One of the most overlooked problems with facial aging is the loss of volume that results in a skeletonized appearance of athletic individuals as young as 40. Those who had the money and inclination have historically refilled their faces with collagen injections – a temporary replacement that lasts as little as three months. More recently, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and abdominal fat have been offered as progressively longer-lasting alternatives. However, Sculptra is the first injectable that gives gradual facial rejuvenation lasting 2 years or longer.
Sculptra Aesthetic stimulates your skin to produce its own natural collagen. Because this process occurs slowly over three months, Sculptra gradually fills in the folds and hollows of the face without sudden, astonishing changes. No one needs to know you had it done! Your youthful appearance will emerge slowly and subtly. The improvement can last 2 years or more.
Sculptra is injected in the deep skin and subcutaneous tissue. Topical and local anesthetics minimize discomfort. During the initial treatment, three injection sessions are scheduled at 6 week intervals to achieve desired results. Each session builds on the last, allowing the surgeon to sculpt the face artistically. Most patients will return every year or two for a touch-up injection to maintain the benefit.
Alternatives to Sculptra include hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and others), and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse). These products are true fillers, and are placed in the dermis to immediately fill the fold or volume deficit. Each is resorbed over about 6 months, but Radiesse also stimulates collagen production, creating newvolume that lasts longer than a year. By contrast, Sculptra is a polymer (poly-L-lactic acid) that does not contain human, animal, or bacterial components. This polymer has been safely used for decades to make resorbable sutures and implants. It does not require allergy testing prior to treatment and does not involve lasers or incisions. It is absorbed naturally by the body.
Would you rather have a treatment that works immediately and lasts six months, or one that works gradually and lasts two or more years?
Sculptra is currently provided only to a limited number of board-certified facial plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons and dermatologists who have completed the written and hands-on training including supervised clinical experience on real patients.
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Don’t forget to pick up a free educational DVD on Sculptra when you visit our office!