Sculptra
Replacing Lost Facial Volume
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Sculptra™ is used for for replacing lost volume in the skin. You may have heard of Sculptra being referred to as the "liquid face lift". In its unique way, to some degree this is indeed the effect.
Lipoatrophy as part of the aging process
Aging brings along with it a natural process called lipoatrophy. Basically, lipoatrophy is the undesired loss of supportive fat. This is one of the primary reasons that women of average weight begin to experience hollowness in the cheeks, flatness over the cheekbones and sunken temples - all of which create an aged appearance.
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When this naturally-occurring fat (volume) loss is coupled with collagen and elastin breakdown, you can begin to dramatically lose youthful fullness. Many women feel the only solution to hollowness and drooping facial contours is a facelift. But even with a facelift, many times fat injections are needed to re-inflate your skin to recapture the roundness and projection that has been lost.
Sculptra as a collagen stimulator
As a volume replacement treatment, Sculptra works by stimulating your own natural collagen production, not replacing it - as is the case with other dermal fillers. This natural volume replacement fills the skin so that it is lifted; not surgically, but by the formation of your body's own collagen.
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How does Sculptra stimulate collagen production?
The tiny particles of poly-l-lactic acid - the same material used in dissolvable sutures - when injected deep into the skin, are recognized by your body as "foreign" particles. The natural response to any foreign agent in your body is to recruit fibroblasts. This activity within the skin is what leads to the desired collagen formation.
Sculptra crystals do not stay in the skin. During the same time span that the collagen is being produced, the tiny Sculptra particles biodegrade. The treated area is now restored by your own collagen, giving your skin renewed firmness, lift and volume. The process occurs over time with a series of injections. The gradual nature of the change in your appearance is natural, subtle and appealing.
What is Sculptra made of?
Sculptra is made up of micro-fine poly L lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic biodegradable polymer that is both resorbable and bio compatible. PLLA has been widely used for many years in dissolvable sutures so it's compatibility with the body is well proven.
Where can Sculptra™ be used?
Sculptra™ can be used to restore volume to hollow areas of the temples, cheeks, chin and under the eyes, as well as to define the jaw line. It is not recommended for use in and around the lips. Lips and wrinkles are best treated with other products such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm or Cosmoplast/Cosmoderm.
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When I will see a difference?
Sculptra does not work immediately. You will see a temporary immediate difference for a day or two after your injections but this is temporary and a result of the carrier solution. The true collagen replenishment takes place over a period of several months. Dr. Cobos find that more than one injection session is necessary to derive the best effects.
How is Sculptra™ administered?
Each treatment consists of a few injections to the areas that have diminished volume - the temple/ cheeks/ chin/j aw line. Local anesthesia is used prior to injections and the discomfort is minimal.
What are the side effects of Sculptra™?
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As with all other injections there can be temporary swelling and bruising. Otherwise, there is no 'downtime'. Other risks include the transient appearance of palpable, but usually not visible, papules under the skin which resolve on their own over a period of weeks to months.
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How long does Sculptra™ last?
The lasting effects of Sculptra™ vary from patient to patient, however studies have shown that some Sculptra™ patients have seen results last up to or greater than two years from the first treatment. Periodic touch up treatments will maintain the effects of lift and volume.
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Sculptra / Fraxel Re:Pair Duo
Fraxel Re:pair uses the power of carbon dioxide laser to resurface the skin, chasing away wrinkles, photodamage and pigmentation while adding a tightening component. Used prior to and along with Sculptra, the effects promise to be as close to a nonsurgical facelift as possible.
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Related Treatments
Phone :714-870-SKIN
Premiere Dermatology
Providence Medical Center
1950 Sunny Crest Drive, Suite 2300
Fullerton, Ca. 92835
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