Sculptra® Aesthetic Facial Rejuvenation
Sculptra® Aesthetic is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that works as a facial volumizing agent to restore lost volume, resulting in a more youthful appearance. It is biocompatible and provides a gradual, yet significant improvement in skin thickness and reduces the appearance of facial lines and folds. It is unlike other "fillers" in that the response slowly builds over time instead of degrading over months. The results may last up to two years. Sculptra® is FDA approved. There are multiple reasons that people undergo Sculptra® Aesthetic rejuvenation, including:
- To increase regional facial fullness in a gaunt, older appearance
- To match your fit physique with a more youthful face
- To improve facial wrinkles and creases
- To improve facial lipoatrophy due to certain medical issues
Images provided by Sculptra ® Aesthetic
See more Sculptra ® before and after photos.
Am I an ideal candiate for Sculptra® Aesthetic?
There are people that work out and are in great shape. Their bodies are physially fit but their slim physique leaves little fullness or fat on their face. This can be a devasting appearance as these same patients age. They try to be lean and healthy but it just makes their faces look older. This is the ideal patient for Sculptra® Aesthetic. Exercise may actually increase the response to this product and we encourage this starting the day after the procedure. This treatment can also be a nice temporizing, stepping stone prior to a face lift. It is not recommended in pregnant or nursing women, or patients with poor medical health. It is also not ideal in smokers.
What will the Sculptra® Aesthetic procedure be like?
During your consult Dr. Burgess will assist you in developing an individualized treatment plan that best suits your cosmetic goals. Often times Sculptra® Aesthetic is placed into the cheek area and nasolabial folds. Dr. Burgess administers Sculptra® Aesthetic through multiple tiny injections into the skin. To assist in your comfort during the procedure, she may provide local anesthetic to the area to be treated, as well as ice following your procedure. Massage to the areas and exercise are critical to the success of the product.
What should I expect following the Sculptra® Aesthetic treatment?
Following the procedure, the injection site may feel overly full. Temporary swelling, redness, discoloration, or itching may be experienced at the injection site and usually lasts less than a week. A risk of infection also exists as with any injection procedure. Placing an icepack over the swollen area may control any swelling. For 24 hours, the patient should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and sun or heat exposure.
Individuals may need 3 to 5 treatments which build upon each other and initially you may not see much response until the second or third treatments. Remember that this is a product that slowly and beautifully responds over time which lends to its natural appearance. Results may last up to two years and touch-ups may be required to maintain the desired result.
Individuals interested in correcting wrinkles, folds, and loss of facial fullness are encouraged to contact the office of plastic surgeon Elisa Burgess MD FACS in her Portland-area office.
