Sculptra

The evolution of the wrinkle filler has led to an amazingly effective product called Sculptra®.  Sculptra® is not a wrinkle filler, it is a volumizer.  It replaces the natural volume (fat) loss that occurs as we age - the volume loss that is responsible for  the appearance of age.  An older face has lost the fullness of the cheeks, lips and around the mouth and fat loss under the eyes creates a hollow effect.  Where there used to be light, now there are shadows.  By replacing the volume loss, you reverse the creation of shadow and restore a youthful appearance. 

Sculptra® which is often referred to as the "liquid facelift" is a revolutionary product that works by stimulating your body to produce new collagen and underlying tissue, which minimizes lines and wrinkles by replacing lost volume and contours to restore a fuller more youthful appearance.  Sculptra® achieves excellent results in treating all parts of the face including the areas around the eyes and lips, between the mouth and nose and throughout the cheeks and neck.

As your body's collagen is stimulated, volume is added to the cheeks, to the folds around the chin and to the hollow areas around the eyes therefore minimizing lines and wrinkles that have appeared over time.  It is the only product currently available for the restoration of areas of the face and neck that have become hollow or sunken due to age or illness.

Sculptra® treatments, which have been approved by the FDA for aesthetic procedures, are extremely safe.  The product is comprised of a poly-L-Lactic acid which has been used in plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 20 years.

After the completion of the treatment, which normally involves 3-4 treatments, patients can expect to see the results of Sculptra® for many years since it stimulates the body's own collagen.  Of course, results may vary among individuals.  Touch up treatments can be performed to maintain the optimal results.  Since Sculptr® a is not a filler but a volume adding agent that stimulates the body's own collagen, results are not seen immediately after the procedure but will gradually appear over a few weeks as the process progresses.

Are the Results of Sculptra® immediate?

No.  At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra® worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra®.  In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment.  Sculptra® takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin.  Dr. Normington will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more injections.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.

How Long Do Sculptra® Treatments Last?

The lasting effects of Sculptra® vary from patient to patient, however studies have shown that some Sculptra® patients have seen results last up to or greater than two years from the first treatment.  Periodic touch up treatments will maintain the desired effects.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra®, redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or all of these  signs may occur in the treatment area.  These signs usually go away in a few hours to a few days.  Some patients have had some bruising that has lasted about a week.  You will be given specific post-treatment care instructions, which will include massaging the area a few times each day for several days after the treatment session.

Sculptra® is a wonderful alternative to invasive procedures such as a fat grafting, which require surgical harvesting of fat from other areas of your body.  Dr. Normington has found that Sculptra® produces pleasing, long-lasting and natural looking results, and works well to add volume to any area of the face.

Sculptra® has been available in Europe for a decade.  Dr. Normington has been using Sculptra® since 2005 and has more experience with this product than any other physician in Central Pennsylvania.