Sculptra™, is Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLA). PLA has been safely used in orthopedics since the mid-nineties and has been used in Europe since 1999 for cosmetic correction of scars and wrinkles.
Sculptra™ is used for restoring volume and improving facial contours. Sculptra works differently from other injectable products such as botox, collagen and restylane injections. With Sculptra, tiny particles of PLA are diluted in a suspension of sterile water, carefully implanted in the skin, and then molded for optimal results. The particles of PLA stimulate the formation of new collagen in the skin, adding volume over time.
Sculptra™ may require a series of three to five treatments every four to six weeks. Improvement in contour occurs gradually over two to six months, an advantage for those people wishing to avoid the obvious tell-tale overnight change in appearance of cosmetic surgery.
There is no downtime with Sculptra treatments. Temporary bruising and swelling may occur and typically resolve over a few days. Sculptra can be used with Botox cosmetic injections, temporary injectable fillers such as Restylane, and Cosmoderm® procedures and in people who have had facelifts and need a restoration of facial volume. Sculptra
Proper use of Scultpra produces a more youthful, pleasing facial contour in people with facial aging, wrinkling and loss of facial fat.
Some practitioners combine Sculptra™ with a comprehensive facial rejuvenation program which may include superficial chemical peel treatments, botox injections, and Restylane®, procedures. This comprehensive non-surgical facial rejuvenation program may replace surgery for some people.