Sculptra is an injectable product based on poly-L-lactic acid. Poly-L-lactic acid does not occur naturally in the body, but it has been used in medicine for over ten years as a component of sutures and other medical devices. It was introduced to the market to meet the demand for facial rejuvenation, in particular for the attenuation of wrinkles and the natural restoration of volume.
What is polylactic acid Sculptra is a biocompatible and biodegradable product widely acclaimed for its action in stimulating collagen synthesis.
This product is one of the anti-ageing treatments employed in aesthetic medicine: it is used for the improvement of skin quality and cutaneous relaxation, to blur wrinklesand ridulesand to treat and prevent ageing of the skin.This facial rejuvenation treatmenthas a lowering effect.
lifting and plumping effect through its action on cutaneous densification, the restoration of lost volumes which improves the tired appearance and slackening of the oval.
This product is also used for buttock augmentation and the treatment of cellulite.
Dr Romano performs Sculptra injections in Geneva.
Sculptra is a powder (which is reconstituted with a liquid so that it can be injected) that stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
The result is not immediate, but is visible after about three months, as three to six months are needed for neocollagenesis.
Collagen is an insoluble protein that makes up the skin and tendons. Its production decreases over time. From the age of 18, we lose around 1% of collagen per year.
The reduction in the quantity of collagen is one of the causes of ageing of the body and face. Collagen-based creams and food supplements are not enough, and are often ineffective, to counteract this loss. This product is often combined with other aesthetic medicine techniques to treat the other components of ageing.
Initially used in medicine to treat lipoatrophy (fat loss) due to HIV or congenital malformations, Sculptra is now considered to be the most discreet technique for achieving a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Its advantage is the gradual result and the restoration of curves without adding volume.
Sculptra achieves a light tightening effect by redensifying the tissues. The skin is brighter, more toned and fine lines are reduced.
This treatment can be offered from the age of twenty, which is when collagen production begins to decline. In this case, a bottle every two years is recommended to boost the synthesis of skin constituents.
After the age of thirty, Sculptra is part of a treatment protocol incorporating other medical techniques designed to treat all the components of ageing.
Sculptra has become a benchmark for patients wishing to restore, in a natural and gradual way, facial volumes lost over time or as a result of pathologies or weight loss. <Polylactic acid does not instantly fill in hollow areas, but works by stimulating collagen production. This process restores facial volume in a harmonious way.
Sculptra has many benefits for the face.
Sculptra injections are also used for prevention, to combat ageing.
BBL Sculptra, or Brazilian Butt Lift, is a non-surgical technique used to improve the shape and volume of the buttocks. Unlike the traditional BBL method (liposuction followed by a fat injection), BBL Sculptra is performed by injecting poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates collagen production in the buttocks.
This treatment provides a slight lifting effect to thebuttocks, a gradual and natural increase in buttock volume and improves cellulite.
Although Sculptra was not designed to fill wrinkles, it does improve them.
Particularly in the :
These results are achieved thanks to the lifting effect generated by polylactic acid and the densification of the skin.
Sculptra is mainly injected into areas of the face where there is the greatest loss of volume and sagging skin.
Injection sites include cheeksthe templesthe nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth), the folds of bitterness (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin).
In fact, these areas require the stimulation of collagen synthesis induced by Sculptra, which makes it possible to restore lost volume, redefine the contours of the face, the oval (jowls) and improve firmness
For injections to the mentum and the mandibular line, Sculptra is not injected systematically. Dr Romano will assess whether it is worthwhile after analysing the patient's anatomy, in order to avoid making the face heavier and aggravating ptosis.
It is crucial that this treatment is carried out by an experienced professional to guarantee even, natural distribution of the product, as well as optimal, long-lasting results.
On the day of the injection, Sculptra (which is sold in powder form) is reconstituted with an anaesthetic and water for injection suitable for this type of injection.
The injection is preceded by marking with a pencil and rigorous disinfection.
The injection is carried out using a cannula, a type of long, round-ended needle. The use of a cannula is preferable as it reduces the number of haematomas and injections required (four to six for a whole face) and makes the treatment safer.
The injection itself takes about five minutes for an experienced practitioner, and it takes about ten minutes to reconstitute a bottle of Sculptra.<At the end of the session, the patient receives a booklet with the product's traceability labels and can return to their normal activities.
Dr Romano recommends avoiding exposure to intense heat for a week and massaging the area following the rule known as the 'rule of five': massage five times a day, for five minutes, for five days.
The reconstitution procedure is somewhat long and delicate. Polylactic acid is a powder that is diluted with water for injection and xylocaine, an anaesthetic that is added for the patient's comfort.
Once reconstituted, there are various options: leave the reconstituted product in the fridge overnight (prepared the day before), leave it to stand for two hours or use it immediately.
Post-injection massage is a crucial step in optimising treatment results. After each session, we recommend gently massaging the treated areas to ensure the product is evenly distributed. This massage helps to prevent the formation of nodules, ensures even distribution of Sculptra and, importantly, effectively stimulates collagen production.
What is the 5 5 5 rule for Sculptra? After the injection, the patient is asked to massage himself using the 5 5 5 rule: massage the injected areas five times a day for five minutes, for five days.
This post-treatment advice helps to maximise the effects of Sculptra, for smoother, firmer skin and restored facial volume in a harmonious, natural way.
One bottle is enough to treat the entire face.
The number of sessions to be carried out varies and is established during the consultation. As a general rule, before the age of thirty, a single session is sufficient. After the age of forty, one bottle is recommended for each decade of life. A woman of fifty, for example, will need five vials. In practice, Dr Romano performs fewer sessions because patients have often already had other techniques (laser, hylauronic acid, etc.) and Sculptra is part of a combined treatment protocol.
For the body, three to four sessions are performed. The number of vials used is high.
For the treatment of cellulite on the buttocks, for example, three to four vials are needed per session.
The sessions must be repeated every two years.
The number of treatments required depends on various factors, in particular the surface area to be treated. <For the face, you should not exceed one bottle per session to avoid the risk of nodules forming.
Many sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired correction. <The number of sessions required is established before the treatment begins.
One bottle is used per session for the face. For the buttocks, 4 to 6 bottles are used per session. It is important not to exceed these dosages to avoid the risk of nodules appearing.
For the face, we often use one bottle for each decade of life. A 40-year-old patient will need 4 vials, a 50-year-old patient 5 vials. The number of vials depends on the anatomy of each patient and is determined during a consultation. Often patients have already had hyaluronic acid injections, which reduces the number of vials of polylactic acid required.
Sculptra produces remarkable results in terms of facial rejuvenation.
The effects are progressive and increase as the bio-stimulation process intensifies. <Sculptra is the treatment of choice for patients who want to rejuvenate in a natural and lasting way.
The session is virtually painless and the after-effects are straightforward, with no need for social eviction.
Hematomas are possible, as with any injection, but are not serious.
The treated area remains slightly swollen and pink for a few hours.
Before any medical procedure, the doctor checks that there are no conditions preventing the procedure from being carried out.
Sculptra and fillers (dermal fillers) are two distinct approaches to facial rejuvenation and the restoration of lost volume.
Sculptra, based on poly-L-lactic acid, is characterised by its ability to progressively stimulate collagen production, thereby improving the skin's texture and firmness in a lasting way. Results appear gradually, with a natural, subtle effect. <Hyaluronic acid gives immediate results by filling in wrinkles and hollows and adding volume to facial features such as the lips, cheekbones and chin. Fillers are ideal for patients who want rapid, visible correction of the signs of ageing.
The choice between Sculptra and fillers depends on individual aesthetic needs and expected results.
Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid from Allergan.
As Sculptra and Juvederm work differently to achieve similar aesthetic results, Sculptra should be used if the patient is looking for gradual, long-lasting restoration, Juvederm if immediate results are desired.
Sculptra and Radiesse are dermal filling treatments used for facial rejuvenation. They have different indications.
Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid and has been designed to progressively stimulate the body's production of collagen, offering long-lasting, natural results over a prolonged period. This treatment is ideal for patients who want to improve skin texture and firmness in a gradual and subtle way. <Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres, giving an immediate and long-lasting volumising effect. It is particularly effective for areas requiring structural support and an instant increase in volume, such as cheeks and smile lines.
Although the two treatments can be complementary, the choice between Sculptra and Radiesse depends on the patient's aesthetic goals and desired results.
When it comes to rejuvenation, Sculptra and Ultherapy are two innovative treatments offering distinct approaches to facial sagging. <Sculptra provides a gradual improvement in facial contours and skin firmness by gradually stimulating collagen production.
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound technology to 'heat' the deep layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and deep tissue retraction. This non-invasive treatment is particularly effective in lifting and toning areas of the face. Dr Romano considers that the results of this treatment are highly variable and does not recommend it.
Sculptra focuses on restoring the skin's volume and structure through 'internal regeneration', while Ultherapy boasts a lifting effect and firms up skin tissue.
Sculptra and Botox are two popular aesthetic treatments, but they work in different ways.
Sculptra is a stimulator of collagen synthesis that works gradually, with results lasting two years. Sculptra treats sagging skin and loss of volume.
Botox is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for certain wrinkles: frown lines, frown lines, crow's feet.
In aesthetic medicine, different treatments give similar results, but these results are not necessarily identical and each technique has different characteristics. This is why there really is no equivalent alternative to Sculptra. According to Dr Romano, the densification of subcutaneous tissue (physiological layer of fat stuck to the skin), which becomes thinner over time, is only achieved with Sculptra.
Theoretically, the alternatives are :
How much does a facelift without surgery cost? The cost of a Sculptra session depends on several factors, such as the area treated, the practitioner's experience and the amount of product required.
A bottle costs CHF 900, and several sessions may be necessary to achieve optimum results. Although the initial cost may seem high, the results are long-lasting. Improvements are gradual and natural, lasting up to two years or more.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
|
Sculptra
|
CHF 900 per bottle
|
Patients are satisfied with the results of Sculptra. They particularly appreciate the natural and gradual nature of the improvements. They describe skin that is visibly firmer and smoother, with an overall improved texture and a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and folds over the months. They also praise the subtle restoration of facial volume, particularly in the cheeks and temples, which gives a rested appearance.
The stimulation of collagen synthesis induced by Sculptra is highly appreciated, and the results are long-lasting and continue to improve over time.
Patients appreciate the effectiveness of this treatment in improving skin texture and density. They notice a reduction in the depth and visibility of scars, thanks to the progressive stimulation of collagen production by the poly-L-lactic acid contained in Sculptra.
This natural regeneration helps to smooth and fill in depressed scars, making the skin surface more even and smoother.
However, if there is significant fibrosis associated with the scars, the results will not be spectacular.
According to patients, Sculptra is the method of choice for treating sagging and restoring facial volumes.
Patients describe an improvement in skin firmness, with a gradual lifting effect and redefined facial contours. <They particularly appreciate the fact that results appear gradually, allowing subtle and harmonious improvements without the abrupt changes often associated with other aesthetic treatments.
Sculptra is acclaimed for its effectiveness in facial rejuvenation, and is considered a complete solution to sagging skin and loss of volume.
REFERENCES
One vial of Sculptra contains 367.5 mg of poly-L-lactic acid as a lyophilised powder, which must be reconstituted with a diluent prior to injection. The amount of diluent used to reconstitute the powder can vary according to the practitioner's preference and the patient's specific needs, but is typically between 5 mL and 16 mL. This flexibility allows the doctor to customise the concentration and final volume of the product to optimise treatment results.
A consultation with an experienced physician is the best way to determine if Sculptra is right for your specific needs. The practitioner will assess your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
Sculptra stands out for its ability to stimulate collagen production, delivering long-lasting, natural results that can last up to two years. Unlike dermal fillers, which give immediate but temporary results, Sculptra improves the structure and firmness of the skin in a gradual but much more lasting way.
Sculptra is an effective treatment for many patients who wish to improve skin firmness and density and facial volume, but it is not necessarily suitable for everyone. It is indicated for those who wish to treat the signs of ageing gradually and naturally. Sculptra is not the ideal treatment for people who want immediate results.
The results of Sculptra are long-lasting, with visible improvements lasting up to two years, depending on the individual characteristics of each patient and their metabolism. The continuous stimulation of collagen synthesis offers a gradual and lasting improvement in skin firmness and texture.
The results of a 25-month clinical trial lasted over 2 years.
The number of treatments required depends on the patient's needs and the degree of correction required. In general, one to three sessions are carried out, spaced two months apart. Results appear gradually. Improvements are visible after each session.
Yes, Sculptra is a safe treatment when administered by a qualified and experienced doctor. Poly-L-lactic acid, the main component of Sculptra, has been used in medicine for decades and is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it well tolerated by the body.
Although the results are not immediate, Sculptra starts to work (by stimulating collagen synthesis) as soon as the injection is given.
Results start to become visible three weeks after the last session and are optimal three months later.
Yes, you can resume your usual activities immediately after treatment. However, it is advisable to avoid sport and exposure to intense heat for two days.
The treatment is slightly uncomfortable but fairly quick. Patients tolerate it well but find it more painful than conventional injections.
Results are progressive but the treatment is effective and the benefits long-lasting.
There is no solid scientific evidence that Sculptra causes autoimmune diseases. This product has been used safely for years.
The product does not move, so patients can assume any position they wish during sleep.
Slight swelling may occur after treatment, but this is temporary and usually disappears within an hour. Sculptra, if injected by an experienced practitioner, does not swell the face. It is therefore vital to consult a doctor trained in the technique.
Before Sculptra, it is best to avoid alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs and certain food supplements, as they may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Sculptra, Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used to rejuvenate the face.
The satisfaction rate for treatment with Sculptra is high, close to 100%. However, it must be the right indication and the product must be injected correctly.
Yes, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, which helps restore volume to the face and reduce the signs of ageing.
For best results, simply follow the instructions given after the procedure: massage according to the 5 5 5 rule, avoid strenuous physical activity and hot weather for two days.
Not massaging the treated area can lead to uneven distribution of the product, which may compromise the final result or cause nodules to form.
It is possible to wash the face a few hours after the treatment, but for two days it is recommended to use only water (no soaps or exfoliants) and to avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously.
It is difficult to know exactly which celebrities have used Sculptra, as this is a matter for their private lives. However, many celebrities opt for this type of treatment to maintain their natural appearance and baby-smooth skin.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
