Dermal fillers enjoy great popularity today. There are a variety of injectable dermal fillers available, made by different pharmaceutical companies. They are commonly used to correct facial lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion. They can create fullness in areas that have lost volume. Fillers can also minimize the appearance of scars. Dermal fillers are popular non-surgical procedures that can be performed in just a few minutes with limited disruption to patients’ schedules.
However, not all dermal fillers are the same. Sculptra® Aesthetic is a different type of filler than most others.
How is Sculptra® different?
Many dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance produced by the human body. When injected, hyaluronic acid helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and increases volume where it has been lost overtime. When used topically, it can also help wounds heal faster and minimizes scarring. Sculptra® is made of poly-L-lactic acid, known as a biostimulatory injectable that triggers the body’s natural collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that plays an essential role in providing structure and support for the skin. Unfortunately, people produce less collagen as they age. Post-menopausal women are particularly affected. This reduced collagen production contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and sagging skin. Sculptra® continues to stimulate collagen production for up to 2 years after injection.
How does Sculptra® work?
Fillers with hyaluronic acid produce immediate results. Sculptra® works over time in the body, within both the deep and more superficial skin layers to stimulate your natural collagen production. This enhances the skin’s structure, creating a suture like network of collagen beneath the surface to enhance facial fullness and smooth wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. Most patients will need a series of three treatments over the course of a few months. Results are gradual and extremely natural looking. Although the immediate result is not equivalent to the anticipated final results, the patient will continue to see improvement over time that positively affects how they feel about their appearance.
What areas can be targeted?
Sculptra® can be used to improve the appearance of smile lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines between the mouth and chin, vertical wrinkles in front of the ears, cheek folds, and chin wrinkles. Crepey skin with loss of elasticity may also respond well to Sculptra®. Many patients find that Sculptra® results last several months longer than other dermal fillers.
Can Sculptra be used with other fillers?
It’s possible, and oftentimes optimal to combine Sculptra® with fillers containing hyaluronic acid. Depending on the needs and aesthetic goals of the patient, Sculptra is often used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Voluma XC, for example. It is important to note that these two injectables may not be performed in the same day, however a customized treatment plan will optimize individual treatment sessions and results.
Dr. Cristina Keusch, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and Meaghan Birakis PA-C, a Board Certified Physician Associate, can answer your questions about which type of dermal filler is right for you. Contact them at Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center for a consultation.
