Sculptra is a sterile suspension of synthetic injectable material known as Poly-l-lactic acid. Poly-l-lactic acid is biocompatible (does not harm the body) and is 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. Sculptra does not require a skin test.

Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in area of fat loss and provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Sculptra does not correct the underlying cause of fat loss but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in treated areas. Sculptra appears to stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis to produce natural collagen and this increases facial volume over time. The deeper the wrinkle or defect, the more Sculptra is required. Once the fibroblasts have been stimulated, they will continue to produce collagen for up to two years.

Sculptra has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of creases and wrinkles. Therefore, using Sculptra is considered "Off Label Use". This product has been safely used in Europe for 5 years, in over 150,000 patients.

More than one treatment session may be required to achieve desired result, with the following treatment session in a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Treatment results differ for each patient. Sculptra once injected lasts up to two years. In most patients, touch up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

Side effects of Sculptra may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally if these bumps occur, are palpable with 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own usually. They are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. The visible bumps, sometimes with redness or skin discoloration of the treated area have been reported. Other side effects may include injection related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness, or discomfort, redness bruising, or swelling, and may last for 3 to 17 days.

Click to see before and after photos of Sculptra patients.

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