As well as the wrinkles that appear as the skin loses its elasticity, ageing depletes the fatty tissue that fills out your face, causing a sunken and drawn appearance.
Temporary dermal fillers can fill out any facial folds and add volume, but they need regular top ups – potentially two treatments a year. Sculptra differs in that it is a volumising filler that works in a lower layer of the skin. It stimulates the build up of collagen which helps to smooth out the wrinkles and replace volume and it can last for up to two years.
Sculptra: Am I suitable?-
The main ingredient of Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, which has been successfully used in surgical procedures for more than 25 years and it is very compatible with the body.
It is particularly suited to filling the deep folds caused by dynamic movement (across the forehead, from the nose to the lip and from the lip to chin). It is also good for volume loss in the mid-face.
It is not recommended for lip enhancement or for use around the eyes. Also not suitable for patients who have active skin infections or who scar easily.
Sculptra: What do I have to do to prepare?
There is no preparation necessary for this treatment.
Sculptra: What’s the treatment like?
The practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic to numb the treatment area and then the product is injected with ultra-thin needles.
Some patients might be happy with the results after just one treatment but most require two to three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.
Sculptra: What about after?
You may experience some redness, swelling, itching and bruising at the injection site but that should fade quite quickly.
In terms of results, Sculptra takes time to work. It may appear to have an immediate effect but this is just swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. Once that swelling goes down after a few days you may look as you did before treatment. Actual results become noticeable after about six weeks.
Sculptra: Are there any risks or side effects?
You’ll be advised to massage the treated area for up to a week to diminish the risk of developing small lumps under the skin. These lumps can occur and they should just dissolve but if they remain then you should see your practitioner as there are methods to reduce them.
Sculptra: What will it cost me?
Sculptra treatments usually cost from £400.
Before & Afters
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