Several faces would light up when discussing fillers because this innovative and safe beauty regimen has many benefits. However, it is sometimes overwhelming to choose the best filler type because of its excellence. We have heard about fillers giving less downtime, dramatic effects, and minimal risks, but have we heard about the stuffing suitable for almost all skin issues? It sounds too good to be accurate, but you are not dreaming! In this blog, we are going to dive deep into Sculptra.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a type of injectable dermal filler minimally invasive collagen simulator. The process is known to reduce skin laxity without incisions and laser usage. A Sculptra injection is also best in encouraging your body’s natural collagen production, a crucial ingredient in achieving a more youthful and natural glow in the skin. It is essential to note that the injection works gradually, so the results are longer-lasting and more subtle as they build up with more injections.
The Food and Drug Administration first approved the injection in 2004 as a treatment for lipoatrophy for people with HIV. It was approved as a cosmetic procedure in 2014.
Historically, Sculptra was first approved in 1999 in Europe to fill small deficits in the face. It is currently available in more than forty countries worldwide. Additionally, Sculptra is composed of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, an artificial polymer that has been used in the human body since 1960 and as a medical suture material since 1970.
What are the target skin issues of Sculptra?
As emphasized earlier, Sculptra is excellent for almost every skin issue, and these include the following:
Face: The procedure tightens the skin around the temples, mouth, and cheeks areas and increases their volume by collagen production stimulation.
Cellulite: A Sculptra injection is also excellent when administered on the legs to minimize cellulite appearance. When there is an increase in collagen, the skin becomes tighter and smoother.
Skin Tightening: Sculptra is excellent in tightening the skin when it stimulates collagen production in the elbows, knees, and abdomen, improving the skin’s tone and texture over time.
Decollete Area: The chest and neck are the most crucial areas to treat. But Sculptra can improve the appearance in these areas efficiently.
Booty Lift: When we think of booty lifts, it seems like only surgical options are the answer. However, Sculptra is also excellent at lifting your buttocks!
Moreover, Sculptra is also popular in its ability to create an extra muscle mass look and definition on the triceps, glutes, thighs, biceps, and pectorals.
What does Sculptra do?
Aside from the things mentioned above, Sculptra also has tons of benefits! It can:
- Help in restoring a youthful shape.
- Provide subtle but progressive results over time.
- Encourages collagen production.
- Gives natural-looking results without surgery.
- Improves skin texture.
Process, cost, and side effects
Sculptra is an injectable administered on the skin to eliminate facial wrinkles. As it penetrates your skin, it gradually stimulates your collagen and revives the fullness of your face. According to experts, you will most likely see results immediately, but these will improve over time, and you will see the most optimal results after a few months. You must also negotiate the number of treatments you need with your chosen provider, as this varies per patient. However, getting more than one session of Sculptra is generally advised.
The cost for Sculptra varies depending on several factors, like the number of injections needed, the amount of correction and enhancement needed for achieved results, geographic location, offers, packages, and discounts.
To give you a price overview, the average cost of Sculptra was $773 in 2016. Remember that Sculptra is a cosmetic procedure; thus, it is not commonly covered by insurance.
Like other facial treatments, Sculptra also has side effects and risks that you may want to watch out for if you are aiming to try the procedure. The most common side effects are the following:
- Bruising in injection sites
- Redness
- Itching
- Tenderness
- Bleeding
- Bumps
- Swelling
There are also cases where people develop skin discoloration and lumps under the skin. Above all these, you must find a qualified professional to ensure your safety and for the side effects not to worsen.
Is Sculptra for everyone?
Unfortunately, Sculptra is not for everyone. People who are allergic to some ingredients of Sculptra and those with a history of scarring are not suitable for the treatment. Additionally, it should not be used at the site of cysts, acne, skin sores, inflammation, and rashes.
Results and longevity
As mentioned, you will experience swelling in the treated areas that eventually dissipate. The results for Sculptra will start showing up three weeks after the session. These results will continue improving for up to three months.
Moreover, experts claim that the results typically last up to two years.
What is the procedure for Sculptra?
In preparing for the treatment, your provider may ask you to avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen a few days before the session. Aside from these, there are no extra preparations for Sculptra.
However, it is vital to note that there is an initial consultation conducted with your provider, where they will assess your medical history, health conditions, and specific allergies.
In the session proper, your provider will start mapping the injection sites on your skin. After this, your provider will cleanse the area, and a topical anesthetic will be applied to ease discomfort. Lastly, your provider will inject the serum into your skin through multiple injections.
After the procedure, you can look forward to doing your normal activities immediately after the Sculptra treatment. Aside from these, you can also experience some side effects. Here are some ways you can improve aftercare:
- After the treatment, you can massage the treatment areas for five minutes five times a day for five days.
- You can also apply cold packs on the treated sites for a few minutes in the first 24 hours after the treatment.
- It will help if you avoid tanning beds and excessive sunlight until swelling and redness have dissipated.
To secure your safety, choosing the right provider is a must. In Meridian Medical Spa, you can ensure firm guidance as they value the connection between emotional health and self-confidence through your appearance and how you feel about yourself!
If you are ready to check out Sculptra on your bucket list, contact the best medical spa in Bonita Springs, Florida!