If there is one thing inevitable in our lives, it’s aging and the signs that come with it. As we age gradually, our skin loses the collagen and elasticity and starts to sag a little. However that is not a problem anymore today because there are multiple products and treatments available in the market which will help to maintain your youthful glow and hydrated skin.
And when the number of options is so many, it’s hard to choose the one which will be suitable for you. But among all the various treatments, Sculptra is pretty unique as compared to other dermal fillers available.
What is Sculptra and how is it different from other treatments?
Unlike traditional fillers which are made of hyaluronic acid for treating one particular area, Sculptra is a unique option as it is made of poly-L-lactic acid. It helps to stimulate collagen production, typically between 2-6 months, and this newly generated collagen acts as the filler and they last for up to more than 2 years.
Sculptra treatment directly affects the underlying structure of the skin and is genuinely the one and only liquid facelift treatment option available out there. After around 3 to 4 treatments, each done in almost every six weeks, Sculptra helps to produce collagen gradually and ultimately results in a fully rejuvenated face.
What is Sculptra most suitable for?
This particular FDA approved treatment is an amazing solution for wrinkles and sunken cheeks. Since it is biostimulatory, your body is doing most of the work and generating its own collagen. And even though it might take a bit longer to see actual results, the effects of this particular treatment lasts long.
If you struggle with deep lines or you feel you need some plumping up in some areas, then Sculptra treatment is perfect for you. Another factor to notice is that since your body does the work partially, the procedure is somewhat cost-effective to an extent as compared to traditional hyaluronic acid fillers. Plus the results look kind of natural and people around you might just think you lost weight or maybe changed something about your appearance. All you need to do is be patient.
What is a typical Sculptra consultation like?
If you are choosing a doctor who is skilled and experienced, they will take you through the pros and cons of getting a Sculptra treatment and will also give you a comparison about how it is different from regular treatment options like hyaluronic acid fillers, lasers and so on.
A treatment plan is also prepared so that you know exactly where you will be injected and whether you will need multiple sessions. And of course the doctor will also speak to you about what you need to avoid and how to take care of yourself after the treatment. Usually it is suggested to avoid any alcohol starting for a minimum one day before your treatment and also NSAIDS like Ibuprofen so that you can avoid any bruising. The doctor will also go over things that you are supposed to avoid post appointment like avoiding working out for at least 24 hours, etc.
What does getting a Sculptra feel like?
A Sculptra treatment is fairly simple and as we have already mentioned above, it is not similar to regular treatments. But of course since it’s an injectable, there is a slight possibility of a little bit of discomfort, but no worries because the doctor will apply a topical numbing agent to that particular area so that the procedure is as comfortable for you as possible.
After applying that numbing agent, the areas which need to be injected will be marked and after the procedure is complete, the doctor will massage your face for around 5 minutes so that the product is distributed evenly.
How to choose the best Sculptra provider?
When it comes to getting any cosmetic treatments, it is always suggested to go for a provider who has experience in that field and is highly skilled. Also make sure you actually know who will be doing your injections.
Whenever you are meeting any potential provider, ask them about how long they have been doing this for and do not go for any provider who is less experienced. Another way to decide is by asking the doctor whether they feel more comfortable using it on the face or the body. Typically the doctors who are comfortable using it on the face have more experience comparatively with Sculptra.
Research properly and ask for recommendations if possible.
What are the potential risks and side effects with Sculptra treatment?
The side effects from Sculptra are usually very mild and occur rarely. You might experience some amount of bruising from the injection along with mild swelling and redness. Sometimes there might be a few noticeable lumps at the sites where you got injected and some patients may also develop nodules, but it can be reduced with proper dilution and frequent massaging of those areas as instructed by your provider.
Is any downtime required after Sculptra?
It is usually okay to continue your daily activities immediately after the procedure, but you might want to give yourself some time to heal in case of bruising and soreness.
How to avoid and dissolve Sculptra lumps?
If you choose a skilled and experienced provider for the procedure, it reduces the chances of getting any lumps because a lot of it depends on the technique used during the process. It is usually suggested to avoid the area around the mouth and the eyes.
If any lumps appear immediately after the procedure, it can be reduced using frequent massages for a minimum of five times a day and for 5 minutes each time. If this doesn’t work, your provider might inject a steroid directly into the lumps to break them down. You can also choose to remove them surgically but since this treatment is not a permanent one, the impacts will eventually get fixed by themselves.
How long does it take to see results after Sculptra treatment?
The effects of Sculptra occur gradually and the results evolve and improve overtime because your body produces natural collagen. But you do need to be a bit patient because it can take around 4 to 8 weeks to see effective results after the treatment. However it also depends on the age of the patient and they might even see a difference sooner than that.
Ultimately, is Sculptra worth it?
If you are choosing an experienced and skilled provider, it is safe to say that a Sculptra treatment is definitely worth it and it shows actual results. However this treatment is like a commitment and if you want to get the best possible results, you might have to go for multiple treatments and also keep yourself up to date with follow-up treatments.
The results are great but they last for around two to three years and if you want to maintain that youthful look, you will need additional treatments.
But if we had to answer the question regarding whether it’s the right choice for you- it all depends on your goals and desires. Discussing them with the provider and how Sculptra treatment might benefit you will give you a better clarity and help you make an informed decision.
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
