Questions about Sculptra? We have answers! 

Before any cosmetic treatment, we want you to feel informed, confident and empowered with as much knowledge as possible. That’s why we're answering some of your most common questions about Sculptra, including: 

• What is Sculptra?
• Where is Sculptra injected?
• What exactly does it do?

What is Sculptra, and how does it work?

Collagen loss is the driving force behind age-related changes in our appearance. The loss of collagen, along with a drop in the production of additional collagen, naturally starts to show up as the body goes through the aging process. This can result in common skin concerns like sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.

Sculptra helps counteract that process and increases collagen production to visibly smooth, firm and rejuvenate the skin. It’s an FDA-approved, age-defying injectable cosmetic treatment like nothing else on the market. 

The primary ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a substance similar to the material from which dissolvable sutures are made. When injected into the skin, PLLA (along with the other ingredients in Sculptra) acts as a biostimulant, triggering the body to increase collagen production in the injected areas. 

Unlike other dermal fillers made primarily from hyaluronic acid (HA), Sculptra’s chemical makeup makes it a far longer-lasting option. In fact, the collagen synthesis stimulated by Sculptra continues for six to 12 weeks after injections, and results can last up to two years. 

Sculptra works so well that it's considered by many skin care professionals to be an effective alternative to surgery to help rejuvenate and restore aging skin.

Where is Sculptra injected?

Sculptra’s main job is to help rebuild collagen, so it’s injected in those areas where you want to see volume restored. Sculptra is injected into the dermal layer of the skin, where most of the skin’s collagen is located. The areas that will be targeted will depend on your specific volume goals.

We typically inject Sculptra into the areas of the face that are considered its framework — namely, the bony contours of the outer border of the face (including the temples and in front of the ears), the cheekbones, the chin and the jawline. The goal is to fill the areas that have naturally lost collagen and return the face to a state of youthful firmness.

While answering questions like “Where is Sculptra injected?” it’s also important to mention that these injections should only be done by a licensed skin care provider. 

Where are Sculptra injections not recommended?

Because of how Sculptra works, injections are only recommended in specific areas. Having Sculptra injected into areas other than those recommended by skin care providers can lead to increased side effects and uneven skin texture.

In general, we recommend avoiding Sculptra injections between the eyebrows, on the nose, around the lips or eyes or into or around the frontalis muscle of the forehead. For these smaller areas, other dermal fillers like Juvederm or another injectable cosmetic treatment like Botox may be the better option!

Are the results of Sculptra injections visible right away?

Unlike other fillers, the results of Sculptra injections aren’t immediately visible. Sculptra takes time to work, so you may not notice results until about six to eight weeks post-injection.

However, what gives Sculptra the edge among the other fillers is that it builds collagen back gradually over time. Although results will vary from person to person, they're natural-looking and long-lasting — Sculptra injection results can last for about two years. 

To get optimal results, we recommend a series of injections — usually a total of two to four treatments (with six to eight weeks between them). It may take a little patience to see results, but they'll be worth the wait!

How long does it take to recover from Sculptra injections?

Another common question we get about this collagen-boosting injectable is what the recovery process will be like.

If you’re nervous about pain during Sculptra injections, know that patient comfort is a top priority at Skin Pharm! We'll use a topical numbing cream before beginning the injections, which can help reduce the likelihood of discomfort.

The injections themselves do have some temporary side effects, including mild discomfort, redness, swelling and temporary bruising. However, these side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days. We do recommend that you avoid scheduling your appointment within two weeks of any important events to give yourself plenty of time to heal, though.

The bottom line...

“Where is Sculptra injected?” is just one of several common questions we get about this collagen-boosting injectable. If you’re curious about Sculptra or want to discuss your options, we’d love to help! Book a skin consult with us, and we’ll create a treatment plan to help you achieve your skin goals. 

SOURCES:

Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) | Aesthetic Surgery Journal | Oxford Academic

Sculptra – P030050/S039 | FDA

Nonsurgical Rejuvenation of the Aging Face With Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Restoration of Soft Tissue Volume | Aesthetic Surgery Journal | Oxford Academic

Sculptra Receives FDA Approval for Cheek Wrinkles | ABCS