Left: before Sculptra. Right: 2 years after Sculptra
What is Sculptra?
Have you heard of Sculptra? Made by Galderma, Sculptra is a newer injectable treatment that is proven to last 2 years! Sculptra has been rising in popularity this year due to its completely natural and undetectable look. Yes, Botox and filler can be undetectable as well, but it can also be overdone if you’re not in the right hands! Sculptra doesn’t have that potential.
What is Sculptra made of?
Sculptra is composed of poly-l-Lactic acid, which is a collagen stimulator that gradually helps to restore collagen in the body. Collagen is the protein found in the dermis of the skin that supports the skin’s structure. Collagen loss is what is responsible for visible signs of aging such as skin folds, lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.
With a wider range of people dipping their toes into the injectable world, Sculptra is appealing to those clients who may be opposed to other injectables. Unlike filler, Sculptra can not be overdone or look fake, as the change is a result of your own body producing collagen!
How does Sculptra work?
Unlike filler, which is commonly spot treated, Sculptra treatments are done for the full face, excluding the forehead. Sculptra is injected using a cannula focused in the entire cheek, jowl, and temple area.
Sculptra is done over 3 sittings, spaced anywhere from 4-12 weeks apart. We have found the sweet spot to be at about every 8 weeks, so that is when we try to time our appointments.
How many vials of Sculptra will I need?
Sculptra is usually dosed at 1 vial per decade of age. This is a guideline, and could vary up or down depending on the amount of individual collagen loss.
We split the dose over 3 sittings. So if you are 55 and getting 5 vials, we will do 2 in session 1, 2 in session 2, and 1 in session 3.
When will I see results from Sculptra?
Results are very gradual for this treatment, as it takes significant tie for the body to create collagen. Results are typically seen around the 6 month mark.
Should I get Sculptra or filler?
There are a few reasons why clients are choosing Sculptra over filler! As already mentioned, Sculptra is the most natural injectable on the market. Facial features remain unchanged, as we are not sculpting and filling the face the same way we do with filler. You sill simply look like a refreshed version of you!
A few more benefits of Sculptra are below:
It’s cost-effective. Although it is a larger up-front cost, , it may actually be cheaper to have Sculptra done instead of filler and lasers over the course of 2-3 years. That being said, we can still combine Sculptra with other treatments if desired (and the results are incredible).
You’ll require less filler and Botox per area than before Sculptra. With more collagen in the skin, wrinkles and volume loss is less significant, meaning a smaller dose of neuromodulators or filler is needed, if you still choose to get it.
It’s more natural. Many people do not like the thought of putting a foreign substance such as filler or neuromodulators in the body. With Sculptra, there is no artificial substance ‘added.’ Your own body is stimulated to grow collagen!
It’s low maintenance. We re-treat Sculptra every 2 or even up to 3 years! Or, choose to maintain your results with one vial per year. With other injectables, appointments are required every 3-6 months for upkeep.
It provides amazing results when combined with other non-injectable skin treatments. When we combine Sculptra with microneedling, Morpheus8, chemical peels, and lasers, the results are unlike anything else we’ve seen!
There is little downtime. There is no need to hide for a week after receiving Sculptra. Common side effects are swelling/fluid retention and bruising at the injection point. Side effects are very mild and are typically resolved within 2-7 days.
Choosing between giving filler or Sculptra is done through a careful consultation process to determine the following:
current skin condition
amount of volume loss
desired outcome
area wanting to be treated
desired timeline to see results
lifestyle and desired maintenance protocol
budget
other treatments you may be considering
Do you still have questions about Sculptra Calgary or would like to find out more about dosing or price? Consultations are always complimentary! We’d love to meet you and help you on your skin journey.
