Combating the signs of aging is difficult, especially when you are unaware that you are gradually transitioning into it. The first signs might frustrate you and cause you stress, leading to a more prominent mark of aging. While there is a valid reason to drown in the storm of aging, procedures such as Sculptra will surely be your life vest.
In 2004, Sculptra was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for restoring cells following lipoatrophy for people with HIV. Additionally, Sculptra is known to be different from the average hyaluronic acid filler, where there is a promised immediate volumization and visible results. In Sculptra, there is a natural filling effect in a couple of days, then a reduction in volume. This way gives the body a period to gradually produce collagen, restoring the lost volume, which results in excellent skin rejuvenation.
Another interesting fact you should know about Sculptra is that it was first recognized in 1999 in Europe for filling tiny facial deficiencies. Still, it is now available in more than forty countries worldwide. It also contains Poly – L – Lactic Acid, an artificial polymer that was first used in the human body in 1960 and transitioned as a medical suture in 1970.
What is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is a brand name for Sculptra and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009. The procedure aids in moderately replacing the lost collagen due to aging. Collagen is the most usual protein in the body used to mold a framework supporting tissue and cell.
What areas do Sculptra target?
Professionals use Sculptra treatment to rectify shallow to deep folds and wrinkles on the face. The treatment must be injected and administered by a trained professional. Sculptra is approved for the uses of the following:
- Chin Wrinkles
- Deep folds between the mouth and nose/ nasolabial folds/ smile lines
- Marionette lines or lines framing the mouth
On the other hand, you must avoid the Sculptra procedure if they are used in the following:
- Correction of cellulite
- Rectification of elbow, knee wrinkles, and chest
- Buttock augmentation and nonsurgical butt lift
These uses must be avoided because they are off-label and unapproved by the FDA.
How does Sculptra work?
As reiterated, Sculptra works by encouraging collagen production in the body that was lost due to aging. The product is made with biodegradable, biocompatible, and synthetic material, poly-L-lactic acid. This substance is naturally absorbed by the body and helps reinforce and rebuild your skin’s structural foundation through the administration of a series of treatments by a trained specialist.
Your skilled provider will inject treatment within the deep dermis, where collagen strands that support your skin’s structure are located. Over time, Sculptra guides the body to reproduce lost collagen.
Preparation and aftercare for Sculptra
There is no need for effortful and extra preparation for Sculptra treatment. However, your provider may advise you to avoid taking NSAIDs, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen a few days prior to the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding.
Usually, patients can immediately return to their daily activities after Sculptra injections. The side effects and risks mentioned earlier will dissipate a few days after. To speed up the healing process, you can do the following:
- Prevent extreme sunlight exposure until the swelling and redness subside.
- Apply a cold pack to the areas affected, a few minutes at a time for the first 24 hours.
- After the treatment, massage the injection areas five minutes at a time, five times a day for five days.
Cost and Results
According to sources, the cost of Sculptra per vial was $773, but this was way back in 2016. However, the current average pricing prices are $1,000 – $3 500 per vial. Remember that this can still change depending on geographic location, the number of treatments needed, special offers and discounts, the amount of work (enhancing and correction) to reach your desired results, and the number of vials of Sculptra used.
Sculptra is considered a cosmetic procedure; most insurance companies do not cover it. However, in 2010, the U.S. Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services decided to cover the procedure for Sculptra for people who have HIV and have facial lipodystrophy syndrome.
The most visible one can appear within three to four months after your treatment when it comes to the results. These incredible results can last from two to three years. The number of treatments, however, varies among different persons. But it would help if you had an average of three treatments within a few months intervals.
Risks and side effects
Like any other procedure, you can experience some bruising and swelling on the treated areas. There are also common side effects such as bleeding, pain, bumps, itching, tenderness, and redness.
There are rare cases where patients can develop skin discoloration and lumps under the skin. To avoid significant risks in your Sculptra procedure, you must seek initial consultation with your provider to assess your medical history, as some conditions can hinder a successful Sculptra treatment. Sources suggest that Sculptra must be avoided by people with a history of irregular scarring or any individual allergic to Sculptra ingredients. Moreover, it would be best if you did not use it on the site of cysts, acne, rashes, skin inflammation, and skin sores.
Filler vs. Sculptra
A typical filler might be confused with Sculptra. However, there is a comprehensive difference between both.
Fillers consist of gel substances, like hyaluronic acid, that dissipate facial lines by pushing up the spaces of the dermis beneath wrinkles and creases. The results for fillers are visible instantly and can last up to several months only.
In Sculptra, collagen stimulators are used to smoothen facial wrinkles by aiding the restoration of the deep and underlying structure of the skin. The results do not appear immediately but rather gradually over the treatment time. You can see the noticeable results within three to four months, lasting up to two years.
A Sculptra procedure should be handled by a professional, and we understand that you want to avoid a mess with your first Sculptra experience. But in Dash Medical Spa, your worries will diminish like your skin issues when you have a Sculptra treatment with them. With their goal to maintain consistency in excellent service and transparency to their valued clients, you will indeed mark this as your best experience.
If you want to try Sculptra Aesthetic today, do not hesitate to contact them now!
