As collagen production diminishes as individuals get older, an inevitable effect of the aging process involves a loss of natural facial volume. This often leads to hollowed or sunken facial features, as well as the formation of wrinkles and creases. There are a myriad of treatments available that can improve the appearance of age, including injectable neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®. For men and women seeking to improve their concerns with a long-lasting dermal filler, plastic surgeon Geoffrey Leber, MD now offers Sculptra® Aesthetic at his Scottsdale practice— an innovative anti-aging treatment that works to enhance natural collagen production for noticeably younger-looking skin.
What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a minimally invasive injectable formulated with Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that has been used for facial volume restoration for decades. The Sculptra® Aesthetic solution differs from other dermal fillers because it works deep within the dermis to stimulate collagen growth. This can allow more enduring results when compared to other injectables, with the aesthetic outcome lasting up to two years in many cases.
How Does Sculptra® Aesthetic Work?
This non-surgical treatment works to reinvigorate collagen production through injection deep into the dermis, rather than on the surface layers of the skin. As the solution is injected and microparticles of PLLA are absorbed, growth of a new collagen framework to support your skin is stimulated. This can gradually improve volume over time as the youthful properties of the skin are restored, leading to enhanced facial fullness.
What Areas of Concern Can Sculptra® Aesthetic Treat?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is designed to achieve noticeable volume restoration in hollowed, flat, or sunken facial planes. Treatable areas include:
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Temples
- Chest
- Buttocks
- Areas that exhibit cellulite
If you would also like to smooth prominent creases in conjunction with volumizing sunken facial features, Sculptra® Aesthetic can be combined with other treatments from our Skin Care and Laser Center. JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® can correct volume deficiencies and fill in marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and other facial folds with non-surgical techniques and little to no downtime. After listening to your concerns, our certified nurse injector can develop the best treatment plan to fulfill your aesthetic goals.
What is Treatment Like with Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is designed to work through a series of up to four treatments, spaced at least three weeks apart. Using a fine needle, the Sculptra® Aesthetic formulation is carefully injected into the areas of concern. If desired, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the targeted region beforehand to increase comfort during treatment. After the solution is introduced into the dermis, it is important to massage the injection site for a few days after your session in order to distribute the PLLA molecules evenly across the facial plane. Our highly experienced nurse injector will provide specific instructions on how to properly spread the Sculptra® Aesthetic solution, as well as how often this should be done. While you may experience some initial bruising and swelling, no downtime is required and you may return to normal activities immediately. As the components of Sculptra® Aesthetic work to revitalize collagen production, you should begin to see results after two to three months.
How Long Does Sculptra® Aesthetic Last?
After your treatment regimen is complete, the results of Sculptra® Aesthetic can last up to two years. Since the formulation works within the underlying skin structure to catalyze natural collagen growth, the smoother, firmer, and more youthful aesthetic provided by Sculptra® Aesthetic can often last much longer than other injectables.
For more information about Sculptra® Aesthetic and our other non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation.