Sculptra™
What is Sculptra™?
Sculptra™
is a new concept in injectable fillers. It is FDA approved to treat the
facial fat loss that occurs in some patients with HIV/AIDS, but it is
commonly used to treat the facial fat loss associated with the aging
process. Sculptra is unlike other fillers in that it is not made from
an animal product, lasts a long time (up to two years) and does not
require a skin test.
Sculptra™ (poly-L-lactic
acid) has been safely used outside the United States since 1999 in over
150,000 patients under the trade name New-Fill™.
Sculptra™
works by stimulating the production of new collagen in the skin. When
Sculptra™ is injected, tiny particles of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are
deposited in the lower layers of the skin, just above the fat. Over a
period of time, the particles stimulate collagen growth, making new
volume and restoring a youthful look. Often with two to three treatment
sessions spaced 5-6 weeks apart, a more youthful look is restored that
can last up to two years. Studies show that Sculptra™ increases the
thicknes of the skin, which reduces the appearance of fat loss in the
treated areas.
How long does it last?
The effects of Sculptra™ are enduring. In a clinical study, effects lasted
for up to 2 years after the first treatment session in most patients.
The results from Sculptra™ are not immediate; Sculptra™ provides a
gradual increase in skin thickness. Your health care provider will see
you again in a few weeks to decide if additional injections are needed.
Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effects.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of treatment are injection-related side
effects occuring at the site of injection. Bruising, bleeding,
swelling, tenderness or pain and redness may occur individually or all
together. In a study of 277 patients, these side effects occured
between 2% and 21% of the time and last between 3 and 17 days.
One possible delayed side effect is small bumps that can be felt below the
skin in the treated areas. These bumps may not be visible and you may
only notice them if you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to
occur within the first twelve months after treatment. Occassionally,
they may resolve on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or
color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all
procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk
of infection.
What are the Treatments Like?
Treatments with Sculptra take 15-30 minutes and are performed in your doctor’s
office. A local anesthetic cream or injection may be applied to the
treatment area. Then, using a small needle, Sculptra™ is placed beneath
the surface of the skin, in the area of your soft tissue loss. After
treatment, most people feel comfortable enough to resume their daily
activities. Makeup can be applied in a few hours as long as there are
no side effects such as an open wound or bleeding.
What Results Can I Expect?
Excellent results can be achieved with Sculptra when treating all parts of the
face including the forehead, around the eyes and lips, between the
mouth and nose, and the cheeks. Sculptra can add volume to the cheeks,
to folds around the chin, and to rings around the eyes. It is equally
effective on the neck and lower neckline. It can also be used to treat
the hands, knees and ankles as well as certain types of scars.
Who should not use Sculptra™?
You should not use Sculptra™ if you are allergic to any ingredient of
Sculptra™. Talk to your health care provider about your medical history
when deciding on treatment options. Tell your health care provider if
you are taking asprin or blood thinners (medications that interfere
with the clotting of the blood).
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