The Basics of Sculptra
Sculptra is used to correct moderate to severe lipoatrophy, or facial fat loss. It is a synthetic, biocompatible liquid made primarily of poly-L-lactic acid, the acid found in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and bone screws. Sculptra acts as a catalyst to stimulate new collagen growth in the skin. Unlike other cosmetic enhancers, it is not an implant or wrinkle filler that replaces fat loss or provides bulk under the dermis. The new collagen that Sculptra helps produce provides support and structure to the skin, resulting in an increasingly healthy, youthful appearance.
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Once the product takes effect, it may last for up to two years. |  |
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Dermik Laboratories is the producer of Sculptra, which also goes by the name New-Fil outside of the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration approved the product in 2004, five years after its creation, primarily for use by HIV patients with facial wasting. Doctors sometimes approve Sculptra for off-label use for individuals without HIV who are experiencing the loss of facial fat. Not only does Scultpra improve the outward appearance of the skin, but it also improves the quality of life for those suffering from the anxiety and depression associated with lipoatrophy.
The Effects and Use of Sculptra
Sculptra must be approved for use by a healthcare provider and administered by an experienced, certified doctor. The results of Sculptra injections are not immediate—several weeks may pass before the skin shows visible improvement. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the fat loss, it may take 3 to 6 treatment sessions before it shows any signs of effectiveness. Once the product takes effect, it may last for up to two years. A single treatment session may take thirty to sixty minutes. There are no human or animal components in the product, so allergy testing is not necessary.
To begin the procedure, a doctor treats the skin with an anesthetic and then uses a fine needle to inject multiple doses of the product in small amounts. The treated area is then massaged and the client is instructed to continue to massage the skin several times a day for the next several days. Initially, it may look like the product is working, but what one sees is actually swelling from both the physical injection and water used to dilute the product.
Cautions with Sculptra
The procedure should be postponed if you have an active skin infection or if there is an inflammation in the treatment area. Typical injection-related side effects such as bleeding, tenderness, discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling may occur. In some cases, small bumps may develop. These bumps are not visible and can only be detected by touch. These effects may last three to seventeen days. Larger visible bumps may develop, but they are usually caused by poor injection technique. They may smooth out on their own, but in some cases steroid must be used to reduce their appearance.
As always, there’s a risk of infection at the injection site. Before the procedure, do not take anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, St. John’s wort, or high doses of vitamin E, as it may cause bruises or bleeding.
How Long Does Sculptra Last?
At this time, there are no completed studies on the long-term effects of Sculptra.
