We know what you’re thinking. Another day, another cosmetic injectable making headlines, but Sculptra is one that hits different. It’s not a new innovation (Sculptra was launched almost two decades ago), but what is new is the current generation of women and men discovering it and the impact this treatment has on skin tone, texture, and plumpness level and bounce factor.
What sets Sculptra apart from hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables (aka fillers) is the long-lasting results which appear over time. It acts as a regenerative biostimulator working across all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis). You definitely see results, but not in an instant as you do with fillers. It may take up to six weeks from the start date of your first Sculptra treatment to start to see benefits which can last upwards of two years. It should also be noted Sculptra is not a prejuvenation treatment. This one is best suited for skin that has subtle signs of aging in the form of skin laxity, especially around the mid and lower face, and a noticeable loss of elasticity.
“Sculptra is different than other injectables because it actually remodels the extracellular matrix and improves the quality and integrity of your skin,” explains Rachelle Calingasan, GAIN customer education and training manager for Galderma who’s the brand behind the injectable. “It also provides volume but in a different way than HA.”
Clinical research conducted by Galderma has proven Sculptra performs. Of the patients studied, over 66 percent saw an increase in collagen type I after three months, while 34 percent reported an improvement in elastin quality. Nine months after treatments over 26 percent noted an increase in skin thickness.
Read on to learn more from Calingasan about how Sculptra works and why it’s a solid ‘skinvestment.’
What is Sculptra?
“This product was launched in 2006 and is the original biodegradable and biostimulatory product in Canada,” Calingasan says. “The product is composed of small poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA) beads which stimulate the production of both Type 1 collagen and elastin in the skin. This is how Sculptra differs from other HA injectables which mainly just restore volume loss in the skin and don’t necessarily have an impact on the overall quality of the skin.”
Who is a fit for Sculptra treatments?
“This is ideal for people who are looking to remedy volume loss as well as improve their skin quality,” shares Calingasan. “It’s perfect for people who are dedicated runners, or those who have experienced extreme weight loss.”
Do most people need more than one Sculptra treatment?
“For best results, three treatments should be scheduled one month apart,” reports Calingasan. “Cost per treatment typically varies depending on the clinic and their specialty. Though results vary from patient to patient, they are most commonly seen three months after their first treatment, and you can expect to continue to see improvements in your skin up to one year later.”
Does Sculptra pair well with HA fillers too?
“Sculptra works beautifully in combination with HA injectables,” says Calingasan. “Some patients require volume in areas Sculptra cannot be injected and that’s where HA fillers can be used instead. For example, in the lower face and the lips, HA injectables work best in those areas; Sculptra can be used in the cheek and surrounding malar area to provide tissue support.”
With regards to treatment downtime, Sculptra is done in-office and it’s a quick and fairly painless procedure. Post-injection you may experience minor soreness and swelling in the treatment area—and possibly bruising—which will resolve in a few days (make friends with a few ice packs to speed healing). For five days following the procedure, take some extra time during your skincare routine to lightly massage your face with your fingers or a gua sha facial tool to ensure product settles smoothly.
