Sculptra®
Sculptra® Helps You Obtain a Smooth, Wrinkle-free Complexion
What is Sculptra®?
FDA-approved Sculptra® is an innovative injectable used to gradually replenish lost facial volume by stimulating the growth of your own natural collagen. Made of biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid, it is injected throughout the face not just into a single line or fold. The addition of volume to the face results in a healthier more youthful appearance while diminishing fine lines and folds. Dr. Slack has been successfully using Sculptra for many years to restore youthful fullness naturally to the faces of his patients in Plano, McKinney, and the surrounding communities in Texas.
Erasing the Appearance of Wrinkles
When used for cosmetic facial enhancement, Sculptra® does an exceptional job correcting folds and wrinkles, especially nasolabial lines – those lines that look like parentheses running from the nose to the lip. In addition, the dermal filler also fills out, and erases marionette lines – those lines etched from the lip to the chin – as well as horizontal and vertical lines on the forehead.
Providing a Bit of a Lift
While the product is not advised for use in lip augmentation, it is useful for lifting the corners of the mouth or treating crow’s feet or lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The filler has also been used to puff up and smooth over the depressions made by facial scars.
Are You a Good Candidate for Sculptra®?
Sculptra® promotes the production of collagen in the skin, a protein which enhances smoothness and volume. Production of this protein is necessary to maintain the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and fullness. Therefore, you are a good candidate for Sculptra® if you exhibit:
- smile lines (nasolabial folds),
- marionette lines (or lines that frame your mouth),
- wrinkles on the chin, or
- forehead lines.
Either deep or shallow facial lines can be treated with the product. While one injection may only be required, up to four injections, spaced at three-week intervals, may be needed in some instances.
Common Side Effects from Sculptra®
Side effects may include some of the following reactions:
- slight pain or discomfort at the injection site,
- bruising or swelling,
- some bleeding, and
- itching.
In some cases, small lumps have been reported beneath the skin, some of which may be noticeable when pressure is applied to the injection site. While initial treatments may cause some swelling and bruising, any subsequent treatments can have fewer side effects, provided the patient strictly follows the doctor’s recommendations. For instance, the use of medications such as aspirin, or supplements such as fish oil, should be curtailed approximately two weeks before the treatment.
What Is Involved in the Sculptra® Process?
The simple treatment involves the following steps:
- Step One: The doctor will identify the points for injection of the filler.
- Step Two: He will determine the amount of the filler he will use.
- Step Three: After applying a topical numbing cream of local anesthetic, the doctor injects the filler into the dermis and the lowest layer, or hypoderm, of the skin.
- Step Four: An ice pack will be applied to lessen the resulting swelling.
After Sculptra® Treatment
Sculptra® treatment sessions generally take only 15 to 30 minutes of your time. After the procedure, you will be instructed to massage the injection site to encourage an even disbursal of the filler. Usually after the treatment you can go back to work or resume your daily activities right away. However, you will be advised to refrain from engaging in outdoor activities to lessen the risk of sunburn.
Ask Dr. Slack about Sculptra® in Plano and McKinney, Texas
If you feel that Sculptra® may be a good option for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.