Sculptra^® the liquid face lift.

Sculptra® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid” which was originally developed and used for many years as a medical product for plastic and reconstructive surgery. After a number of years it was realised that it would be ideal as a cosmetic enhancement in the same way that Botulinum toxin was originally a medical product and later developed cosmetic applications. 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® stimulates your body to produce new tissue under the skin. This provides a gradual increase in skin thickness, volumising the face and lifting the tissues. Therefore unlike filler products Sculptra replaces your lost volume by causing you to grow back your own lost facial collagen rather than simply replacing it with a product.

Sculptra is a whole face treatment and is designed to restore the youthful oval shape of the face. As we get older the convex curves of our face become more concave as we lose collagen and fat from under the skin. Sculptra stimulates regrowth of your own collagen to refill the lost volume and therefore make the concave curves of the older face turn back into the convex curves of the young face. Therefore if you are familiar with traditional filler products you will find a Sculptra treatment quite different. Traditional fillers are normally injected only into the lines and wrinkles which are being targeted whilst a Sculptra treatment involves injections all over the face as it is a complete facial rejuvenation treatment. No skin testing is required prior to use.

Are the results from Sculptra^® immediate?

At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra® worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the fluid used to dilute the dry Sculptra® product. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the fluid is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. The Sculptra then begins to stimulate the growth of new collagen under your skin and it is generally accepted that it continues to grow more and more tissue for 10-12 months after being injected. Most doctors would advise that you will get 10 per cent more growth each month for ten months after the treatment, therefore the growth is steady and subtle.

How many treatments are required?

After your consultation we will advised you how many treatments and what amount of Sculptra you are likely to need. In general most patients require two to three treatments sessions about 6 weeks apart and on average using a total of 4-5 vials of Sculptra.

How long do treatments last?

As with any injection, injections with Sculptra® may be uncomfortable. In our clinic we use ice packs, local anaesthetic or both as required to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.