Sculptra

Sculptra Aesthetic

No one is immune from the ravages of time, and sooner or later, everyone experiences facial wrinkles and folds. A loss of collagen in the skin, which occurs as a natural result of aging, is the primary reason for the onset of wrinkles, folds and fine lines around the eyes and in other areas of the face. However, Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable facial treatment that can restore the body’s ability to create and retain collagen, helping you enjoy a more youthful appearance for up to two years.

Sculptra Uses

Sculptra Aesthetic helps to correct folds and facial wrinkles both deep and shallow. The treatment replaces lost collagen deep in the dermis, reinforcing the skin’s basic structure and restoring fullness in the face. The primary ingredient works over a period of time so that there is no shock to the system.

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana for Sculptra Injections?

Dr. C. William Hanke has more experience, as well as national and international recognition, than other dermatologists in the greater Indianapolis area. Dr. Hanke has received numerous awards and accolades, has contributed to numerous dermatology publications, and has served as President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

In addition to Dr. Hanke’s impeccable record, our esteemed Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana also includes an accredited clinical trial facility, where we’ve conducted clinical trials on dermatologic lasers, Botox Cosmetic and Kybella, among others.

Our record speaks for itself. When seeking any cosmetic treatments, it’s important to use the same care in selecting a provider as you would for a medical procedure. This is why patients choose the Laser and Skin Surgery of Indiana and choose to keep coming back to us for all of their anti-aging and dermatologic needs.

What to Expect During Your Sculptra Consultation

Before receiving an injectable aesthetic treatment, a full consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is required. During this consultation, patients will answer a series of questions to determine whether they are candidates for the procedure. If so, details about the procedure will be discussed, including expectations, time-frames, side effects and cost. Patients will also have a chance to ask any questions they may have concerning the treatment, its effects and aftercare.

What to Expect During Your Sculptra Treatment

During the procedure, Sculptra is injected just under the skin with a fine-gauge needle by a board-certified dermatologist. The injection sites are numbed with ice or a mild local anesthetic, and the face is massaged after each injection is complete, which helps to evenly distribute the poly-L-lactic acid. After a final massage with moisturizer, patients are free to go. The number of injections varies with the areas needing treatment and the level of correction desired, and most patients require an average of three treatments over the course of several months.

Sculptra FAQ

Is Sculptra the right treatment for you? In addition to the below FAQ, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to find out if Sculptra, or other facial fillers, are right to help you achieve your facial anti-aging goals.  In the meantime, these should answer your questions before you come in for your initial appointment.

How does Sculptra work?

The treatment replaces collagen in the skin that has been lost because of aging. Sculptra works deep in the dermis, gradually reinforcing the skin and restoring a look of fullness in the shallow spaces occupied by wrinkles and folds.

How is Sculptra administered? Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?

The treatment is administered through a series of injections over several visits and is performed by a dermatologist using a very fine needle. Generally, any adult with facial wrinkles and folds is a candidate for this aesthetic treatment.

Who shouldn’t receive Sculptra Aesthetic treatments?

Sculptra treatment is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, nursing or has an active skin infection. In addition, those suffering from rheumatoid, arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus and some autoimmune disorders should avoid the treatment. Ask your doctor for a complete list if there is any doubt.

What are the ingredients in Sculptra?

For the past several decades, poly-L-lactic acid has been used in the production of dissolvable stitches. In 1999, it first began to be used as a facial injectable, and it was approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. Sculptra Aesthetic is the brand name developed by Galderma for injectable poly-L-lactic acid, which helps replace lost collagen and restore fullness in the face so that patients enjoy a more youthful appearance.

Is Sculptra painful?

As with any injectable treatment, some patients experience a mild pain or discomfort during the procedure while others feel nothing at all. In addition, some patients may experience tenderness in the days following the procedure.

Can anesthesia be used?

In most cases, the procedure can be performed after numbing the injection sites with ice. However, a topical anesthetic may be used or lidocaine may be added to the suspension for overly sensitive patients.

How long does a Sculptra treatment take?

The Sculptra procedure consists of a series of three to five injections and several facial massages, and it is usually completed in 30 minutes or less.

When will I see results from my Sculptra Aesthetic treatment?

The effects of Sculptra treatment come on gradually and are only fully realized after it has had some time to manifest. After the procedure, it will take one to three days for the swelling to subside, and patients will look much as they did beforehand. However, the face will begin to appear fuller and younger over the course of the next 14 to 90 days and the full treatment course has been administered (usually around 3 treatments in total).

How long does Sculptra last?

Once the results of the injectable treatment have been fully realized, they last an average of two years.

Is there any downtime?

Patients undergoing Sculptra treatment experience minimal downtime. In most cases, patients are able to resume normal activity immediately following the procedure, but some prefer to wait one to two days for the redness and swelling to diminish.

How much does Sculptra cost?

The cost of Sculptra treatment varies for each individual. Factors affecting the cost include the number of sessions required, the amount of product injected, the degree of correction desired, where you receive treatment, clinical fees and any discounts or special offers provided.

What are the potential complications?

After the procedure, patients are provided with complete aftercare instructions designed to reduce side effects and complications. However, some patients may experience one or more of the following: redness, swelling, tenderness, itching, bruising and bleeding.

Where can I find testimonials and before and after pictures?

You can view before and after photos and read patient testimonials on the official website for Sculptra Aesthetic and RealSelf.com, where Sculptra has a near 90% approval rating from patients around the country.

Where can I get more information about Sculptra?

To learn more about this treatment and for answers to any specific questions, contact our dermatology specialists at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana.