Restoring a youthful appearance and smoothing out wrinkles is one of the main goals of those who seek out cosmetic procedures. While dermal fillers and Botox can be excellent choices for accomplishing this goal, Sculptra is a unique treatment that not only restores skin to its former appearance in the short-term, it also stimulates collagen production, which leads to a long-term youthful appearance.
How is Sculptra Different from Other Cosmetic Procedures?
Sculptra is primarily a long-term solution to wrinkles and associated skin conditions. The injection stimulates collagen production which occurs over the next few months after the treatment and the effects can last for 2 years or longer. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, provide immediate results but do not create a change in the deeper layers of skin.
What Happens During a Sculptra Treatment?
Once the skin has been thoroughly cleaned and prepped for the injection, the Sculptra solution is injected into the desired areas. In order to keep the pain level to a minimum, the solution is combined with lidocaine. When the injections are complete, the dermatologist will perform a light massage on the injected areas to ensure that the solution reaches its target. Most of the time, the patient will be in and out of the dermatologist’s office in less than a half hour.
Are There Different Kinds of Sculptra Treatments?
Sculptra is used in a variety of treatments including:
- Treatments targeting wrinkles and signs of aging in the face. Procedures such as liquid facelifts often contain Sculptra to ensure that the skin is properly treated for wrinkle reduction in the long-term.
- Treatments targeting areas other than the face. The décolletage, knees, and arms are all areas which are frequently targeted by Sculptra.
- Non-surgical butt lifts. An alternative to a surgical procedure, the non-surgical butt lift makes use of Sculptra’s unique rejuvenating properties by injecting the substance into the buttocks area.
Are There Any Side Effects from Sculptra Injections?
Side effects from Sculptra treatments tend to be mild and temporary. These side effects include:
- Redness;
- Swelling;
- Ecchymosis (bruising).
All of these issues generally occur near the injection sites and usually clear up in a few days or weeks. To minimize the chances of these side effects occurring, it is recommended that the patient abstain from the following for 2 weeks prior to the procedure and 3 days after the treatment:
- Foods and supplements containing Omega 3 fatty acids, Ginger, Gingko Biloba.
- NSAIDs.
- Aspirin.
One final action to implement after receiving Sculptra injections is that of the “5-5-5” rule. The rule states that the patient should massage the treatment areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes, for 5 days total for best results.
Are You Interested in Getting a Sculptra Treatment?
If you’re interested in pursuing a Sculptra filler treatment, it is a good idea to talk to a qualified dermatologist in order to ensure that the procedure is right for you. Your dermatologist will walk you through the procedure and determine the best course of action based on your goals. Don’t wait, call an experienced dermatologist today!