Sculptra is an injectable treatment that fights the signs of aging. But instead of just addressing wrinkles, Sculptra addresses the cause of wrinkles: collagen loss. Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production.
Unlike other fillers, Sculptra doesn’t give you immediate results. It’s designed to give you gradual, long-lasting results. This leads to the most important question: How long do those results last?
It varies from person to person, so it’s important to understand the factors that play a role. In this article, we’ll explore how Sculptra works, what it treats, the factors that affect how long the results last, and how to maintain those results as long as possible.
What is Sculptra and How Does It Work?
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that is approved by the FDA. But it’s not just a dermal filler; it’s classified as a collagen stimulator. The active ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).
To understand how Sculptra works, it’s important to understand collagen. Collagen is a key protein in the skin. It gives your skin structure and elasticity, which keeps you looking youthful. As you age, your body makes less and less collagen. That can result in wrinkles, volume loss, and sagging skin.
Sculptra helps counteract this decline.
How Sculptra Stimulates Collagen Production
Sculptra works by stimulating your body to produce more collagen. Here’s how it works:
The provider injects PLLA microparticles into your skin. These particles stimulate fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen. Over time, your body responds by producing new collagen. This new collagen gradually restores lost volume and smooths out wrinkles.
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra doesn’t give you immediate results. The collagen-building process takes time. You’ll start to see noticeable improvements over weeks or months.
What does Sculptra treat?
Sculptra is most commonly used to treat signs of facial aging, like:
- Volume loss: Over time, we lose fat and collagen in our faces, which can result in a gaunt or hollow appearance, especially in the cheeks and temples. Sculptra can help restore some of that lost volume and bring back youthful contours.
- Wrinkles and fine lines: Sculptra is effective at reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin), chin wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
It’s also used “off-label” (meaning the FDA hasn’t specifically approved it for these uses) for:
- Improving the appearance of acne scars
- Décolleté rejuvenation (improving the skin on the chest)
- Non-surgical Brazilian butt lift
How Long Does Sculptra Last?
Sculptra isn’t a quick fix, but it is a lasting one. While individual results may vary, here’s what you can generally expect in terms of how long Sculptra lasts:
General Duration
Sculptra treatments typically last for 2 to 3 years, and some sources say the effects could last as long as 5 to 7 years with the right maintenance plan.
To maintain the results, you’ll likely need touch-up treatments every 18 to 24 months.
Factors Influencing Longevity
A number of factors can affect how long your Sculptra treatment lasts:
- Individual variation. Your age, your genes, and the condition of your skin will all play a role in how long your treatment lasts.
- Injection technique. The experience and skill of the person injecting the Sculptra can affect the duration of your results.
- Lifestyle factors. Things like sun exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and your diet can affect collagen production and, therefore, Sculptra’s longevity.
Duration by Treatment Area
The location of the treatment can also affect how long the results last:
- Cheeks. Augmentation of the cheeks can last 5 to 7 years, which is longer than hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Jawline. When Sculptra is used on the jawline, the results can last up to 7 years, especially when it’s used in combination with cheek treatments.
- Chest. Chest treatments typically last for 2 to 5 years.
Maximizing Sculptra Results: Lifestyle and Maintenance
While Sculptra delivers long-lasting results, you can help to extend and enhance those results by adopting a healthy lifestyle and considering maintenance treatments.
The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle
There are a few lifestyle choices that can help you get the most out of your Sculptra treatments.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen is your best friend. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy. And try to avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during the sun’s peak hours.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking is terrible for collagen production and speeds up the aging process. Avoid all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
- Limit Alcohol: Too much alcohol can dehydrate your skin and interfere with collagen synthesis. Stick to recommended guidelines (one drink a day for women, two for men).
Diet and Nutrition for Collagen Production
What you eat can also play a role in supporting collagen production.
- Protein Intake: Load up on protein-rich foods like bone broth, egg whites, chicken, and fish.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in Vitamin C, such as tropical fruits, berries, and citrus.
- Garlic: Add garlic to your meals, as it may help boost collagen synthesis and preservation.
Maintenance Treatments
To keep your skin looking its best, consider these maintenance strategies:
- Touch-Up Injections: Schedule maintenance treatments with your provider every 18 to 24 months to keep collagen production stimulated.
- Complementary Procedures: Talk to your dermatologist about incorporating glycolic acid peels or micro-needling into your skincare routine to enhance your skin’s appearance between Sculptra touch-ups.
The Sculptra Procedure: What to Expect
If you’re considering Sculptra, here’s what you can expect during the process:
Consultation and Assessment
First, you’ll talk with a trained and qualified injector about your aesthetic goals and any concerns you might have. The injector will take a close look at your facial structure and skin condition to decide whether Sculptra is the right choice for you.
The Injection Process
Each treatment session usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Lidocaine is often used to keep you comfortable during the injections.
Most people get the best results from a series of 3 to 4 treatment sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.
Post-Treatment Care
After your Sculptra injections, you can use cold packs on the treated area for the first day or so, to keep any swelling down. You’ll also need to gently massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for the first 5 days after your appointment.
It’s also a good idea to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds until any redness or swelling has gone away completely.
Am I a good candidate for Sculptra? Safety and considerations
If you’re a healthy adult over 18 who’s concerned about facial volume loss and wrinkles, you may be a good candidate for Sculptra. It’s important to go into it with realistic expectations about the results, which tend to be gradual.
However, Sculptra isn’t for everyone.
You may not be a good candidate if you:
- Have a history of hypertrophic scars or keloids
- Have an active skin infection in the treatment area
- Have certain autoimmune conditions
Sculptra also contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic. If you have any allergies or sensitivities to lidocaine, be sure to discuss them with your provider. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications related to lidocaine.
To Conclude
Sculptra is an injectable cosmetic treatment that can provide long-lasting results, often up to two or three years. However, the exact duration of Sculptra’s effects varies depending on individual factors like your metabolism, the skill of your injector, and your lifestyle habits.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about Sculptra. The results appear gradually over time, so patience is key. You can also maximize and extend the benefits of Sculptra by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following a good skincare regimen.
If you’re considering Sculptra, the best step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced injector. They can assess your individual needs and goals and help you determine if Sculptra is the right treatment for you, as well as create a personalized treatment plan.