Sculptra

What are the benefits of Sculptra?

Sculptra is a regenerative biostimulator. That means that it works by stimulating collagen production (more on that below), and thus it can provide a more natural, subtle improvement compared to instant-volume fillers. The changes occur gradually, making it less obvious that ‘work’ has been done.

Sculptra is highly effective at restoring lost volume in areas such as hollow cheeks, temples, and jawline, and can even improve skin texture. It’s often used in combination with other treatments (like hyaluronic acid fillers) for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance. When injected into the skin, Sculptra’s unique ingredient PLLA-SCA works deep within the skin to stimulate the fibroblasts of the body to produce new collagen. This, in turn, helps with restoring the skin’s firmness and smoothing wrinkles ‘from within’, while also improving overall skin quality and radiance. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the PLLA, but the new collagen that forms remains, providing a rejuvenated appearance.

Recent research has also showed that Sculptra’s PLLA-SCATM has an effect on other important aspects of the skin too, including elastin, which gives your skin its bounciness.

What is the difference between Sculptra and other fillers?

Sculptra is different from traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in that it works gradually by stimulating collagen production. HA fillers provide instant volumising results that can be more significant but they are also temporary, lasting around 6-12 months. Sculptra, on the other hand, provides more gradual, long-term results over several months and can last much longer.

How long does a Sculptra treatment appointment take?

A Sculptra treatment appointment typically takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. The injection process is actually relatively quick, but you need to leave enough time for the numbing cream to be applied first (and take effect), which does prolong your appointment time.

How many sessions are usually needed?

Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Sculptra requires multiple treatment sessions to see the best results. That’s because it focuses on the gradual stimulation of collagen production.

Most people need 2-3 sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve optimal benefits. This means the treatment takes more time to take effect than other injectables, but the changes are really natural-looking. Your practitioner will be able to guide you on the best approach for you and your goals.

When will you see results? 

Sculptra is proven to trigger the process of collagen production as early as day five post-initial treatment – but you’ll start to see some visible results after about a month (because that production needs time to kick in).

Sculptra may not be the right choice for someone seeking immediate results, but, the benefits do then get better and better – especially as you complete the multiple sessions that are recommended. The results can also be sustained for around two years – which is a lot longer than other injectables.

How long do the results last?

As mentioned, the results from Sculptra can last up to 2-3 years, making it one of the longest-lasting dermal fillers on the market. However, the longevity of results varies based on individual factors, such as age, lifestyle, and the extent of collagen loss, so speak to your practitioner to manage your expectations.

Is Sculptra treatment painful?

Due to the use of local anesthesia, Sculptra injections shouldn’t be considerably painful, but you may feel some mild stinging or pressure with each injection (so multiple times during the treatment). Luckily, each of these doesn’t last long.

Can I combine Sculptra with other tweakments?

Yes, and it can help maximise your results! Galderma, the creator of Sculptra, even has protocols that use its other injectable products, namely Restylane Glow and Shape UP, alongside Sculptra, to boost radiance and skin lifting where required. Just note that Sculptra can be used in the same session as another injectable, but not in the exact same area.

What is the downtime and side effects of Sculptra?

The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, and itching. All these symptoms should be short-lived, lasting only a few days in most cases.

In rare cases, small lumps or nodules may form under the skin, which usually resolve on their own over time.

What is the aftercare advice?

Your practitioner will probably recommend the “5x5x5” technique. That involves massaging the treated area 5 times per day, for 5 minutes, over the next 5 days post-treatment. This will help you reduce downtime and also help to generate the best possible outcomes.

Other post-treatment advice includes avoiding strenuous exercise, direct sunlight, and saunas for at least a day or two. Icing the area immediately after treatment can help reduce swelling too.

What is the optimal age for Sculptra treatment?

That’s a tough one – mainly as everyone ages at different rates (due to genes but also environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking). However, 1% of collagen is said to be lost per year from the age of 20, and by early as age 35, we observe up to 15% of collagen loss and up to 25% at age 45. So your early 30s is perhaps a good rough guide, for starting to treat signs of ageing such as volume loss and wrinkles.

How much does a Sculptra treatment cost?

The cost of a Sculptra treatment can vary depending on your practitioner and the amount of product required. You can expect it to be from around £500 for facial rejuvenation.

Who is Sculptra not suitable for?

Sculptra is not suitable for individuals with a history of keloid formation, hypertrophic scarring, or autoimmune diseases that affect collagen. It is also not recommended for people who are allergic to any of its components, including poly-L-lactic acid. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Sculptra treatments, as should individuals who are under 18 years of age.

What else do you need to know?

Choosing a skilled and experienced injector is crucial, as the placement of Sculptra needs to be precise to avoid uneven results. In particular, it should not be injected into areas like the lips or the superficial layers of the skin as inappropriately placed injections can cause unwanted lumps. Look to a trusted practitioner with proven experience in using the product.

Is Sculptra supported by clinical studies?

Sculptra was initially approved in 2004 by the FDA to treat lipoatrophy (fat loss) in people with HIV and it has been FDA-approved since 2009 for broader cosmetic use.

With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Sculptra has a proven safety and efficacy profile. It is backed by over 50 publications that have studied its efficacy and safety in more than 10,000 patients, showing its effectiveness in increasing collagen production and providing long-lasting facial volume restoration.

Who created Sculptra? 

Sculptra is manufactured by Galderma, a global pharmaceutical company that specialises in dermatology and skin health products. Since 1981, Galderma has delivered a portfolio of premium brands within the dermatology and aesthetics markets.