Biostimulators (Sculptra)
We all know that a youthful appearance is the epitome of beauty standards. Luckily, Sculptra is the gold standard in obtaining and maintaining a youthful, vibrant glow!
Sculptra at Lux Aesthetics stands out from other injectable treatments because it’s been designed to trigger the body’s natural collagen-making process. Whereas other injectables focus on temporarily improving wrinkles, Sculptra actually stimulates your body to restore and replenish its own youthful collagen and elastin. Results develop gradually, and the stimulation process continues for up to two years following injection.
How Does Sculptra Work?
When Sculptra is injected into areas of the face that have begun to look saggy or hollow due to loss of collagen, it triggers the body’s natural collagen-producing process with its active ingredient (poly-L-lactic acid). Over the course of several months, this brand-new collagen will make the skin look plumper and more youthful. Sculptra injections are the secret to looking flawless no matter your age, without the evidence of having any work done.
Benefits of Sculptra:
Lift sagging areas of the face
Define a lax jawline
Soften prominent cheekbones
Provide youthful volume to the face
Soften nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Volumize depressed temples
Restore volume to hands
Improve skin elasticity and texture
Kickstart new collagen production
Why Choose Sculptra Instead of Dermal Fillers?
Whereas hyaluronic dermal fillers only plump the skin temporarily to fill in lines and wrinkles, Sculptra provides volume to the face in a longer-lasting way because it stimulates collagen within the skin. Dermal fillers don’t do this extra step. By creating your own collagen, you’re providing your own more youthful-looking skin.
This is excellent news for those whose face has begun to look tired or aged due to hollows and sunken areas. In addition, some people have less facial fat than others, which can cause one to look much older than they are. Facial volume is a sign of youthfulness. As the skin weakens and fat pads start to shrink, the face can start to look older. Sculptra is excellent for restoring facial volume in a gentle and natural-looking way.
What To Expect During Your Sculptra Appointment:
Sculptra is an injectable treatment much like dermal filler. On the day of your appointment, your skin will be cleansed and prepped, and a topical anesthetic may be administered. Sculptra is administered under the skin, and is pre-mixed with lidocaine for even more patient comfort. Treatment time will be approximately 30 - 60 minutes, and patients may resume their regular day afterwards.
Sculptra is injected in a series to allow your body to absorb the poly-l-lactic acid and begin forming collagen. At Lux Aesthetics, we prefer to space out the treatments 6 to 8 weeks apart. Most patients will need two sessions; however, some patients with more volume loss may need more sessions.
We recommend a session every 1 to 2 years for maintenance.
Are You A Good Candidate For Sculptra?
What a Good candidate Looks Like:
Desire to restore lost volume in hollow areas of your face that you have developed due to aging or weight loss.
You understand that results are not immediate and build with time. The body will be stimulated to produce new collagen and may take several weeks and a few treatments to appreciate a difference.
You’d like a semi-permanent filler that gives natural, long-lasting results by helping your body produce its own collagen to fill in lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful-looking appearance to the face.
Men and women from 25 to 75 years of age.
You May Not Be a Good Candidate If You Meet Any of the Following:
Desire instant results.
Patients who have certain autoimmune conditions (consultation is required).
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have any active skin issues such as outbreaks, rashes or redness.
If you’re prone to keloids (overgrown scars) or hypertrophic scarring.
If you’re taking any of the following regularly: aspirin, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory drugs, it’s important to discuss it with your provider.
Pre and Post Sculptra Care:
Precare:
Avoid blood thinning medications/supplements (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, other NSAIDS, Ginko, Fish Oil, etc. for up to 1 week pre and post injection as they may increase your risk of bruising.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages 48 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising
You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising
Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (examples- tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone)
Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment
On The Day Of Treatment:
You may use topical anesthetic medication during your appointment
Arrive with a clean face. Please do not wear makeup.
You may experience a mild amount of tenderness/stinging during and following injection
Redness and mild swelling are normal. Some bruising may also be visible
Postcare:
Massage the area as demonstrated by your provider 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment
You may apply a cool compress to treated areas after the procedure
You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
After treatment, there may be moderate swelling, redness or bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising
Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Apply high SPF sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks
You may continue your topical products as mentioned above 1 week after injection