Sculptra Benefits: 4 Reasons to Consider It
Sculptra is an anti-aging injectable that sculpts, plumps and smooths skin.
While it may not have the same immediate name-brand recognition as other cosmetic treatments like Botox or Juvederm, Sculptra is one of the most effective ways to restore volume loss for a more youthful complexion.
What makes Sculptra so impressive, who’s a good candidate, and what sets it apart from other injectables? Let’s talk through some of our favorite Sculptra benefits!
If you’d like to discuss whether Sculptra is right for you, book a skin consultation with one of our advanced practice providers.
1. Sculptra is made from a naturally biocompatible active ingredient.
Everyone has preferences about what they put on and in their bodies. It’s no different when it comes to cosmetic treatments; many people prefer to use more natural ingredients. Oftentimes, natural ingredients are less likely to trigger allergic reactions (especially in people with already sensitive skin).
Sculptra’s main ingredient is an injectable form of poly-L-lactic acid (also known as PLLA-SCA). Poly-L-lactic acid is a member of the AHA family (alpha-hydroxy acids), although it isn’t nearly as abrasive as other AHAs like glycolic acid. PLLA-SCA (and Sculptra by proxy) has been labeled as biocompatible, which means that it's been tested and found to be not harmful to living tissue.
In addition to providing you with a more natural way to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, Sculptra helps stimulates collagen production, resulting in more natural-looking, long-lasting volume.
2. Sculptra results are long lasting.
Sculptra works by encouraging collagen production in the injected areas — and that collagen production continues long after your injections are over. Most people see optimal results from Sculptra after two to four treatments spread out over four to six weeks. After that, results can last up to two years! You can’t get much better without going under the knife.
3. Sculptra doesn’t have many side effects.
Although every cosmetic treatment (especially those involving needles) comes with a few expected side effects — redness, tenderness, bruising, etc. — Sculptra’s benefits far outweigh the potential side effects. Most of these side effects can be minimized by following your skin care provider’s recommendations for appropriate aftercare.
These may include:
- Massaging the treatment area five times a day for the first five days (for about five minutes each time)
- Using cool compresses on any areas of swelling if instructed by your provider (for no more than 15 minutes at a time)
- Sleeping on your back with your head and neck slightly elevated on a pillow
- Not wearing makeup for 12 hours
- Staying out of the sun or any extreme temperatures (hot or cold) for 72 hours
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
4. Sculptra addresses many common complaints of aging.
As we get older, the amount of natural collagen in our skin starts to decline more and more. By the time we reach our 50s, our collagen production is significantly lagging — especially when we throw in common factors known to speed up collagen degradation, like chronic sun exposure, smoking and not taking good enough care of your skin.
Sculptra is just one way to help your skin increase its collagen production, which can help minimize other skin concerns. With plumper, younger-looking skin comes a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a firmer under-eye area.
Combining Sculptra with other anti-aging treatments and skin care products can increase your benefits even more. As your body works to make additional collagen to support the skin, your skin care routine can help keep your skin tone even and clear and minimize visible signs of aging.
A holistic approach is the best way to take care of your skin — and ourskin care providers can help you build the right routine!
The bottom line...
There are multiple Sculptra benefits that keep people coming back for more — from the its natural, biocompatible active ingredients to its ability to provide you with long-lasting volume. Once you’ve reached your optimal results, you often only need to maintain them every two years.
Plus, instead of treating the symptoms of aging, Sculptra goes right to the source to address the underlying loss of collagen — a benefit that not many other cosmetic treatments can claim. Want to learn more about Sculptra? Book a skin consult with us to see if it's the right treatment for you!
SOURCES:
Poly-L-lactic acid: an overview | PubMed
Sculptra: a stimulatory filler | PubMed
