Trending Treatment : Sculptra.
WRITTEN BY ABBI SCHUMACHER, NURSE INJECTOR.
WHAT IS SCULPTRA?
Sculptra is an injectable form of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Simply put, PLLA is a biodegradable, plant-based sugar derived from beet-root that we can use in aesthetic medicine to reverse the signs of aging skin.
HOW DOES SCULPTRA WORK?
When injected into the correct planes of tissue, PLLA will recruit dormant fibroblasts that will later deposit collagen to help rebuild structure in the skin. You can think of Sculptra as fertilizer for your new collagen.
WHY SCULPTRA?
As we age, it is known that we lose volume and contour to our faces as well as thinning of the skin causing common concerns including wrinkles, naso-labial folds, marionette lines, jowling, and skin laxity/sagging. Sculptra can be used to address the root cause of these concerns by encouraging your body to create new collagen to replace the structure and strength that has been lose over time. Sculptra can also be used in younger clients for prevention.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
When you come in for your appointment or consultation you will discuss your treatment plan and goals with your injector. We will identify your concerns so we can tailor your Sculptra treatment to fit your specific needs. the Sculptra will be injected with a technique chosen by your injector to give you the best possible outcome. You will be required to massage the areas treated for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days following the treatment. (5-5-5 Rule). Bruising, some swelling and soreness is expected after treatment. Normal skincare routine can be continued the same day, and makeup can be applied the next day.
As you can imagine, growing new collagen and structure in the skin takes time. After about 3-4 weeks you will probably notice a nice "sculptra-glow" in your skin. Your results will be noticeable about 3-6 months after your initial series, but sculptra can continue to improve collagen stimulation beyond that! Results are expected to last about 2-3 years, but it is highly recommended to do one vial per year to maintain your results.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SCULPTRA?
Almost anyone who would like to address the structural signs of aging. Sculptra is especially favorable for those who are looking for a holistic and natural approach to treating the cause of their aesthetic concerns, rather than a "quick-fix" or band-aid approach. It's also a great treatment choice for men and women looking for gradual rejuvenation without the world knowing you got "work done". If you have an auto-immune disorder please discuss this with your injector in your consultation.
WHAT IS “DECADE DOSING”?
You may have heard the term “decade dosing” in reference to sculptra. Decade dosing is a guideline used to determine the amount of vials or "dose" of Sculptra you will need in your initial series to see the best results. Three vials for those in their 30s, four for those in their forties, five for those is their 50s...etc. The thought behind this is the older we get, the more collagen, fat and bone we have lost. As with any treatment this is a general recommendation and treatment can look different for everyone. This will be discussed with your injector during your consultation and can be adjusted as we reassess. We will never inject more than two vials per session and each session will be ideally 4-6 weeks apart. A cheat code to aging: start with 1-vial of Sculptra annually or bi-annually in your 20s or early 30s!