Sculptra is an injectable product based on poly-L-lactic acid. The latter is not naturally present in the body, but it has been used in medicine for more than ten years because it is one of the components of suture threads and other medical devices.
It was introduced to the market to meet the demand for facial rejuvenation, particularly for softening wrinkles and naturally restoring volume.
What is polylactic acid ? Sculptra is a biocompatible and biodegradable product widely praised for its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis.
This product is one of the anti-aging treatments used in aesthetic-oriented medicine : it is used to improve skin quality and skin laxity, to soften wrinkles and fine lines, and to treat and prevent skin aging. This treatment of
facial rejuvenation provides a lifting and plumping effect thanks to its action on skin densification and the restoration of lost volume. It helps soften a tired appearance and correct laxity of the facial oval.
This product is also used for buttock augmentation and cellulite treatment.
Dr. Romano performs Sculptra injections in Geneva.
Sculptra is a powder (which is reconstituted with a liquid in order to be injected) that stimulates collagen synthesis.
The result is not immediate, but becomes visible after about three months, as three to six months are required 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 about 1% of collagen per year.
The decrease in collagen quantity is one of the causes of aging of the body and face. Creams and dietary supplements containing collagen are not sufficient — and often ineffective — in compensating for this loss. This clearly explains the benefit of Sculptra.
This product is often combined with other aesthetic-oriented medicine techniques to address additional components of aging.
Initially used in medicine for the treatment of HIV-related lipoatrophy (fat loss) or congenital malformations, Sculptra is now considered the most discreet technique for achieving a fresher and younger appearance.
Its advantage lies in the gradual result and the restoration of contours without adding volume.
Sculptra provides a subtle tightening effect by redensifying the tissues. The skin becomes more radiant, firmer, and fine lines are softened.
This treatment can be offered starting in the twenties, which is when collagen production begins to decline. In this case, one vial every two years is recommended to stimulate the synthesis of the skin’s components.
After the age of thirty, Sculptra becomes part of a treatment protocol that includes other medical techniques aimed at addressing all components of aging.
Sculptra has become a reference for patients who wish to restore, in a natural and progressive way, the facial volume lost over time, following medical conditions or weight loss.
Poly-L-lactic acid does not instantly fill hollow areas, but it works by stimulating collagen production. This process allows for the harmonious restoration of facial volume.
The benefits of Sculptra for the face are numerous.
Sculptra injections are also used preventively to combat early signs of aging.
The Sculptra BBL, or Brazilian Butt Lift, is a non-surgical technique used to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. Unlike the traditional BBL method (liposuction followed by fat injection), the Sculptra BBL is performed by injecting poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates collagen production in the buttocks.
This treatment provides a slight lifting effect of the buttocks, a progressive and natural increase in buttock volume, and an improvement in cellulite.
Although Sculptra was not designed to fill wrinkles, it does improve them.
Notably in the following areas :
These results are achieved through the lifting effect generated by poly-L-lactic acid and by skin densification.
Sculptra is mainly injected in areas of the face where volume loss and skin laxity are most significant.
The injection sites include the cheeks, the temples, the nasolabial folds (lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and the marionette lines (lines that descend from the corners of the mouth toward the chin).
These areas require stimulation of collagen synthesis induced by Sculptra, which helps restore lost volume, redefine facial contours and the oval (jowls), and improve skin firmness.
For injections in the chin and jawline area, Sculptra is not systematically used. Dr. Romano will assess its usefulness after analyzing the patient’s anatomy to avoid weighing down the face and worsening ptosis.
It is essential that this treatment be performed by an experienced physician to ensure uniform and natural distribution of the product, as well as optimal and long-lasting results.
During the first consultation, Dr. Romano assesses the degree of skin laxity and fat loss.
On the day of the injection, Sculptra (which is sold in powder form) is reconstituted with an anesthetic and water for injectable preparation suitable for this type of injection.
Marking with a pencil and thorough disinfection precede the injection.
