Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra® Aesthetic
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center and Dr. Reichel are thrilled to offer our patients Sculptra® Aesthetic, a truly unique injectable filler. If you are looking to restore volume and youthful facial contours with noticeable, natural-looking results, Sculptra® is an excellent choice. This treatment helps build volume and gradually replace lost collagen — an underlying cause of facial aging.There are differences between Sculptra and other tissue fillers. First, Sculptra is done over a series of injections, for gradual restoration. And, Sculptra lasts much longer than many of the other fillers. Results will become apparent more slowly, and should be present for more than two years.
Sculptra® Aesthetic does this by stimulating new collagen production deep within the dermis.
Why is Collagen Important?
Collagen is a fibrous protein and a key structural component of smooth, healthy-looking skin. As you age, your body's collagen production decreases. The loss of collagen and the weakening of its structure with age decreases the ability of your skin to retain moisture and elasticity. Starting as early as 20, you lose about 1% of collagen per year and may notice the appearance of fine lines. The amazing thing about Sculptra is it can help restore skin firmness and volume even after decades of collagen loss.
Before and After Photos
All photos from Galderma
WHAT IS SCULPTRA AESTHETIC?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is made with a biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is a collagen stimulator that is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body. The PLLA in Sculptra is made out of "microparticles". As these Sculptra® PLLA microparticles are absorbed, they help stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, rather than topically. Gradually, the collagen strands are rebuilt and begin to restore your skin's inner structure and volume.
This amazing collagen stimulator can take years off your appearance, correcting facial folds, wrinkles, and giving a full facial restoration without looking overdone. Dr. Reichel has worked with Sculptra in the past, and is excited to continue working with this filler as well as the other fillers, fat transfer, and Botox.
HOW IS THE SCULPTRA PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Dr. Reichel will first assess your face to determine if Sculptra is the right option for you. After the consultation, the treatment consists of a series of injection sessions. The number of sessions that you will need depends upon your level of volume and collagen loss. On average, patients undergo three injection sessions. These are administered approximately every six weeks.
Before your treatment, we may apply a topical anesthetic or local lidocaine injections to ease any discomfort. The majority of patients will not need any further pain control.
Immediately after each treatment session, some swelling and bruising may occur. This usually subsides within 2 to 7 days. If you have significant bruising, we are happy to treat the area with an Intense Pulse Light device, called BBL. Treating a bruise on the face with the BBL will make it disappear much faster.
Progressive, visible results will begin to appear within the first few weeks after each treatment session.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?
For swift healing and optimum results, we suggest icing the treatment area, massaging the injection site, and avoiding the sun.
Icing - A cold pack or ice pack will help reduce any common swelling. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, apply a cloth-wrapped cold pack to the treated area for a few minutes at a time. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
Massage - This is an important part of post treatment care as it promotes a more even distribution of PLLA. Massage the treated area for five minutes five times a day for five days.
Sunscreen - Avoid excessive sunlight and UV lamp exposure until initial swelling and redness recedes.
Sculptra® Aesthetic works more slowly than other fillers. Thus, Sculptra improves facial areas gradually without making it look like you've had work done. For ideal results, be sure to keep any follow-up appointments in your treatment series. The best part is that these results last. Even 25 months after treatment, 80% of Sculptra® Aesthetic patients still rate their results as good or excellent.
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Sculptra Treatment?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is for people with healthy immune systems who desire more facial volume and firmer skin. Younger patients often see results within 1-2 months due to their ability to rebuild collagen quickly. For older patients, Sculptra® Aesthetic works best as a structural foundation and optimal results (maximum lift and rejuvenation) are sometimes achieved in combination with other treatments. We will always be sure to build a plan for each patient – individually.
To learn more about our Sulptra Aesthetic treatments, please call our Seattle or Renton office at 206-859-5777 or click here to submit an online inquiry.
