Sculptra is an FDA-approved dermal filler made of poly-L lactic acid. It was initially created to enhance cheeks affected by significant weight loss.
How Long Do Sculptra Results Last?
The duration of Sculptra results varies for each individual. Typically, you can expect the final results to last around two years. However, with proper overall health and skincare, the results can extend up to five years, and in some cases, even seven years.
Several factors influence the longevity of the treatment results, such as age, dosage, injection location, specific cosmetic concerns, the severity of the conditions being treated, and the health of your skin. Let’s delve deeper into the estimated duration of results for different targeted areas.
The Temples
When using Sculptra to restore volume to sunken temples, the final results generally last approximately two years. While this is shorter compared to non-invasive cheek augmentation, it surpasses the duration of hyaluronic acid-based fillers used for temple restoration, which typically last between six to 18 months.
The Cheeks
Originally designed for non-invasive cheek augmentation, Sculptra can restore cheek volume in individuals who have experienced rapid weight loss due to severe illness. Results from injections in and around the cheeks can last up to seven years, with an average duration of around five or five-and-a-half years.
Moreover, besides adding volume to hollow cheeks, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, which can lift sagging cheek skin. If you have concerns about your cheeks, cheekbones, or the skin around them, you may be an excellent candidate for this treatment.
The Jawline
Poly-L lactic acid injections are commonly used to treat the jawline, whether to lift sagging skin and enhance jawline prominence or to eliminate wrinkles around the chin. The expected duration of improvement in this area is approximately five years. However, if combined with cheek targeting, the results may last up to seven years, as the volume addition to the cheeks naturally lifts the skin around the jaw.
The Chest
The chest area often shows early signs of aging, with skin wrinkling as early as the 30s. This is especially prevalent in individuals who frequently used tanning beds or had prolonged sun exposure without adequate sun protection. Sculptra injections in the décolleté region typically offer results lasting two to five years. By maintaining good skin health, you can expect the treatment to provide closer to five years of improvement.
What Can I Do to Prolong the Results?
To extend the longevity of your Sculptra results, prioritizing skin health maintenance is crucial. While the aging process cannot be stopped, you can significantly slow it down through various practices. In summary, Sculptra treatment enhances your skin’s appearance by stimulating collagen production. To maximize the durability of your results, follow these actionable steps:
- Wear Sunscreen: Protect your collagen by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35 whenever you go outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen is not expired and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products negatively impact skin health and appearance due to the harmful chemicals they contain. Nicotine weakens collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Minimize Alcohol Consumption: Drinking responsibly and staying within the recommended limits (no more than one unit for females and two units for males per day) can help maintain long-lasting results. Drinking water between alcohol units and staying hydrated is important to avoid dehydration, which slows down collagen production
- Eat Protein and Fruits: Including protein-rich foods in your diet supports collagen production. Foods like bone broth, egg whites, chicken, fish, and shellfish are excellent choices. Additionally, consuming fruits high in vitamin C, such as tropical fruits, berries, and citrus fruits, helps produce pro-collagen, the precursor to collagen.
How Long Does a Treatment Session Take?
The duration of a treatment session depends on the area being treated and can range from 15 to 60 minutes. For restoring volume to hollow temples, the session typically takes around 15 minutes. Treating larger areas like the cheeks or chest may require 45 to 60 minutes.
What Happens During a Treatment Session?
Before starting the treatment session, your dermatologist will sanitize the targeted area to minimize the risk of infection. The needle used for injection is sterile, but cleansing the treatment area ensures no harmful substances are present on the skin surface. Once the skin is sanitized, there is no need to worry about infections at the injection sites.
Is Treatment Painful?
No, this treatment is not painful. The fine gauge of the needle used causes only slight pressure, and the injectable is mixed with lidocaine to ensure your comfort during the session. Unlike stronger anesthetics, lidocaine carries no risk of adverse side effects.
Am I Suitable for Treatment with Sculptra?
If you have concerns about facial volume loss, a healthy immune system, are 18 or older, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be a suitable candidate for Sculptra treatment. The active ingredient, poly-L lactic acid, carries minimal risk of allergy. However, it is essential to inform us during the initial consultation if you are allergic to lidocaine.
During your consultation, your goals and the underlying causes of your cosmetic concerns will be discussed. If volume loss is the primary issue, Sculptra can enhance your appearance. It is important to have a healthy immune system, as certain autoimmune conditions can make you ineligible for this treatment, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and Graves’ disease.
Is Lidocaine Safe for Me?
Your medical history will be thoroughly reviewed during the initial consultation to determine if lidocaine injections are safe for you. While lidocaine is generally safe, it works by blocking nerve signals, and certain organ conditions may make it unsuitable. These conditions include severe heart rhythm issues, major heart block, heart disease, fatty liver disease, or renal failure.
Learn More About Enhancing Your Skin’s Youthfulness with Sculptra
Sculptra offers various applications, such as reducing facial wrinkles and augmenting cheeks. The treatment results can last up to two years, and with proper care, up to five years or more. Your consultation with your physician administering the treatment for you, should give you an opportunity to discuss the benefits of Sculptra and answer any questions you may have.