The injection is performed with a cannula, a type of long, blunt-ended needle. The use of a cannula is preferred because it reduces the number of hematomas and punctures required (four to six for an entire face) and increases treatment safety.
The injection itself takes about five minutes for an experienced physician, while reconstituting a vial of Sculptra requires around ten minutes.
At the end of the session, the patient receives a booklet with the product’s traceability labels and can resume activities.
Dr. Romano recommends avoiding exposure to intense heat for one 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 preparation of the product is a delicate step that requires time and precision. Poly-L-lactic acid comes in powder form and must be diluted with water for injectable preparations, to which lidocaine is added in order to improve patient comfort during the injection.
Once reconstituted, several practices coexist : some prefer to leave the product in the refrigerator overnight (preparation the day before), others let it rest for about two hours, while some professionals use it immediately.
Massage after the injection is an essential step to optimize the results of the treatment. It ensures an even distribution of the product, reduces the risk of nodule formation and promotes optimal stimulation of collagen production. After each session, it is therefore recommended to gently massage the treated areas.
What is the 5 5 5 rule for Sculptra ? After the injection, the patient must massage the treated areas five times a day, for five minutes, for five days.
This post-treatment instruction is essential to maximize the effects of Sculptra : it helps achieve smoother, firmer skin and naturally harmonious facial volume restoration.
The number of treatments required depends on several factors, including the area to be treated.
For the face, no more than one vial should be used per session in order to avoid the risk of nodule formation.
Several sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired correction.
The number of sessions to be planned is determined before the start of the treatment.
For the face, one vial is used per session. For the buttocks, 4 to 6 vials per session are used. It is important not to exceed these dosages to avoid the risk of nodules appearing.
For the face, one vial per decade of life is often used. A patient who is 40 years old will need 4 vials, a 50-year-old patient will need 5 vials. The number of vials depends on each patient’s anatomy and is determined during a consultation. Often, patients have already had hyaluronic acid injections, which reduces the number of poly-L-lactic acid vials needed.
Sculptra delivers remarkable results in terms of facial rejuvenation.
The effects are progressive and increase as the biostimulation process intensifies.
Sculptra is the treatment of choice for patients who wish to rejuvenate in a natural and long-lasting way.
The session is nearly painless, and after-effects are simple, with no social downtime required.
Hematomas are possible as with any injection, but they are harmless.
The treated area remains slightly swollen and pink for a few hours.
Before any medical procedure, the physician checks for conditions that prohibit the treatment.
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 characterized by its ability to gradually stimulate collagen production, thereby improving skin quality and firmness in a long-lasting way. Results appear progressively, and the effect is natural and subtle.
Hyaluronic acid provides immediate results by filling wrinkles and hollows and adding volume to facial features such as the lips, cheekbones and chin. Fillers are ideal for patients seeking a quick and visible correction of aging signs.
The choice between Sculptra and fillers depends on individual aesthetic needs and the expected results.
Sculptra and Radiesse are dermal filler treatments used for facial rejuvenation. They have different indications.
Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid and is designed to gradually stimulate the body’s collagen production, offering long-lasting and natural results over an extended period. This treatment is ideal for patients who want to improve skin quality and firmness in a progressive and discreet way.
Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres and provides an immediate and long-lasting volumizing effect. It is particularly effective for areas requiring structural support and an instant increase in volume, such as the cheeks and smile lines.
Although both treatments can be complementary, the choice between Sculptra and Radiesse depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals and the desired results.
In facial rejuvenation, Sculptra and Ultherapy are two innovative treatments offering distinct approaches to facial laxity.
Sculptra provides a progressive improvement of facial contours and skin firmness by gradually stimulating collagen production.
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound technology to “heat” the deep skin layers, stimulate collagen production and tighten deep tissues. This non-invasive treatment is particularly effective for lifting and toning facial areas. Dr. Romano considers that the results of this treatment are highly variable and does not recommend it.
Sculptra focuses on restoring skin volume and structure through “internal regeneration”, whereas Ultherapy promotes a lifting effect and tightening of the skin tissues.
