Sculptra is Poly-L-Lactic Acid. This is a biostimulant to stimulate the skin cells and the natural tissue to produce its own collagen. As we age, we lose collagen and start losing collagen in our 20s. Sculptra is sometimes referred to as a dermal filler, but it is quite different from Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. When HA filler is injected, the result is seen instantly. Sculptra is a more gradual process. Sculptra can be injected in the mid and lower face to stimulate the formation of collagen. Sculptra can be part of an overall treatment plan or can be used to add volume to the face without using Hyaluronic Acid fillers.
When comparing the HA fillers with Sculptra: HA filler results are visualized instantly, and Sculptra is a process and one will likely need at least 2-3 sessions 2-3 months apart for optimal results. Sculptra lasts two years, and HA fillers can last 6 months to one year depending on the area of the face. Sculptra stimulates the body to produce its own volume. HA fillers are injected to add instant volume.
At VIVIFY plastic surgery in Tampa, one of our favorite ways to enhance collagen stimulation is combining Sculptra with microneedling with PRP. Microneedling with PRP promotes collagen production superficially and Sculptra promotes collagen production subdermal/subcutaneously (underneath the skin).
Sculptra is typically injected with a needle or cannula after a topical numbing agent is applied. The procedure takes about 30 minutes after numbing. The Sculptra particles are mixed with sterile water and then injected. The water will cause the face to appear fuller instantly, but over 2-3 days the sterile water will be absorbed by the body and the helper cells in our bodies come to the site of the injected particles that remain present after the water is absorbed. This is when the collagen production begins, but can take several months for full results to be visualized. The skin may feel smoother after 1-2 weeks, and appear to have a slightly better texture while the production of collagen is occurring.
