How Sculptra® rebuilds the structure of saggy, wrinkled skin to support lasting results
At Access Medspa Rejuvenate, we support timeless beauty. Solutions like Sculptra® treatment allow us to help our neighbors from across the Lanham, Maryland, area age gracefully, naturally, and with pride. These solutions are highly rewarding without the risks associated with more aggressive and invasive surgical procedures.
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an injectable treatment. Specifically, it falls under the category of treatments known as “dermal fillers” or “soft tissue fillers.” Whereas many popular fillers (like the Juvéderm® and Restylane® Collections) are formulated with hyaluronic acid, Sculptra® is made differently—from a substance called “poly-L-lactic acid.”
What makes poly-L-lactic acid filler special?
PLLA is an absorbable substance used for a long time in other medical devices and products, such as dissolvable stitches. This characteristic contributes to Sculptra’s favorable safety profile. It also contributes to the unique power of Sculptra®. Unlike the other HA-based fillers mentioned here, Sculptra® helps to make more collagen. This protein is produced by our bodies naturally. It provides structure, protecting and supporting the softer tissues of the body. As we age, less collagen is produced. This decline alters the feel and appearance of our skin. By renewing collagen, the structure of the skin is supported. Areas of laxity that are sunken or hollow and depressions like wrinkles may be corrected as the new collagen helps to “fill in” parts of the face that have lost volume.
What parts of the face can be treated with Sculptra®?
As collagen production declines, skin loses its firmness. This can cause tissues to sag and give rise to areas of volume loss. These formerly plump areas may now look sunken and hollowed out.
By renewing collagen, Sculptra® improves the appearance of:
- The apples of the cheeks
- The temples on the sides of your head near the eyebrows
- The lower face, chin, and jawline
In addition to recontouring and adding definition to the above areas, Sculptra® is versatile enough to “fill in” moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds or “smile lines” that circle the nose and mouth.
Can I see the results instantly?
While Sculptra® does not get immediate results, it lasts 18 to 21 months longer than other fillers that do not stimulate collagen. Due to the process of collagen “remodeling,” the effects of Sculptra® are seen gradually and as more of this beneficial protein is made. Full effects may be visible between four-and-a-half to six months. As the PLLA is absorbed, it leaves behind collagen. It effectively functions as a scaffold to encourage the cells responsible for collagen production to multiply. Other types of fillers may introduce substances like hyaluronic acid to the skin to plump up the affected areas immediately; however, they do not trigger the changes deep within the skin that boost its structure. By renewing the structure of the skin, our patients have enjoyed long-lasting results from Sculptra® — two years or longer!
How many treatments will I need?
An initial treatment series is generally three to four appointments, which are scheduled six weeks apart. After this initial series, you can maintain your results with “touch-up” injections. These injections occur as Sculptra® wears off. Every patient is different, and many factors can affect how your body processes Sculptra® and other products available at Access Medspa Rejuvenate. So, specific maintenance schedules can vary.
Dr. Asongtia Ntonghawah and our team in Lanham, MD, are excited to share information about this unique filler that offers lasting results. Serving greater Prince George’s, Charles, and Montgomery counties, our team is available at (301) 830-8533 today to answer any other questions you may have and to schedule a consultation.
