Sculptra in New York City
Introduction
Some of the most common cosmetic concerns that come with age are now some of the easiest to manage. We are proud to provide several treatments that offer our patients an alternative to invasive surgical lifts. For long-term results that stem from natural collagen remodeling beneath the skin, we turn to Sculptra.
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What is Sculptra?
Sculptra would be better described as a collagen synthesizer than a dermal filler. Generically, Sculptra is PLLA, or poly-L-lactic acid, the same chemical that our muscles make after we exercise. We refer to it as poly-L-lactic acid because numerous individual molecules of lactic acid connect in a string called a polymer.
This synthetic product is biocompatible and biodegradable. When introduced to tissues that have atrophied with age, Sculptra does something far different than other wrinkle-reducing injectables.
Sculptra Treatment Areas
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sculptra?
Most of us face concerns related to collagen depletion and the subsequent loss of volume in the face. Men and women of all ages (as young as their twenties and older than their seventies) use Sculptra routinely to correct the signs of aging. Patients should be in good general health and have an understanding of the progressive nature of facial rejuvenation that stems from this treatment.
Prior to Sculptra treatment, Laser & Mohs Dermatology of New York will perform a brief consultation and skin assessment to confirm the appropriateness of this product for the needs expressed by the patient.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Most of the popular wrinkle-reducers and volumizers have a mechanism of plumping lines and wrinkles. They do so with hyaluronic acid, which encases water molecules in the treatment area, leading to smoother skin.
Sculptra is different. When the solution of poly-L-lactic acid is absorbed into the dermis, a temporary scaffolding is created to support superficial tissue. This is why slight improvement is apparent immediately after treatment. In addition to adding subtle volume with microparticles, the PLLA in Sculptra also stimulates the production of new collagen.
So, in contrast to standard dermal fillers that diminish over a few months’ time, Sculptra continues to work beneath the surface, leading to progressively younger-looking skin.
What is the Recovery from Sculptra?
As an injectable anti-aging treatment, Sculptra does not warrant significant recovery time. Patients should wait several hours before applying makeup or skincare products to their treatment area. It is possible that slight swelling and tenderness may occur after injections. This is usually a mild, temporary side effect.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“The service is here is the best. Girls at the front are wonderful. Happy, energetic, and enthusiastic. Once there I have never had long wait times. Dr. Quintana and Dr. Miller who I have seen there are great!! Highly recommend this place!” -Donna Q.
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How Long After My Sculptra Treatment Will I See Results?
Sculptra Aesthetic is formulated to achieve a noticeable restoration of facial contouring that progressively improves as new collagen strands develop. Patients typically notice the full effect of treatment within 4 to 8 months after the final round of injections (up to 6 may be necessary, depending on the degree of volume loss).
How Long Does Sculptra Last?
Once the skin is optimally supported by new collagen, the results last two years or more. In clinical studies, observation of results stopped at 25-months. An interesting detail about the results from Sculptra treatment is that they can occur so subtly and gradually that patients may feel like nothing is happening.
To see the effects in action, we suggest looking at pictures from a few months before treatment as improvements progress.
Are there any Pre-Treatment Precautions Before Getting Sculptra?
We want you to get the best results from your Sculptra injections. During your consultation, your provider may discuss various precautions that will help prevent unwanted side effects while simultaneously promoting an optimal cosmetic outcome. Pre-treatment precautions that may be recommended include:
- Schedule your treatment at least two weeks in advance of a trip or special event.
- Leave four weeks between your Sculptra treatment and any surgery, vaccines, dental work (including cleanings), or tattoo.
- Discontinue the use of medications, vitamins, and supplements that can contribute to bleeding, including ibuprofen and aspirin, one week prior to your appointment.
- Avoid smoking, niacin supplementation, and alcohol consumption for 48 hours before receiving Sculptra injections.
- Talk to your provider if you have a history of cold sores.
- Discontinue the use of products that contain retinol three days before your Sculptra treatment.
Are There Post-Care Suggestions I Should Follow after My Sculptra Injections?
Your provider will discuss the various suggestions they have to help you recover well and get the best results from your Sculptra injections. Massage is one of the primary post-care instructions that may be unique to Sculptra treatment. Generally, we advise massaging the treated areas for five minutes, five times a day, for five days. Additional post-care tips include:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours following your injections.
- Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure, as well as extreme cold for 24 hours.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
- Wait 24 hours before applying makeup to the treatment area.
- Wait at least two weeks before receiving other cosmetic treatments.
- Wait at least four weeks to undergo surgery, dental work, vaccines, or tattoo services.
Is Sculptra Better than Other Dermal Fillers?
Sculptra is often described as a dermal filler. It’s not. It’s a biostimulator that increases your body’s production of collagen in the target area. As a biostimulator, Sculptra works gradually and over a series of treatments. Your initial results may begin to appear within a few weeks of your appointment. Dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid or other ingredients that “fill” areas of soft tissue, such as the tissue beneath lines and creases. These products are not designed to affect collagen production. They are, however, designed to achieve immediate and long-lasting results!
If you’re more interested in a quick fix, dermal fillers may be a better solution for you than Sculptra. Keep in mind that you can combine your Sculptra injections with dermal fillers or other injectables. With the perfect combination, you can have your proverbial cake and eat it, too!
