What is Sculptra® and how does it work?
Sculptra is an injectable aesthetic treatment whose active ingredient is polyLlactic acid (PLLA). It works by stimulating your body’s own collagen and elastin production to improve skin quality in a very natural way.
When Sculptra is injected beneath the skin, the PLLA microparticles trigger a controlled response, prompting fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells) to produce new collagen fibers. Over time, this new collagen gives structure, restores volume and improves the skin’s support network. Because collagen production takes time, the effects are gradual rather than immediate. The result is often described as a natural volume restoration, improved skin texture/thickness, and long lasting.
Who is good candidate for Sculptra®?
Everyone who is aging is a candidate for Sculptra. But more specifically, people experiencing volume loss, hollowing (for example cheeks and temples), or deep lines/folds (nasolabial folds, marionette lines) due to aging or collagen loss.
What to know before and during treatment
Melissa Doty, R.N. is a trained Sculptra injector, has been injecting for 10+ years, and is one of the top Sculptra injectors in the country. A consultation with Missy is recommended before treatment to discuss goals, concerns, and whether Sculptra is right for you. The treatment can be done during the same appointment if desired.
The Sculptra solution is injected using a non-sharp instrument called a cannula. An anesthetic is used for the initial injection into the predetermined areas beneath the skin—volume loss areas, folds, contour zones. The number of injection points, dilution and volume depends on your needs. After the injection, a massage over the areas that were treated will ensure even distribution and smoothness. The whole procedure may take ~30 minutes (depending on how many areas are treated) per session.
What to expect after treatment
Immediately after: You may have some redness, swelling, bruising, soreness, tenderness at the injection sites. These are common and usually resolve within a few days. Most people can go back to normal activities shortly after the procedure. However, we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive sun/heat exposure, or heavy massaging of the area for a short period.
Because Sculptra works by stimulating collagen, you may not see full results immediately. You might see some initial volume (from the injection fluid) but the true collagen-driven changes appear over several weeks to months. Many people see noticeable changes around 4-6 weeks after injection, and optimal results often seen around 3-4 months (sometimes up to 6 months) following the treatment.
Often more than one treatment is recommended for optimal results and may be done over 2-3 sessions several weeks apart. Sculptra can last up to 2 years or more in some patients. After the initial treatment, you may need touch ups over time to maintain the same appearance.
What results to expect with Sculptra®
Volume restoration in areas of hollowing (cheeks, temples, under the eyes in selected cases) and improvement of skin support/foundation. Smoother appearance of folds and lines (e.g., nasolabial folds, marionette lines) as the skin’s underlying structure improves. Improved skin texture, firmness and thickness (not just filling lines) because new collagen helps the skin’s substrate. Natural-looking results: Because changes are gradual, many patients report a refreshed look.
Sculptra is less about “filling” and more about “building” — building your own collagen so your skin regains structure and volume from within. The process takes time (weeks to months), but the payoff is often a gradual, natural-looking improvement. Sculptra compliments the effects of dermal fillers such as Voluma and Juvederm, and work well together. Call us for a consult to discuss a full plan specific for your needs.