When you think about what a youthful face encompasses, volume should come to mind. Sculptra is a great volumizer which, in the world of dermal fillers, can be forgotten. Sculptra replaces the natural volume loss that occurs with age. The aging face is a result of the loss of bone and fat from the face. This is a very important concept to understand. One who understands this can then appreciate why a facelift may not be what is needed or may only address one aspect of what is needed to look younger. A young face has fullness and roundness in the cheeks, temples, under the eyes and in the lower face.
Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) which, when injected, stimulates your own body to produce collagen around the tiny temporary microspheres called PLLA. Results appear gradually over 1-3 months and last from 2-5 years making this product very cost effective. The sculptra procedure is similar to dermal fillers done in office rather quickly with no to minimal downtime and usually requires 1-3 treatments. Anyone with volume loss in the face is an excellent candidate for treatment with Sculptra. Sculptra can enhance the volume in the temples, cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and chin. All age groups can benefit from Sculptra, however those with more significant skin laxity and volume loss require more treatments. Younger patients with early fat volume loss and better skin elasticity often need fewer treatments and most often only one treatment is needed. On the other hand, patients with more advanced aging may require more treatments to achieve optimal correction. Many choose Sculptra in lieu of having surgery or use it to complement their surgical results to replace volume that surgery does not address.
Most patients choose to have a topical numbing cream to be applied for 15 to 20 minutes prior to treatment and lidocaine added to the Sculptra prior to injection to minimize discomfort. The treatment takes approximately 15 minutes to perform and immediately following treatment, the Sculptra is massaged into the problem areas to ensure that it is properly distributed. The treatment will be complete in less than an hour and the patient may return to normal activities immediately. Common side effects may include mild swelling or bruising that can be easily concealed with makeup. Avoiding certain medications and supplements prior to treatment that thin blood such as baby aspirin and fish oil and applying ice post treatment can help minimize bruising. Most important is the post treatment care of Sculptra patients. Patients must massage the treated area at least 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days.
Scupltra is a great treatment to replace volume loss and regain your youthful appearance over time that lasts for a couple of years. Contact Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness in Tampa and/or St. Petersburg to make appointment with one of our injectors (813) 902-9559 or (727) 278-3992.