Sculptra and botulinum toxin are two popular aesthetic treatments, but they work in different ways.
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating treatment that acts progressively, with results lasting two years. Sculptra treats skin laxity and volume loss.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for certain wrinkles : forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet.
In aesthetic-oriented medicine, different treatments can produce similar results, but they are not identical, as each technique has its own characteristics. Thus, there is no truly equivalent alternative to Sculptra. According to Dr. Romano, only this technique can effectively densify the subcutaneous tissue — the physiological fat layer located just under the skin — which thins over time. Theoretical alternatives are :
The cost of a Sculptra session in Geneva is 900 CHF per vial.
The number of vials required varies depending on the patient’s age, tissue quality, and the areas treated (facial contour, temples, cheeks, cheekbones, etc.). In general, two to three sessions spaced several weeks apart are recommended for a progressive and natural result. Only one vial for the face is injected at each session.
The treatment price is therefore set per vial, with full transparency, and without any imposed package. The preliminary medical consultation allows for an accurate assessment of the needs and the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Although the initial cost may seem high, the result is long-lasting. Improvements are progressive and natural, lasting up to two years or more.
Patients are satisfied with the results of Sculptra. They particularly appreciate the natural and gradual nature of the improvements. They describe visibly firmer and smoother skin, whose overall quality is improved, with a notable reduction in wrinkles. They also praise the subtle restoration of facial volume, especially in the cheeks and temples, which gives a rested look.
The stimulation of collagen synthesis induced by Sculptra is highly appreciated, the results are long-lasting and continue to improve over time.
Patients appreciate the effectiveness of this treatment for improving skin quality 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 smooth and fill depressed scars, making the skin surface more even and smoother.
Nevertheless, if significant fibrosis is associated with the scars, the results will not be spectacular.
According to patients, Sculptra is a method of choice for treating skin laxity and restoring facial volume.
Patients describe an improvement in skin firmness, with a progressive lifting effect and a redefining of the facial contours.
They particularly appreciate the fact that the results appear gradually, allowing for subtle and harmonious improvements without abrupt changes.
Sculptra is widely praised for its effectiveness in facial rejuvenation, and it is considered a comprehensive solution against skin laxity and volume loss.
A vial of Sculptra contains 367.5 mg of poly-L-lactic acid in the form of a lyophilized powder, which must be reconstituted with a diluent before injection. The amount of diluent used to reconstitute the powder may vary according to the physician’s preferences and the patient’s specific needs, but it generally ranges between 5 mL and 16 mL. This flexibility allows the physician to personalize the concentration and the final volume of the product to optimize treatment results.
A consultation with an experienced physician is the best way to determine whether Sculptra is suitable for your specific needs. The physician will evaluate your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the 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, density and facial volume, but it is not necessarily suitable for everyone. It is indicated for people who want a progressive and natural treatment of the signs of aging. Sculptra is not the ideal treatment for people seeking an immediate result.
The results of Sculptra are long-lasting, with visible improvements that can persist for up to two years, depending on each patient’s individual characteristics and metabolism. The continuous stimulation of collagen synthesis offers a progressive and durable improvement in skin firmness and quality.
In a 25-month clinical trial, the results lasted more than 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 injected by a qualified and experienced physician. Poly-L-lactic acid, the main component of Sculptra, has been used in medicine for decades, it is biocompatible and biodegradable, which makes it well tolerated by the body.
Although the results are not immediate, Sculptra begins to work (by stimulating collagen synthesis) as soon as the injection is performed.
The results begin to be visible three weeks after the last session and are optimal after three months.
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.
A slight swelling may occur after the treatment, but it is temporary and usually disappears within an hour. Sculptra, if injected by an experienced physician, does not cause facial swelling. It is therefore crucial 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.
Injections of Sculptra, botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid 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.
To achieve the best results you simply need to follow the instructions given after the procedure : massage according to the 5 5 5 rule, avoid intense physical activities and high heat 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.
