Sculptra injectable filler at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery
Sculptra is an injectable filler that stimulates our body to produce collagen–the naturally occurring protein that gives our face a full and youthful appearance.
As we age, we lose fat in our faces, creating a hollow or sunken appearance in places such as under the eyes and cheekbones. Injecting Sculptra with a small needle below the skin restores fullness to the face. Sculptra, a synthetic product known as a poly-L-lactic acid, is not harmful to the body and breaks down naturally over time. Additionally, it has been used safely for more than 30 years.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
You may be an ideal candidate for Sculptra if you have experienced age-related fat loss in the face. Sculptra can also improve the hollow appearance in the cheek area brought on by weight loss. As with all medical procedures, excellent candidates are those in good overall health and who have informed, realistic expectations.
PREPARATION
An initial consultation with Dr. Minton is the first step to any procedure. There he will discuss your health history. Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase the likelihood of bruising.
THE INJECTION PROCEDURE
The procedure for Sculptra is fairly simple and relatively painless. Dr. Minton uses a very thin needle to inject Sculptra beneath the skin. Because the results are not immediate (as the collagen develops over time), additional treatments may be recommended 6 to 8 weeks apart. Not every patient requires multiple treatments, though most patients receive 2 to 3 treatments to achieve the desired results. Touch-up treatments are often administered to maintain results. Dr. Minton will evaluate the number of treatments needed during the initial and subsequent consultations.
There is minimal to mild discomfort when receiving Sculptra injections. However, Dr. Minton may anesthetize the area using a topical cream before injection to help alleviate any discomfort.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
The great thing about Sculptra is that there’s no downtime. You can get back to your normal activities almost immediately, though there may be some initial swelling for the first two days. Bruising is also possible, but tends to subside within a week or two.
The results of Sculptra start to appear after 6 weeks and continue to improve over the next 6 months. Unlike some fillers that have immediate results, Sculptra is sometimes preferred because the results appear to develop naturally over time (i.e. it’s not apparent that you’ve had “something done”).
Sculptra has been shown to last up to as long as 2 years.
FAQS
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid that is not harmful to our bodies and is naturally broken down over time. Upon injection, Sculptra stimulates the body to produce collagen in areas of the face where there is fat loss.
Is Sculptra safe?
Sculptra is a very safe treatment with very few risks or complications; in fact, it has been used for more than 30 years and there’s no chance of allergic reaction. Sculptra should not be used with some medications, which is why it’s important to give Dr. Minton information about any and all medications you are taking.
How long does a Sculptra treatment take?
After the initial consultation, a Sculptra treatment only takes about 15-30 minutes. The need for additional treatments will be determined after 6 to 8 weeks, in order for the results to be apparent.
Will it hurt?
Sculptra is injected beneath the skin using a very fine needle, so while there is some initial discomfort, most patients describe it as minimal to mild. Dr. Minton can use ice or a topical anesthesia to help ease any discomfort.
How long do the effects of Sculptra last?
The effects of Sculptra are temporary, but they can last up to 2 years. Dr. Minton may recommend a follow-up treatment to prolong the effects.
What if I’m not entirely satisfied with the results?
Sometimes additional treatments are needed to get the best results. However, because results do not become apparent until 6 weeks and continue to improve over the next 6 months, it’s important to be patient. Dr. Minton can determine if additional treatments are needed in a follow-up appointment.
Is Sculptra a good alternative to surgery?
Unlike surgery, the effects of Sculptra are not permanent, so it is not considered an alternative to surgery, but Sculptra can prolong the need for surgery such as a permanent fat transfer. Additionally, it can be used as a way to “preview” the results of more permanent procedures.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Our skilled, double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Minton is available to discuss Sculptra in greater detail during a consultation at our Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery offices in Savannah. Arrange your consultation by contacting us today.
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