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Sculptra™

Sculptra™ is injected into the skin to restore and/or correct the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) or volume. Sculptra™ is also used for patients who suffer from acne scarring. It has been clinically proven to be an effective, well-tolerated and long-lasting treatment in the treatment of these two indications. Sculptra™ itself is a synthetic material known as ‘poly-L-lactic acid.’ It is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants and other types of implants. Sculptra™ is not like traditional fillers that “fill” or “plump” the skin. Instead, your own collagen will build around the molecule and cause the skin to increase in thickness.

Pre-Treatment

Stopping the use of aspirin and Vitamin E and the consumption of green tea is recommended 3-5 days prior to treatments to reduce the possibility and/or amount of swelling. No skin testing is required prior to use.

Details of Procedure

Sculptra™ is injected into the skin in a series of approximately 3-4 treatments. One hour prior to treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the skin to help reduce any discomfort. The treatment itself will take approximately 30-60 minutes so patients can expect to be in the clinic for approximately 2 hours. Appointments should also be booked 6-8 weeks apart to ensure that enough collagen has been generated in between your treatments. In order to see your final results, you will need to complete the full course of treatments.

Post Treatment Care

Following your first treatment, it may appear as though the Sculptra™ has worked immediately. This is due to the swelling from injections as well as the water that is used to dilute the solution. As the swelling subsides your skin will likely return to its pre-treatment state. As you continue through your course of Sculptra™ treatments, the collagen will begin to compound and you will see a very noticeable result.

Following each treatment you may likely experience some redness, swelling, sensitivity and tenderness and possible bruising. These signs will usually subside within few hours to a few days. An ice pack should be applied to the area to help reduce any possible swelling. The area should also be massaged with moisturizer a few times each day (5minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days) to help distribute the product. Patients can use makeup immediately following treatment in order to eliminate any residual redness. Sculptra™ lasts approximately 3-5 years and touch-up treatments can be performed following this time period to maintain the result.

The Skin Spa does offer complimentary consultations and colour matching if you are interested in purchasing an anti-microbial/anti-inflammatory mineral makeup which is fantastic for use after any skin treatments. Most patients feel comfortable resuming their regular activities the following day.

Possible Risks

The most common side effects with Sculptra™ include injection-related side effects including minimal bleeding, tenderness/pain, redness, bruising or swelling. These can all last from approximately 3-17 days.