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What is Sculptra®?
- Sculptra®
is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic
acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that
does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken
down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used
for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue
implants, and other types of implants.
How does Sculptra® work?
- Sculptra®
is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat
loss. Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin
thickness. Visible results appear within the first few
treatment sessions.
- Sculptra®
will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat
loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing
skin thickness in the treated area.
Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra®?
- No skin
testing is required prior to use.
Are the results from Sculptra® immediate?
- No. At
your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra®
worked immediately because of swelling from the injections
and the water used to dilute Sculptra®. In a few days, when
the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your
body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra® takes time to gradually correct the depression in
your skin. Your healthcare provider will see you again in a
few weeks to decide if you need more Sculptra® injections.
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How many treatments are required?
- Your
healthcare provider will decide the appropriate number of
treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra® you will need
at each session. Typically, two to three injections are required.
How long do treatment results last?
- Treatment
results will differ for each person. In a clinical study,
the treatment results lasted for up to two years after the
first treatment session in most patients. Touch-up
treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
Do injections of Sculptra®
hurt?
- As with
any injection, injections with Sculptra®
may hurt. Sculptra®
is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Your
healthcare provider may apply a topical or local
anesthetic.
What can I expect to happen at a treatment session?
- Your
healthcare provider will answer all of your questions and
prepare you for the treatment.
- Makeup
should be removed.
- The area
where the injections will be given will be cleaned with an
antiseptic.
- You and
your healthcare provider will determine if a topical or
local anesthetic is needed.
- Sculptra®
will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a very
fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed.
- An ice
pack should be applied to the treatment area to help reduce
swelling.
- After the
treatment session, the area should be thoroughly massaged to
distribute the product evenly.
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What can I expect after treatment?
- Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra®,
redness, swelling, pain, bruising or all of these signs can
happen in the treatment area. These signs usually go away in
a few hours to a few days. Some have been known to last up
to 17 days. Your healthcare provider will give you specific
post-treatment care instructions. You should massage the
treated area (a few times each day) for several days after
the treatment session. Within the first 24 hours after
treatment, an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes
at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
Wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid putting ice directly on
your skin. Avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure until
any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
- Report
any worsening or longer-lasting symptoms or signs to your
healthcare provider.
How quickly
can I get back to my daily activities?
- Most
patients feel comfortable going back to their normal
activities following treatment.
What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra®?
- The most
common side effects with the use of Sculptra® include
injection-related side effects at the site of the injection
such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or
swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3
to 17 days.
- One
possible delayed side effect with Sculptra® can be small
bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps
may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you
press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within
the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment.
Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible
bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated
area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that
involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of
infection.
- Report
any side effects to your healthcare provider.
Who should not use Sculptra®?
- You
should not use Sculptra® if you are allergic to any
ingredient of Sculptra®. Talk to your healthcare provider
about your medical history when deciding on treatment
options.
Visit our plastic /
cosmetic surgery
office in
Orlando, Florida.
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