Sculptra® Aesthetic

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What is Sculptra®?

Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic polymer that is both biocompatible and biodegradable.  It has been used safely for many years in dissolvable sutures and other types of implants.  Sculptra® is approved by the FDA for facial volume loss associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV lipoatrophy) and in people with healthy immune systems for filling the smile lines around the mouth (nasolabial folds).  Other purposes and areas are considered “off-label”; however, it has been widely used in healthy individuals for gradually filling in areas of fat loss or restoring fullness to the face and body.

 

What is the treatment like?

Topical anesthesia is applied 30 minutes prior to treatment. Then the treatment area is cleansed & Sculptra® is injected under the skin using a needle. The treatment area is iced during and after injections to minimize discomfort and bruising. Over the next few days, volume from the injected fluid disappears and your appearance will return to normal. Sculptra® stimulates your own fibroblasts to gradually make collagen and other connective tissue, creating volume.  The speed of correction and amount of collagen generated will vary from person to person, but it generally occurs over the course of three months after each treatment and results last 12 to 24 months.

Are there any possible side effects?

The most common side effects from Sculptra® treatment include mild pain, tenderness, bruising and temporary swelling or redness at injection sites. Bruising can be minimized by not taking blood thinners (ibuprofen and aspirin) 2 weeks before and not drinking alcohol the 3 days prior to treatment. Most side effects are mild to moderate in nature. Though rare, there is a potential for more serious complications which can be discussed with your provider.

Are there any contraindications?

To make sure Sculptra® is safe for you, please inform your doctor of the following:

  • Medical history
  • List of medications/supplements
  • History of severe headaches
  • History of TMJ
  • History of excessive scarring
  • History of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
  • Taking substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E
  • History of autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive therapy that could increase your risk of infection
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

 

 

Bruise Prevention and Treatment Tips

NEVER STOP PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS UNLESS DISCUSSED WITH PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN AND DERMATOLOGIST.

 

Things That Can Be Stopped to Minimize Bruising

NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve) two weeks before your treatment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative which will not make you more likely to bruise.

Herbal and vitamin supplements associated with thinning the blood (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, Co Q-10, saw palmetto) one week before your treatment.

Alcohol 3 days before your treatment.

All can be restarted following your appointment, even if you bruise.

Things to Start

Arnica Montana can help prevent bruising and speed the resolution of bruises. Start the oral or topical form 2 days before your treatment.

Bromelain, found in pineapple, also helps to prevent and treat of bruises. Eat fresh pineapple the two days before your appointment.

Try to relax. Elevation of blood pressure also contributes to bruising. We use numbing cream, play music, and provide squeezy balls and ice during treatments. BUT always tell us if you need a break.

PLEASE EAT before your appointment. This can help with feeling light-headed during the procedure.

If you develop a bruise

Ice the bruised areas for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for first 48 hours to minimize bruising and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Oral and topical arnica, pineapple and 200mg of vitamin C daily have also been shown to speed recovery. Continue these steps until bruises resolve.

If you have significant bruising, pain or changes in skin color after a procedure please call our office immediately.

 

Cancellation Policy
Modern Dermatology requires a credit card for scheduling of all aesthetic appointments (except Botox/Dysport/Jeuveau). We will remind you of your appointment 1 week prior in case you need to cancel or reschedule. This product must be prepared before your appointment, so we require cancellations at least 7 days before your appointment to avoid being charged 50% of the treatment cost.