Sculptra Before + After: What to Expect
Sculptra is one of our favorite treatments to support and rejuvenate aging skin.
Most of us aren’t necessarily looking to turn back the clock and look exactly the way we did in our teens — but we wouldn’t mind looking like we’ve used a six-step skin care routine our entire lives, either.
Natural skin rejuvenation to the rescue. If you’ve been scared to consider certain facial treatments because you're concerned the results won't look natural, let us ease your worries!
Sculptra®* is a treatment that helps your skin make more of the structural proteins that it needs to fill in wrinkles, prevent sagging and restore youthfulness. We’ll explain how it works and what you can expect before and after your Sculptra treatment.
First, let’s talk about what causes your skin to lose volume in the first place.
Skin changes that happen with age
One day, you notice it — the first appearance of crow’s feet or the subtle lines around the corners of your mouth. A slight downturned appearance in your lips or a faint wrinkle across your forehead. These hallmarks of aging are chiefly caused by a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up numerous types of tissues, including your skin. Collagen is what gives your skin its plump and firm appearance. As we age, collagen production naturally declines. By age 30, your skin makes 1% less collagen per year.
With less collagen, cheeks may become hollow, wrinkles form and fine lines appear. The skin naturally looks thinner and less supported.
Oxidative stress
Another factor that changes the skin is referred to as oxidative stress. Skin cells can be damaged when exposed to external stressors like UV rays, pollution and even cigarette smoke. Free radicals form, which attack healthy skin cells and disrupt their function. More oxidative stress leads to less collagen production, which is most notable in aging skin.
With less collagen produced in the skin, you might begin to notice the effects — but Sculptra can help.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator. This treatment has the ability to treat the underlying cause of sagging, thinning skin by targeting the source of the problem: collagen production in the dermis.
When you get Sculptra injections, the PLLA molecules stimulate fibroblasts (cells that help make collagen) to make more collagen.
When will you see results?
You may see some results from Sculptra immediately because the PLLA molecules are delivered in sterile water, which naturally plumps the skin. However, Sculptra works gradually, and you'll notice greater results in two to three months.
How many injections will you need?
Your individual results will vary, as will the number of injections that you need. This is based on your own existing collagen levels and your desired results. Most people are comfortable with two to three injections over the course of a year. Results from Sculptra can last up to 25 months from the date of the last injection.
Is the process painful?
No! At Skin Pharm, we want you to enjoy your skin treatments and feel as relaxed as possible. We’ll use a numbing agent to ensure you’re completely comfortable. Sculptra is delivered through a very small needle, and chances are, you won’t feel it.
If you’re considering Sculptra, we can help you prepare for the process and the recovery!
What Sculptra can do
If you're experiencing volume loss in your face as a natural part of aging, Sculptra can help. We use Sculptra to treat sagging skin, loss of contour, lines, wrinkles and texture for results that appear gradually and look completely natural.
What Sculptra can’t do
Sculptra can’t stop the aging process, and the results won’t last forever. You’ll need additional Sculptra treatments if you want to increase your results or maintain the results you have.
Preparing for the process
Your skin care provider will talk to you about whether or not you’re a good candidate for Sculptra. We'll outline how the treatment works and what to expect during all stages of the process.
Before you begin, we'll cleanse your skin and apply a numbing agent to minimize any potential discomfort. Then, we'll start your injections — the entire process takes less than 15 minutes.
Aftercare
After your Sculptra injections, you may notice slight bleeding, bruising or swelling near the injection sites. This is usually very mild and goes away within a few days. Immediately after your treatment, you’ll be given an ice pack to help soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
You’ll also be instructed on facial massage, which you’ll want to do for five minutes every day for five days after your injections. It’s also important to remember that any skin treatment can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight immediately after treatment!
Can you get other treatments along with Sculptra?
You can stack Sculptra with other skin care treatments (like Botox) to address different concerns. Your skin care provider will help you determine which treatments are best for you and how to pair them successfully.
Rejuvenate your skin
You aren’t searching for artificial-looking results — you want options that make it look like you’ve taken a small sip from the fountain of youth. Sculptra is a solution that works to help your skin produce more collagen naturally over time.
More questions about Sculptra, fillers and other skin treatments? Book a skin consult with us to learn more!
*Sculptra is a registered trademark of Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Peer review
This article was medically reviewed by Chelsie Rogers, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
SOURCES:
Oxidative Stress and Human Skin Connective Tissue Aging | MDPI.com
Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin | PMC
