Dermal fillers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those wanting to restore a more youthful appearance to their face. As we age, skin starts to lose its elasticity, becoming looser and more prone to wrinkling. Fillers can be used to fill the lines and wrinkles that start to appear, while providing greater tone and suppleness to sunken cheeks or under eye hollows. Sculptra® is one of many dermal fillers which is commonly used for these purposes.


Origins of Sculptra®?

Sculptra® was approved by the FDA  (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for cosmetic purposes in August 2004. However, it hasn't always been known as Sculptra®. Having been developed by Biotech Industries S.A. Luxembourg, it was then acquired by Dermik Laboratories in May 2002 and is marketed in over 30 countries outside the US under the name New-Fill™.

What is Sculptra®?

Sculptra® is a dermal filler which works as a volumizing treatment to thicken the skin. It's made from a synthetic component called poly L lactic acid, which when mixed with sterile water, forms a gel which can then be injected into the areas needed. Sculptra® is one of the longer lasting synthetic dermal fillers, where, once the treatment sessions are complete, the effects should last for at least another two years.

Advantages of Sculptra®

Sculptra® provides advantages over many other fillers because it is longer lasting, whereby the majority of fillers generally begin losing their effectiveness after around three to four months. Also, Sculptra® provides a non-surgical alternative to implants which are more of a permanent solution. However, implants don’t lend themselves well to the natural facial changes which occur over the years and can end up looking a little unnatural. Sculptra® is a more natural looking enhancement that poses little to no risk of safety for those undergoing the treatment.

How does the treatment work?

Sculptra® is injected by a qualified practitioner into the areas required and can take anywhere between 20-40 minutes depending on the number of areas to be treated. The needles may be painful as they go in, but quickly dulls afterwards. The Sculptra® gel works like an implant and is sometimes known as a liquid facelift. It temporarily restores lost volume while filling out hollow contours, lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, Sculptra® helps stimulate the build-up of the body’s natural collagen which in turn creates  plumper and more youthful looking skin.
 
What are the side effects?

Once the treatment is finished, it may be necessary to apply an ice pack to help relieve any soreness at the injection sites. Aside from this, side effects can include bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness around the injected areas and raised bumps. Most of these symptoms should disappear after 2-6 days, though bruising may take a little longer to subside. Small bumps or nodules under the skin might remain or disappear over time and are often only noticed when pressing on the skin.

Noticing results

Generally, the results take around six weeks to become noticeable. Immediately after the treatment it may appear as if Sculptra® has had some sort of an effect. However this is usually down to the swelling which occurs around the injected areas and will probably subside within a few days or weeks and not look too different from before. It would normally require another two to three or possibly more treatments in order to achieve the optimum results.

Sculptra® is a good choice for those considering using a longer lasting dermal filler for cosmetically enhancing purposes. However, when considering which type of dermal filler might work best for you, it's important to find a reputable and qualified practitioner who will take note of your health and medical history while helping you make an informed decision regarding to the most suitable treatments for your specific concerns.

Sources:

FDA
Facial Plastic Surgery