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Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeons Dr. Brothers and Dr. Crispin

Sculptra^TM Facial Injectable

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

Sculptra will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.

Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra?

No skin testing is required prior to use.

Are the results from Sculptra immediate?

No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Your health plastic surgeon (either Dr. Crispin or Dr. Brothers) will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more Sculptra injections.

How many treatments are required?

Your cosmetic surgeon will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra you will need at each session. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.

How long do treatment results last?

Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra?

The most common side effects with the use of Sculptra include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.

One possible delayed side effect with Sculptra can be small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Who should not use Sculptra?

Talk to your plastic surgeon about your medical history when deciding on treatment options.

You should not use Sculptra if you are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra. Sculptra should not be injected while you have an active skin infection of inflammation in the treatment area.

Side effects of Sculptra may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally, these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness, or discomfort, redness, bruising, and swelling.

Click on a link below to learn more about Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures.