Overview
Sculptra is a discreet approach which leads to a gradual improvement which takes place over 6-8 weeks. Typically 2-4 treatments are required at eight week intervals. It lasts two or more years, longer than many other treatments.
What is it?
Sculptra is quite different to a dermal filler. Sculptra is an injectable treatment medically known as poly-L-lactic acid. Single molecules of lactic acid are present naturally in our bodies, and these are simply joined into chains to form Sculptra. It works by stimulating the production of your own collagen, smoothing wrinkles, restoring volume, reducing sagging, and creating a younger appearance.
Uses
Its greatest ability is to make a face look much more youthful. It does this with a combination of effects:
- improving the texture and quality of the skin
- providing extra volume where age has caused volume loss
- re-contouring areas to correct the unwanted ageing signs of sagging
These benefits are best understood by looking at the before and after photos. Further understanding will be given as the doctor spends time with you in your consultation to explain exactly how this treatment achieves its often dramatic results.
Safety
Poly-L-lactic acid has been used in medicine for 25 years. It has been and is still used in NHS dermatology units for patients with challenging volume losing conditions such as facial lipoatrophy. More than 150,000 treatments have been carried out. No allergy testing is required.
The Client’s Experience
It is an injectable treatment so mild discomfort may be felt, but with anaesthetic cream applied 45 minutes before this is not a problem. Two to four treatments at eight week intervals are typically carried out. Straightaway correction is evident, but over the next 48 hours this dissipates as fluid is resorbed, until more gradually over 6-8 weeks improvement can be seen.
Results
Pros and Cons
Pros
- discreet: gradual improvement over weeks/ months
- termed by the media ‘a liquid face lift’ – it is the nearest thing to it without surgery!
- Excellent safety profile
- Lasts 2 years or longer
Cons
- Needs massage after treatment ( 5 mins, 5 times/ day for 5 days)
- Some temporary redness (typically 1-2 hours)
- Discomfort, bruising, swelling, as with any injectable
- Small bumps may not be visible but may be felt afterwards
Cost
Usually one vial per treatment £475 for 1 vial
