Sculptra® – CAQ
What are possible effects of Sculptra®?
The main side effect of Sculptra is the development of small bumps in the skin. These bumps are generally not visible but can be felt as small pea sized bumps when the skin is pressed. Much less frequent is the development of visual bumps at injection sites. Other side effects related to injections such as swelling, infection and tenderness can occur.
How is Sculptra® different from other products I have heard of?
Traditional injectable fillers typically contain hyaluronic acid or collagen. They fill in lines and fill spaces. Sculptra® actually thickens the skin and subcutaneous tissues by stimulating the growth of the body’s own collagen. Sculptra® is poly- L- galactic acid, a natuarally occurring substance in the body.
How many treatments of Sculptra® are needed? When will the improvement begin?
Most patients require 4 or more treatments. After each monthly treatment treatment there is immediate improvement that is related to swelling. This goes down after a few days. There is then a gradual improvement seen as your system is stimulated to produce collagen Each additional treatment will result in further, gradual improvement.
How long do Sculptra® results last?
The results vary from patient to patient but many report improvements with Sculptra lasting 2 years or longer.
Are the treatments with Sculptra® painful?
No. There is some minor discomfort with the injections. However, there is anesthetic mixed in with the Sculptra® that numbs the areas that are being treated. We also use a topical numbing cream and ice pack on the skin to minmize discomfort. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.
What will happen after Sculptra® treatment? Will I need time off work?
There will be some redness and swelling after the treatment. This will require some treatment with an ice pack for few minutes and will last a few days. As with any procedure where there are multiple injections, there is a risk of bruising. This may last for a day or two. Following Sculptra treatments, the patient must thoroughly massage the area for 5 minutes five times per day for ~5 days. This is done to spread the injected medication evenly and minimze nodules formation – rare. Dr. Gross performs Sculptra® in our Orlando Lake Mary office daily. Sculptra® is used to add volume to the cheeks and face for patients in the Orlando area.
