Sculptra

Sculptra is a cosmetic filler that can provide a smooth and youthful look. It is an injectable treatment that is specially formulated to add volume and reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face. The Sculptra formula includes poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which encourages the production of new collagen, a structural protein that can heal and regenerate the skin. In this way, Sculptra adds volume by rejuvenating the skin and making it healthier.

At Alluring Aesthetics, we offer Sculptra for our patients in the San Antonio area. Dr. Wendie Grunberg leads our practice along with Dr. Edward Gronet in the pursuit of sensitive patient care and effective cosmetic results. For more information, call (210) 704-5390 or contact us online.

About Sculptra

Aging is a common cause of facial volume loss, as the skin and tissues that maintain the structure of the face begin to weaken. You can also lose volume from significant weight loss, such as lipoatrophy (facial fat loss). Having a lack of volume in the face can lead to a gaunt appearance, whereas sufficient volume denotes youthfulness and vitality.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), an absorbable biocompatible substance that stimulates collagen production. ⁽¹⁾ With PLLA, Sculptra treatment can add volume at the same time that it rejuvenates the skin with the healing power of collagen. Not only will the effects of collagen reduce wrinkles by physically tightening the skin, but also by healing and regenerating the skin for naturally smooth results.

What Can Sculptra Treat?

Sculptra can treat signs of aging and volume loss around the nose and mouth, smoothening smile lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles. Sculptra can also treat other areas of the body. It can reduce the appearance of cellulite, as well as wrinkles on the chest, elbows, and knees. The volume-boosting effects can serve to accentuate other areas of the body, plumping up the buttocks in a non-surgical butt lift or adding muscular definition to the biceps, triceps, pectorals, glutes, and thighs.

Benefits of Sculptra

There are several considerable benefits to receiving Sculptra treatment at Alluring Aesthetics. These include:

By choosing Sculptra, patients can enjoy a variety of benefits tailored to enhance their unique features and boost their self-confidence. The gradual and subtle enhancements achieved through this minimally invasive procedure help improve skin texture and tone, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Who is a Candidate for Sculptra?

An ideal candidate for Sculptra treatment will want to take the necessary steps towards regaining their facial volume. They will prefer the natural process of collagen production over traditional fillers that merely increase volume without improving the health of the skin. Sculptra is not suitable for you if you:

Candidates for Sculptra can address signs of aging and loss of volume in the face, however, they should know the limitations of treatment. Sculptra will not immediately improve your facial volume by physically filling the space beneath your skin like HA fillers. Rather, it will gradually add volume by initiating the production of collagen over time.

Personal Consultation

At your personal consultation, Dr. Grunberg will examine your face to determine if Sculptra is the best choice for your needs. Together with a discussion about your beauty goals, she can let you know how Sculptra can help you reach them. Feel free to ask us questions about the treatment process. Please tell us about any past or current medical conditions that you have had. At the end of your consultation, we will provide an accurate cost estimate. We can schedule your first procedure appointment and let you know how to proceed.

To schedule your personal consultation, call (210) 704-5390 or fill out this form.

Preparation

In the days leading up to your treatment, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, as well as other blood-thinning dietary supplements like Vitamin E. These substances may cause excess bleeding during injection and affect your ability to heal. Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol to increase your ability to heal. Avoid applying potentially irritating products to the skin for three days prior to your treatment. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure. Having sunburnt skin on your face may cause discomfort and irritation after injection.

Sculptra Procedure

The Sculptra procedure is quick and simple. When you come in for your treatment, one of our skilled practitioners will mark the injection points on your face. Next, they will clean the treatment area and place a topical anesthetic on your skin. This will prevent any potential discomfort. They will make the injections in various areas around your face, depending on the details of your treatment plan. Once the injections are complete, the procedure will be over. You can go on about your day immediately afterward.

Recovery

Recovery from Sculptra treatment requires no downtime. You may experience some redness, itching, tenderness, and swelling in your treatment area following the injections. These symptoms should be mild and temporary. Applying a cold pack, massaging the face and continuing to avoid sunlight can help to alleviate them. If you experience any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol can help. While your skin continues to heal, avoid other cosmetic skin treatments (e.g. laser, IPL, skin-tightening) for two to three weeks.

Results

You may be able to see a subtle change in your facial volume shortly after your first treatment, but it typically takes several weeks for the collagen to take effect and improve your appearance. Most patients require three or four separate injections spread over the course of several months to achieve full and lasting results. Because this treatment stimulates natural collagen production, it will continue to improve your appearance for up to two years. ⁽²⁾

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

There are many ways to make your face more beautiful and reverse the effects of aging. At Alluring Aesthetics, we offer procedures that can work alongside and complement the results of your Sculptra treatment.

Microneedling with Sculptra

Microneedling with Sculptra is a cosmetic treatment that combines the rejuvenating effects of microneedling with Sculptra for more effective results. Microneedling creates small, controlled injuries in the skin that stimulate new collagen production in the healing process. Along with the collagen production encouraged by Sculptra’s poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the restorative effect that this combined procedure provides will leave your skin looking extra fresh and healthy.

HA Fillers

HA fillers are a class of injectable fillers that add volume directly to the face. Unlike Sculptra, these fillers are made of gel-like substances, typically consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA) that actually add physical volume below the skin immediately upon injection. This larger amount of volume serves to stretch the skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers can also enhance the appearance by changing facial contours. Dr. Grunberg prefers Juvéderm and Restylane for their proven results. Adding substantial volume below the skin with facial fillers can enhance the rejuvenating effects of your Sculptra treatment.

Evoke

Evoke is a wearable cosmetic therapy device that can tighten the skin and accentuate the chin and jawline. When placed on the face, the Evoke device applies focused radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate the skin. This causes the production of collagen, which naturally tightens and smoothens the skin, effectively sculpting the chin and jawline. This treatment can address jowls, turkey neck, and double chins. In combination with the newfound facial volume from your Sculptra treatment, the Evoke device could define the borders of your face to better frame your look.

To learn about the other procedures we offer at Alluring Aesthetics, please see our blog.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost in Houston?

The price of your Sculptra treatment will vary depending on the number of sessions that you will need and the number of treatment areas. For more information about how much Sculptra costs at Alluring Aesthetics, call (210) 704-5390 or visit our contact page. 

FAQ

References

1. Sherman RA. Sculptra: the New Three-Dimensional Filler. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2006;33(4):539-550. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2006.09.001 
2. Lacombe V. Sculptra: A Stimulatory Filler. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2009;25(02):095-099. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1220648