Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable dermal filler featuring poly-L -lactic acid (PLLA). It is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments we offer at Worcester Dermatology in Worcester, MA. There are many benefits of this treatment, including its versatility. Today, we are taking a closer look at this treatment, including what it can be used for and how long the results of the treatment last. Let’s get started.
What Is Sculptra Used for?
Sculptra is used to volumize the skin. It is often used to fill in marionette lines, chin wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. However, it can also be used to treat other areas of concern, including the cheeks, temples, buttocks, and hips. This versatile treatment can be used to volumize virtually any region of the body by encouraging the production of extra collagen.
How Soon Will the Results of This Treatment Become Apparent?
The volume in your treated areas will increase immediately after the filler is injected. However, it can take up to three months to enjoy your optimal results. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your areas of concern and discuss your goals. Once we understand what you want to achieve, we will advise you on how many treatment sessions you will need to see your desired results.
The number of sessions required to achieve optimal results significantly affects how long it will take for you to feel satisfied with your appearance. Typically, people require three injection sessions scheduled approximately one to two months apart. If you only need two injection sessions, you can expect to see your optimal results one to two months sooner than the average person.
How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?
The results of injectable dermal fillers usually last for six to 12 months. However, you can generally expect the results of this PLLA-based filler to last for two to five years. The expected durability has such a large range because there are many factors that affect the longevity of the results. For example, smokers usually need to come in for more frequent treatments because nicotine consumption damages crucial collagen and your body’s ability to produce more.
Additionally, you can expect to need more frequent follow-up treatments if you are treating your face rather than your buttocks. This is because your facial skin is exposed to much more sunlight, the leading cause of UV damage. UV damage is the leading cause of premature skin aging due to collagen damage. Furthermore, the younger you are, the longer you can expect to enjoy your ideal results.
How Can I Improve the Durability of My Results?
To enjoy your optimal results for as long as possible, it is crucial that you lead a healthy lifestyle. You should manage stress as well as you can, get plenty of deep sleep each night, and eat nutritiously. It is important that you get plenty of protein in your diet because your body breaks down protein into amino acids. Then, the amino acids are used to build collagen, one of the most important proteins in your body.
It is also very important that you get plenty of vitamin C and zinc in your diet. These micronutrients are also used to produce collagen. Furthermore, you can help keep your skin healthy by walking or getting other forms of cardio most days. This is crucial for supporting your pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The stronger your cardiovascular system is, the more efficiently your heart can pump vital nutrients through your body, including your treated areas.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
This Sculptra injectable dermal filler is usually considered suitable for fairly healthy adults who are experiencing age-related volume loss in their face. However, you may qualify for this treatment if you have lost a significant amount of buccal fat due to illness. For example, it can be used to augment the cheeks of people who lost a lot of weight due to HIV. Additionally, you may qualify for this treatment if you want to volumize certain parts of your body.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for This Treatment?
After reviewing the results of numerous clinical trials, the FDA has determined that this treatment is safe and effective for most people with significant fat or collagen loss. However, you will be considered a poor candidate for this treatment if you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment areas. Additionally, you should not receive this treatment if you suffer from certain medical conditions, like poorly controlled diabetes or a bleeding disorder.
Furthermore, you need to be able to follow all preparation instructions before your appointment. For example, you must not smoke within 24 hours If you can’t refrain from smoking for 24 hours, you will be considered a poor candidate for treatment.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
You can get Sculptra injections to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including chin wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. If you think you could benefit from this treatment, find out if you are a good candidate by scheduling an initial consultation with us at Worcester Dermatology in Worcester, MA today.