What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a facial injectable treatment that promotes the skin’s natural collagen production. Collagen is a fibrous protein that acts as the skin’s inner structure and helps maintain its shape. As we age, we lose collagen which results in skin laxity and dehydration. Sculptra Aesthetic works gradually, resulting in a more youthful looking appearance without making it look like you’ve had work done.
Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment indicated for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
Once injected, Sculptra is gradually and naturally absorbed deep within the dermis layer of skin to promote collagen production. Then, rebuilt collagen strands begin to restore the loss of facial volume overtime. Because of this, Sculptra is different from hyaluronic acid fillers, which works immediately to fill in lines and folds.
Sculptra Aesthetic is the only facial injectable that works gradually with results that can last up to two years. A treatment regimen of Sculptra Aesthetic requires an average of three injection sessions over a few months. Occasionally we combine the Sculptra treatments with other fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm if treatment is needed in other areas such as the lips or superficial lines which Sculptra does not treat.
Why Collagen Matters
70% of our skin is composed of collagen. As we age, collagen production decreases. In fact, starting at age 18 we lose about 1% of collagen per year. Gradually, the skin loses its youthful bounce which leads to loss of volume and creates wrinkles and folds. Some lifestyle changes you can make to slow collagen loss include minimizing sun exposure and wear sunscreen, quite smoking and reduce sugar intake. Dr. Porter also recommends patients to use Sente Contour Pressed Serum or LifeLine ProPlus Daily Defense to assist with collagen production.
For more information on Sculptra® Aesthetic, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Parker Porter at her office to find out if this filler is right for you! Call her at (301) 517-7302.
