When you are considering a dermal filler to help ease the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging on your face, it might seem as though the market is flooded with options. While some brand name fillers are made with similar ingredients and perform largely the same function, others, such asSculptra Aesthetic, stand apart from the rest.
Sculptra differs from fillers such as Juvederm and Radiesse not only in the way it works or how long it lasts but in its entirely different ingredient makeup.
Secret Ingredient
The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid. Polylactic acid is a synthetic ingredient that acts as stimulator in the body. Instead of simply adding volume, it encourages the production of collagen in the body. Sculptra is injected deeper into the dermis than other fillers.
Although a synthetic ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid is completely absorbed by the body over time. The ingredient is biodegradable and biosynthetic. It’s been used for several decades as the main ingredient in dissolvable sutures.
The exact location of each injection depends on what area of the face you want treated. Sculptra Aesthetic is commonly used to treat the nasolabial folds, or the lines that form between the nose and mouth.
It can also treat marionette lines on the sides of the mouth and chin wrinkles. The filler was initially designed as a treatment for people with facial wasting, so it can also be used to restore volume loss in the cheeks.
When Results Appear
Another big difference between Sculptra and other dermal fillers is how long it takes the results to appear. When you receive an injection of Juvederm, for example, the results are visible immediately after the treatment. The results from Sculptra appear slowly, usually over the course of a few months. You typically need two or three injections of the filler, spaced over the course of several months.
Since other fillers give you immediate results, it might not seem that it’s worth it to wait for the results from Sculptra. But, it’s important to understand that the injection works differently than other fillers. Many patients find that the benefits of the injection far outweigh the need to wait for results to appear.
How Long It Lasts
One of the big benefits of Sculptra Aesthetic is how long the results last once they are visible. Typically, the results from a dermal filler fade after a year or so. The results from Sculptra last two years. In some cases, the results last longer than two years. For some, the longer lasting results is worth the wait and having to undergo multiple injections.
Side Effects and Concerns
As with any dermal filler, there are some potential side effects and concerns related to Sculptra. Some of the more obvious side effects include pain at the site of the injection, bruising, redness and swelling. It’s worth noting that initially, the treated area might swell enough to give you a general idea of the type of results you can expect to see. Within a few days, the swelling will go down.
Small bumps, known as granulomas, can develop under the skin after an injection. The bumps can form if the filler isn’t properly disbursed under the skin or if it’s injected into an area where the skin is thin, such as beneath the eyes. Having an experienced surgeon or medical professional inject Sculptra can help you avoid bumps and other side effects.
How you treat the area after injection helps reduce the risk of side effects. For example, applying an ice pack to the treated area can help reduce swelling. It’s often recommended that you massage the injection site several times daily in the first five days after treatment to keep bumps from forming. Avoiding sun exposure after treatment will reduce redness and protection your skin.
The Treatment
Like other dermal fillers, the treatment process for Sculptra is relatively quick. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes. The number of injections you receive during a treatment session depends on what areas you want treated and how many areas you want treated. You can usually go back to your regular activities right after treatment.
If you are want a long-lasting dermal filler that provides natural looking results, Sculptra might be right for you. Dr. Gregory Chernoff is available to answer any additional questions you might have about the filler. Schedule an appointment atChernoff Cosmetic Surgery by contacting the office nearest you today.
If you’re in the Midwest, call (317) 573-8899 for a consultation. On the West Coast, call (707) 544-3232 for the Santa Rosa office or (800) 482-5499 forNewport Beach and Beverly Hills.
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