Sculptra Facial Rejuvenation

Here at Nervana Medical, we offer Sculptra, a popular cosmetic treatment designed to enhance facial volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds.

 

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a non-surgical dermal filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that stimulates collagen production within the skin. It is primarily used to treat facial volume loss and deep wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Sculptra gradually restores facial fullness over time (typically 6-8 weeks after injections to start seeing the collagen stimulating results), leading to natural-looking results that can last for years.

 

Benefits of Sculptra:

• Increases facial volume and fullness
• Reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles and folds
• Provides long-lasting results
• Stimulates collagen production for improved skin elasticity and texture
• Non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime
• Suitable for various areas of the face, including cheeks, temples, jawline and even the butt!

 

Treatment Procedure:

During your Sculptra treatment session, a healthcare professional will administer a series of injections using a fine needle. The number of injections and treatment sessions required will depend on your specific needs and treatment plan. The procedure typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, and you may experience mild discomfort during the injections. However, a local anesthetic or topical numbing cream can be used to minimize any potential discomfort.

 

How often are sculptra treatments recommended and how many treatments are required?

Your provider should see you at approximately 3-4 weeks after each treatment session to assess whether you need additional treatment. You may need 1-4 treatment sessions (typically 3) to achieve the optimal initial correction, and then typically one treatment annually thereafter. Each treatment averages 1-2 vials; unless the treatment area is large such as the butt and then typically averages 6 vials per treatment.

 

Nervana’s opinion:

Pro’s: LOVE IT! Super natural looking, never looks “over done” or “over injected”

Con’s: Expensive up front, but cheaper in the long run after initial volume restoration. Takes longer to witness results than the immediate dermal filler results.

Certain services are recommended at different time intervals and you may need to avoid certain activities for a specified period of time; in general , we recommend scheduling with the following in mind (your injector will educate you on specific details pertinent to the service you are receiving.

• Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations. Each time you are treated, outcomes may vary.
• Cancel your appointment if you have any open sores in the treatment area. It is important that you alert us of any medical conditions you may have and/or any prescribed medications you are taking prior to your treatment.
• Avoid use of self tanner within 2 weeks (primarily for morpheus8)
• Avoid exposure to sun/plans to be in the sun for the following week post appointment
• Avoid or minimize hard (strenuous) exercise and exposure to extensive sun, UV lamps, indoor tanning beds/booths, or extreme temperatures (such as a sauna) post treatment.
• Avoid recent skin therapies such as laser treatment, chemical peels, radiofrequency
• Most of our services (with the exception of neuromodulators i.e. botox) require at least 30 to 45 minutes to numb for most comfortable results. You are welcome to come into the clinic and pick up a take-home numbing jar anytime from the time you book your appointment up until an hour prior to your appointment; this should be applied 30-45 minutes BEFORE your appointment time. If you do not do this, please come at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled service time to begin numbing.

 

Recommendations for best results:

• To lessen the likelihood of bleeding or bruising, discontinue use of blood thinning products for at least 4 days (if prescribed an anticoagulant such as Xarelto, Coumadin, etc. – you should not stop these unless approved by your prescribing provider).
• Over the counter: aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen, Aleve, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, flax, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, etc. Alcohol should be avoided 24 hours pre- or post-injectable treatment, as all of these may increase your chance of bleeding/bruising more.
• SinEcch: We recommend SinEcch, a homeopathic remedy designed to improve swelling and bruising that may be associated with your recovery. Ask your provider for more details if you think you may be interested.
• Zinc: Recently, there has been some evidence that people who received COVID/ vaccination are experiencing a shorter duration of treatment effects with neuromodulators (i.e. botox). There is also some evidence that zinc taken 5 days prior to neuromodulators has been shown to improve efficacy. If you are interested in our recommendations please ask for details.

 

Any injection introduces the risk for infection. For this reason, you should be aware that though rare, the following can increase your risks:

• Have had any infection, cold, virus, or flu in the past 30 days.
• Have had any dental procedures in the past 30 days or are anticipating dental procedures or cleanings in the next 30 days (major dental work; not basic cleanings).
• Have had any immunizations in the past 30 days or if you’re anticipating immunizations.
• Take any immunosuppressive/injectable medications (ex: Biologics such as Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz,Cosentyx, Tremfya).

What can I expect after my treatment?

As with any injectable wrinkle filler, you can expect injection-related side effects, such as bleeding, tenderness or pain/discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally resolve within a few hours to a few days but could last for 14 days or longer.

 

Following your treatment

• Massage the treated area for 5 minutes 5 times per day for 5 days after your treatment.
• Within the first 24 hours after your treatment, apply ice or an ice pack wrapped in cloth (avoid putting ice directly on your skin) to the treatment area to help reduce swelling
• Avoid or minimize hard (strenuous) exercise and exposure to extensive sun, UV lamps, indoor tanning beds/booths, or extreme temperatures within the first 24 hours after treatment with SCULPTRA.
• Report any worsening or longer-lasting signs of symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as unusual pain, vision changes, a white appearance of skin near the injection site, or any signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion) during or shortly after the procedure.

 

How quickly can I get back to my daily activities?

Most patients are able to get back to their activities immediately following treatment.

 

When will I be able to apply makeup after treatment?

Make-up may be applied a few hours after treatment if there are no complications such as open wounds or bleeding.