Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that helps gradually replace lost collagen. Dr. Zuckerman injects it into the deep dermis, and it is naturally absorbed into the body to help stimulate the body’s own growth of new collagen over time. While Hyaluronic Acid fillers like Juvederm and Voluma are composed of a substance already found in the body that is broken down over time, Sculptra works via a different mechanism, inducing your body to produce more of its own collagen.
Sculptra is not truly permanent, as we naturally lose collagen as we age, but its effects can last up to two years, longer than Hyalorunic Acid fillers. In addition, it works gradually by inducing the production of collagen over the days and weeks post-treatment. It typically requires 3 treatments over a 3 to 4 month period of time and can be used for sculpting the temples, augmenting the cheeks and contouring the jawline. It is also used off-label for non-surgical buttock augmentation.
Treatments & Uses of Sculptra Aesthetic
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zuckerman has hundreds of hours of injectables experience andis an expert injector of Sculptra Aesthetic. In his practice in New York City, the most commonly requested treatments using this injectable include:
Temple Rejuvenation
Dr. Zuckerman can add volume to correct sunken temples with Sculptra Aesthetic. Learn more about Dr. Zuckerman’s Temple Rejuvenation.
Cheek Augmentation
Dr. Zuckerman can use Sculptra to add volume to sunken cheeks. Learn more about Dr. Zuckerman’s Cheek Augmentation and Cheek Fillers.
Jawline Contouring
Dr. Zuckerman can use Sculptra to lift and add definition to the jawline to ameliorate the formation of jowling. Learn more about Dr. Zuckerman’s Jawline Contouring.
Important Aspects of Treatment
Sculptra Aesthetic Treatment Longevity
A portion of the result is immediately visible after treatment, but the final treatment outcome appears over the length of the regimen, which Dr. Zuckerman typically recommends as three treatments over three to four months. According to the manufacturer of Sculptra, results may last up to two years, but in Dr. Zuckerman’s experience patient’s results subside slightly before that.
Sculptra Aesthetic Recovery (Downtime)
Sculptra involves little to no downtime, and patients often return to work immediately after treatment. There can be bruising for 1-2 days post treatment, which then subsides, but most often with Dr. Zuckerman’s expert technique, he is able to minimize or eliminate such bruising.
Sculptra Aesthetic Pretreatment Guidelines
A few precautions before undergoing Sculptra injections are techniques to minimize bruising: no NSAIDs such aspirin or ibuprofen within a couple days before and a day after; don’t drink alcohol to excess a day before and a day after; refrain from lying flat or working out within 2 hours after injection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA-approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra Aesthetic is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.
Similar to other common dermal fillers, the side effects reported with Sculptra are minor, and injections are overwhelmingly safe. However, reported issues include: bruising, swelling, sensitivity, pain at the injection site, and temporary redness.
If you visit Zuckerman Plastic Surgery for your injectable treatment, you can be certain that Dr. Zuckerman will recommend and perform the best treatment option for you in a safe and comfortable manner. In general, the use of injectable fillers has become so widespread that unfortunately not only may your injector not be a board-certified physician, if you undergo injections in a non-medical setting, an injector may have little formal medical training. Dr. Zuckerman recommends you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for these injections (if you aren’t able to visit Zuckerman Plastic Surgery!). In New York City, there many options for injectables treatments, and many medical offices also offer injections by a registered nurse or physician’s assistant (PA), often at a lower price. These injectors are required to be overseen by a physician, so if you are considering these practitioners due to price, Dr. Zuckerman recommends that you confirm with the office ahead of time that there is a physician on the premises and inquire to what degree the physician oversees the injector’s activities.
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