least one-day post-treatment.
You may return to normal daily activities 24 hours post-treatment unless otherwise specified by your injector.
Best Skincare After Sculptra Treatment
After your Sculptra treatment, you’ll want to keep your skin nourished and protected. Here are two of our favorite products to pair with Sculptra:
RetinAL Lipid-Replenishing Balm
VIEW ON SQUEEZE SKIN | $76 | 1.3 fl oz
We love Avène’s Replenishing Balm for all skin types – it’s packed with potent yet gentle ingredients like bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative, and niacinamide, which brightens and hydrates. Safflower and sunflower seed oils provide anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair benefits.
Apply Replenishing balm to the face, neck, and decollete in the morning before sunscreen and in the evening as the last step in your skincare routine. Then bask in the benefits of your dewy, hydrated skin.
Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Sunscreen
VIEW ON SQUEEZE SKIN | $70 | 3.4 fl oz
Eryfotona Ageless is a tinted mineral sunscreen that protects from UV damage while reducing the appearance of existing signs of photoaging (aka fine lines and wrinkles).
Eryphotona is formulated with 10.7% zinc oxide for ultimate sun protection, vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, and DNA Repairsomes® (enzymes derived from plankton) to help repair existing photodamage.
End your AM skincare routine with Eryfotona Ageless to protect and even skin tone. You’ll love how this silky sunscreen illuminates on its own or as a primer under makeup.
Final Thoughts: Is Sculptra worth it?
Sculptra may be right for you if you’re seeking a non-surgical, long-lasting solution for a more rejuvenated appearance. Cult Aestheticss in Atlanta, Georgia, are dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with personalized, expert care. Schedule a Consultation with us to learn more about the best treatment options for you.
