Sculptra: a collagen booster with advanced volume restoration

In recent years, we’ve observed a growing interest in stimulating the skin rather than merely treating it with occasional ‘filler’ products. Moreover, we’ve seen that fillers don’t always deliver the desired results. They can alter the shape of the face and sometimes even give a slightly puffy appearance. For years, we’ve been delighted with the results of Profhilo, a powerful skin booster based on highly concentrated hyaluronic acid, which provides a beautiful glow through increased hydration and also stimulates collagen and elastin. Likewise, we appreciate the potent effects of PhilArt on our own tissue—a top product! Sculptra takes stimulation a step further: as a leading collagen booster, it generates three times more collagen than other skin boosters and, unlike other products, can also restore volume. Sculptra is an injectable that has been around for decades and has recently made a comeback with an improved protocol.

Sculptra contains lactic acid, which stimulates collagen (connective tissue) in the skin, acting as a powerful collagen booster and restoring its structure and thickness. This reduces wrinkle depth and firms the skin. This is a gradual process, so the optimal results are only visible after a few months.

Indications Sculptra

Sculptra can be used for skin tightening of the face, neck, and/or décolleté. Note, however, that it is not used on the forehead, around the eyes, or above the mouth. Fortunately, we have other products like fillers, Profhilo, or PhilArt for those areas.

It is also effective for restoring volume loss in the temples (which provides a ‘lifting’ effect) and the cheeks.

When to choose Sculptra and when to opt for fillers?

Below are some guidelines to help you decide between different products or treatments:

The treatment

Sculptra is a type of powder that comes in a vial and is mixed with sterile water and a small amount of anaesthetic. It is usually injected directly under the skin using a cannula, although sometimes a needle is used. Be sure to mention if you are taking blood thinners beforehand.

After the treatment, it is crucial to perform thorough massages. This should be done by me immediately after the treatment and by you, for 5 days, 5 times a day, 5 minutes each time. It’s essential to ensure optimal results. As with any treatment involving injections, it is also advised to avoid swimming pools, saunas, etc., for a few days after the treatment. Additionally, it is recommended to refrain from other facial treatments for 2 weeks.

The result

After a few days, the swelling will subside, and any bruising (which can be camouflaged from the day after the treatment) will gradually fade. However, the final results will take longer to appear. Sculptra is a bio-stimulator, so noticeable changes typically occur no earlier than 3 months (6 weeks after the second treatment). This is also when a follow-up treatment is recommended. Unfortunately, one treatment is often not enough. The number of treatments required depends on various factors such as your age and environmental factors like past sun exposure and smoking. We will discuss the expected number of treatments beforehand, which also depends on your preferences.

The advantage is that the results last much longer than those of other injectables; it can last over a year!

Safety

This is important. You might wonder: if it’s such a fantastic product, why has it been around for so long? The old protocol used a different dilution of the product, which sometimes resulted in lumps. There was also less emphasis on the importance of post-treatment massages. Fortunately, with the current protocol, these issues have been resolved.

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, a substance that breaks down over time, but the collagen structure formed remains, offering long-lasting improvement in firmness and volume loss.

Sculptra has been FDA-approved for aesthetic use since 2009, so it is well-regulated.