Biostimulation with Sculptra®
Aging of the face involves changes in bone structures, fat deposits, supporting ligaments, and the skin itself. The face naturally loses volume over the years and simultaneously begins to sag. We can distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic factors when it comes to skin aging:
- Intrinsic factors refer to genetically determined hormonal and biochemical processes that lead to irreversible degeneration of the dermal tissue.
- Extrinsic factors refer to environmental influences, especially UV radiation, that damage the skin and undermine its integrity.
As the aging process progresses:
- The dermis thins due to the loss of collagen.
- Moisture retention decreases due to the loss of hyaluronic acid.
- Elasticity diminishes due to the loss of elastin.
One of the most essential components of the dermis is collagen. Collagen provides structure, strength, and support throughout the body. As people age, their collagen levels decrease, and the collagen fibers become thinner and weaker. This process begins around the age of 25 and becomes visibly noticeable by the age of 30 in the form of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, a slight loss of volume, sagging tissues, enlarged pores, and a loss of skin radiance.
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is the first and original pure collagen biostimulator based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration USA) and the European Medicines Agency.
It is a polymer substance that stimulates collagen production by creating a minimal yet sufficient controlled inflammatory response, triggering fibroblasts to form new collagen.
The biologically active poly-L-lactic acid works within the deep dermis to stimulate the replacement of lost and degraded collagen with new collagen. This collagen production provides a structural foundation that restores density, correcting volume deficiencies, including deep facial wrinkles and lines.
By addressing dynamic wrinkles and lines, the improvement in appearance can last for more than two years.
Over time, PLLA polymers in the skin break down through non-enzymatic hydrolysis into lactic acid monomers, which are then metabolized into carbon dioxide and water or incorporated into glucose and naturally eliminated from the body. Meanwhile, the newly produced collagen fibers remain.
According to studies:
The protocol
1 vial for each decade of life after the age of 30 (e.g., 3 sessions for patients aged 35-40, 4 sessions for patients aged 40-45, etc.). The quantities may vary depending on the severity of aging signs and the patient’s response to the product.
The protocol starts with an average of 3 sessions, every 4-6 weeks, with 1-2 vials per session to achieve the desired result.
After completing the protocol, 1-2 maintenance treatments per year are recommended to preserve the results.
When to expect results from Sculptra®:
Contrary to the popular belief that it takes several months to see results from biostimulators, with Sculptra, the effects are visible within the first or second week after the procedure. Patients notice:
- Clearer skin
- Pore contraction
- Facial contour tightening, which continues to develop and improve over time
- Enhanced hydration
Additional “bonus” results of Sculptra:
- Improvement and smoothing of acne scars and post-surgical scars – changes in color, filling, and surface smoothing of the scars
- Reduction of rosacea signs and facial redness, relief from burning sensations and dryness
- Brightening of melasma and existing hyperpigmentation in some patients
Where is Sculptra® applied?
Face: Temples, Midface (cheekbones, cheeks), Nasolabial fold, Area in front of the ear, Marionette lines, Jawline
Body:
Neck and décolletage – Skin tightening, smoothing of existing wrinkles, and improvement of skin texture and pigmentation.
Hands – Preventing loss of density and elasticity in the already delicate skin of this area.
Hands and front armpit area – For skin tightening and reducing sagging in the back of the armpit.
Abdomen – Tightening loose and wrinkled skin above and below the navel, especially after pregnancy and weight loss, and improving the appearance of C-section scars.
Knees – Tightening of sagging skin in this area.
Buttocks – Lifting and shaping, reducing cellulite, tightening loose skin, enhancing volume, and filling the lateral areas (so-called hip dips).
Combination Treatments with Sculptra®:
Sculptra is ideal when combined with various laser and energy devices, such as:
PicoSure® Laser Rejuvenation – One of the best lasers for skin rejuvenation and removal of pigmentation damage. A protocol with Sculptra and PicoSure® is especially recommended for patients with photoaged skin and deep wrinkles.
Radiofrequency with Microneedles Potenza – A device that uses RF energy to heat the underlying layers, causing contraction and tightening of the skin through soft tissue coagulation, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production. This protocol is particularly beneficial for patients with visible scars and uneven skin tone.
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) – A device that targets the deeper layer of the skin, which is only accessible in plastic surgery. It tightens and shortens the collagen and elastin fibers that connect the muscle layer to the skin’s surface and lifts the SMAS layer. HIFU combined with Sculptra helps patients with significant skin laxity.
When combining Sculptra with laser/energy devices, there should be a 2-week interval between treatments.
Skin Boosters – An injectable treatment containing hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration. When combined with Sculptra, it stimulates not only the production of natural collagen but also provides better hydration for the skin.
Hyaluronic Fillers – The combination of hyaluronic fillers and biostimulants is often recommended in cases where volume and facial contour correction are needed, as Sculptra does not create significant volume compared to hyaluronic fillers. This protocol can even be done in a single treatment session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the process done and what should you expect afterward?
The recovery period is usually short. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, some mild swelling, bruising, or redness might appear at the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days.
How do you know if Sculptra is the right procedure for you?
- You prefer gradual results instead of immediate ones.
- You prefer long-lasting results (+2 years).
- You want a procedure that doesn’t alter the features of your face.
- You want a procedure that provides natural results.
If you answered yes to the above questions, Sculptra may be the best solution for you.
Before and After
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