Sculptra®

Sculptra^® for Facial Volume Loss

Facial volume loss is a common occurrence with age, as fatty tissues beneath the skin deteriorate and become depleted. Sculptra was formulated specifically for the problem of lost facial volume and can provide long-lasting improvements by increasing the skin’s elasticity and stimulating the development of new collagen in the skin. Sculptra® is used by Juniper Dermatology to help patients reduce hollowness in the face induced by loss of fatty tissue, as well as to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How Sculptra^® Works

The main ingredient in Sculptra^® is PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid). The basis of this ingredient is lactic acid, one of our bodies natural by-products. However, in Sculptra^®, the molecules of lactic acid are linked together in strings. Sculptra is a unique filler, in that while it provides some immediate volumization, most of the cosmetic effect is delayed.  The PLLA molecules stimulate the body’s production of collagen over time, which helps increase the patient’s facial volume, which takes time. These medium-term effects are the primary benefits of this filler, as they increase your skin’s resiliency against gravity, repetitive facial movements and loss of volume.

What Sculptra^® Treats

Sculptra^® injections are FDA-approved for the treatment of facial volume loss, which is often caused by the depletion of fatty tissues. By increasing the thickness of the skin, the face gains a fuller appearance. Sculptra^®  is quite different from hyaluronic acid fillers like Voluma^® or Belotero^® Balance. Whereas Sculptra^® increases facial volume and removes hollowing by increasing elasticity and dermal collagen, hyaluronic acid fillers draw moisture to the treatment area to create the volume. Most commonly, we will use Sculptra^® to address volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and to treat nasolabial folds, but dilute Sculptra has been successfully used to treat volume loss and improve skin texture over the entire body.

What to Expect During Treatment?

During your consultation at Juniper Dermatology, your provider will assess your skin to see where injections with this filler will bring the most benefit. In some cases, the best results may be achieved by using Sculptra^® to build up skin thickness in the cheeks and temples, while using other dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles around the eyes. Topical anesthesia will be applied, resulting in a procedure that is easy and well tolerated. After your first set of injections is complete, an appointment will be scheduled for follow-up treatments 4-6 weeks thereafter. Usually, patients need multiple sessions for best outcomes.