Sculptra
- In Edgewater, MD -
What Does It Do?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved biostimulatory filler designed to work with your body to stimulate your natural collagen growth. Collagen is a key protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, which diminishes with age. It’s different from hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers as it’s a collagen stimulator that addresses the underlying cause of aging skin from within- the loss of collagen. Sculptra leaves you with firmer and tighter skin that helps you look naturally refreshed and youthful with results typically appearing over the course of 3 to 4 treatment sessions and can last up to 2 years after the last injection. In fact, 94% of patients had improved appearance two years after Scultpra treatments.
What Does It Treat?
Skin tone:
95% of patients had improved skin glow for up to two years after Sculptra treatments.
Deep Wrinkles and Folds:
It can be effective in reducing the appearance of deep lines, such as nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (lines running from the mouth down to the chin).
Skin Laxity:
89% of patients agreed they had improved skin firmness two years after sculptra
What to Expect?
Before Treatment:
- Consultation: During the consultation we will assess your skin condition, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if Sculptra is appropriate for you.
- Preparation: You may be advised to avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and certain supplements prior to treatment to minimize bruising.
During Treatment:
- Pre-treatment: After welcoming you into our practice, we will take pre-procedure pictures and apply numbing ointment to the area being treated.
- Treatment: Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly prior to injections. You may feel slight discomfort or pressure during as the Sculptra solution is injected into your skin. However, Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine and will numb the treatment area as it’s being injected.
- Post-treatment: Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly again. Using Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex or Regenerating Skin Nectar, your treatment areas will be massaged well. Post-procedure pictures will be taken.
After Treatment:
You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol per package recommendations if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort. Massage the areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment using Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex or Regenerating Skin Nectar. After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising.
Recovery
Downtime:
Most people can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure for a few days. Avoid lasers and skin tightening treatments for 2-3 weeks post Sculptra.
Follow-Up:
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 4-6 weeks after your treatment. This is to ensure you have healed well from the procedure and if you need an additional treatment, we can do it at that time.
Results
Timeline:
Results from Sculptra develop gradually. You might start to see improvements in skin texture and volume within a few weeks, with optimal results appearing after a series of treatments (typically three sessions spaced about six to eight weeks apart).
Longevity:
Results can last up to two years or more, depending on individual factors such as age, skin condition, and lifestyle.
Pre and Post Treatment Care
Pre-Treatment Care:
- Avoid the use of Aspirin, NSAIDS, Ginko Biloba, Garlic Supplements, Green Tea, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids for up to 1 week pre and post injection as they will increase your risk of bruising.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising
- You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising
- Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (examples- tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone)
- Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment
- Do not use Sculptra if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment day of treatment
- You may use topical anesthetic medication in office before your scheduled appointment (please arrive 15 minutes prior to procedure)
- Arrive with a clean face. Please do not wear makeup.
Post-Treatment Care:
- You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol per package recommendations if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
- Massage the areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment
- After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising
- Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Apply SPF 50+
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
- Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks
- You may continue your topical products as mentioned above 1 week after injection
- Change your pillowcase and wipe your phone with alcohol prior to using it to prevent infection
- Please email yo@youthfulobsession.com with any non urgent questions. Please text or call (410) 696-5009 with any urgent questions.
Sculptra Rule of 5
The Sculptra Rule of 5 Massage Protocol is designed to ensure even distribution of the product and optimal results following your Sculptra treatment.
- Using clean hands, perform the massage for five minutes, five times a day, for the first five days after your Sculptra injections. procedure itself can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the areas being treated and settings used.
