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| What Is It?Sculptra, one of the newest and longest-lasting dermal fillers on the market, is made from poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic but biocompatible (not harmful to the body) material that has a decades-long history of being used safely for a variety of medical purposes, including threads for surgical stitches. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved Sculptra for cosmetic purposes, although the filler had been approved earlier (2004) to add volume to the cheeks of H.I.V.-positive patients with facial fat loss (lipoatrophy). The filler has been used cosmetically in Europe since 1999, where it's called New-Fill. What Does Sculptra Treat? Sculptra helps correct wrinkles and folds, particularly the deep, dynamic ones that run from the nose to the lip (nasolabial lines), the lip to the chin ("marionette" lines), and vertically and horizontally across the forehead. The filler is also used to plump up skin depressions caused by scars, thus minimizing their appearance.Sculptra is not recommended for lip enhancement (although it can help "lift" the corners of the mouth) or for use near the eyes. People with active skin infections or who scar easily should also not use it. | | How Does It Work? Sculptra stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that contributes to your skin's volume and structure. Age and repeated exposure to the sun cause collagen to break down — a major factor in the formation of wrinkles and folds. Sculptra restores that collagen, thus giving your skin a more youthful-looking fullness and firmness.Some people get the rejuvenating results they want with only one Sculptra treatment, but most skin issues respond best to two to three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. What Is the Treatment Like?Sculptra comes in powdered form. It's mixed with sterile water and then injected deep into skin folds, sunken cheeks, or other areas of the face that need smoothing and recontouring. You'll be given a topical anesthetic before the injections, which are done with ultra-thin needles. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. Depending on the amount of fat loss in the facial skin, a patient may need between 3 and 6 treatments to be satisfied with the results. Consult with your doctor to discuss how many treatments will be right for you. Possible Side Effects After the treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, itching, and bruising at the injection site. You'll be advised to massage the treated area regularly for up to a week to diminish the risk of developing small nodules, or lumps, under the skin. Some research suggests that almost 9 percent of people treated with Sculptra develop these lumps, which can take months to dissolve and disappear. Injecting the lumps with a drug called hyaluronidase can sometimes help speed up their dissolution, so be sure to call your doctor if any lumps develop as a result of treatment. How Much Does Sculptra Cost?To determine the average cost of a Sculptra treatment and to see how that cost compares with that of other dermal filler treatments, see Costs and Pricing. How Long Do Treatments Last?You'll notice immediately after the treatment that your skin has more volume. This effect, however, will be temporary, for it's a direct result of the water in the Sculptra solution. The real changes begin after the water is absorbed and the active ingredient in Sculptra (the poly-L-lactic acid) starts to stimulate the new growth of collagen. This process takes weeks. You'll need to be patient.Once Sculptra's effects take hold, however, they'll last a long time — up to two years, according to some studies. Eventually, however, your body will absorb the poly-L-lactic acid in Sculptra. A second, touch-up treatment will then be needed to maintain the filler's effects. Because Sculptra's effects are so long-lasting, it's essential that the procedure be done correctly. Be sure to seek treatment from a physician who is thoroughly trained and experienced in using this particular dermal filler. Last modified: November 1, 2009 |
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I had the first Sculptra greatment 6 weeks ago. I could tell a noticable difference, but my left
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I had the first Sculptra greatment 6 weeks ago. I could tell a noticable difference, but my left cheek, upper lip and upper gums are still numb. I went to a second doctor for the second treatment one month late. I am wondering how long this numbness will last. I feel certain that the Sculptra product is putting pressure on a facial nerve. Will I have to wait until it totally dissapates until the feeling comes back? It is very annoying to eat without feeling in the lips. The cost of each treatment was 1100; however the doctor did not charge me for the second treatment since I was experiencin difficulties.
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Tulsa,
OK
Mar 07, 2010
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I had sculptra injections about 2 months ago and I really love the results. I was swollen and
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I had sculptra injections about 2 months ago and I really love the results. I was swollen and bruised for about 10 days, but it was well worth it. I had the injections done by a plastic surgeon who came highly recommended. He told me to massage the area 2 times a day for 5 to 6 weeks, I did and I had no lumps at all. I truly believe that if you do your research, go to someone qualified, and follow the doctors directions exactly in the after care, you will have great results!
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New York,
NY
Oct 31, 2009
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Sculptra Worked Great For Me
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I did not expect Scuptra to turn me into a movie star. I had very realistic expectations, I just
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I did not expect Scuptra to turn me into a movie star. I had very realistic expectations, I just wanted my face to look more filled out than it does since I have gotten older. After four treatments, I am happy with the results.I had a tiny bit of swelling and redness right after the injections, and a little bit of small bruises appeared after a day or two, but they went away within days. Overall the procedure worked great for me.
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Grand Rapids,
MI
Aug 22, 2009
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I went in for some sculptra injections after noticing that my face was looking a bit saggy and
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I went in for some sculptra injections after noticing that my face was looking a bit saggy and tired. I did a bunch of research and sculptra seemed to have a ton of good reviews online and it is supposed to last much longer than any other fillers so that is why I chose it. After the injections, I was lumpy and noticed some skin discoloration around the injected areas. That has all since gone away and I look much better now than I did before, but it wasn't worth going through that period of time when I felt like I couldn't leave the house.
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Seattle,
WA
Jul 29, 2009
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Dr. Kilmer describes her use of fillers like Sculptra to improve skin.
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How Did Sculptra
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ChangeYOUR
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50%
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| of reviews werePositive |
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(4 reviews)
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