Sculptra
Q. What is Sculptra? Is Sculptra Safe?
A. Sculptra is a new product developed for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss(Lipoatrophy) in the face. It has been FDA approved for use in the face to restore volume due to Lipoatrophy. Sculptra is a synthetic product injected into the areas of the face which have loss of volume. It is known as poly-l-lactic acid. Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body.) It has been safely used for over 30 years in reabsorbable sutures, soft tissue implants and other types of implants.
Q. How does Sculptra work?
A. Sculptra is injected below the skin in the areas of fat loss. Sculptra stimulates the production of collagen causing a gradual increase in skin thickness. Treatments are spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the visualization of the result and indicate areas needing further treatment. Most patients require at least two treatments. The average number of treatments is three.
Q. Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?
A. Good candidates for Sculptra include physically healthy men and women who are looking to improve their appearance. It's important that patients have realistic expectations. Patients with facial fat loss due to the aging process, who would like more volume in their face. The treatment has been FDA approved for patients with facial fat loss due to HIV. The treatment is an alternative to a surgical fat transfer with less down time. Sculptra is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant soon. Nor is it appropriate treatment for anyone with a severe allergy history (Anaphalaxsis) to anything, including medications, bees, environmental etc.
Q. What happens during a consultation for Sculptra?
A. You will meet with the Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner for the consultation. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner will take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals and expectations and will also explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the benefits, the recovery, the risks and the costs. The Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner/Cosmetic Nurse Specialist will carefully examine and evaluate your face to determine what needs to be done. Photographs of all areas to be treated will be taken.
Q. Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra?
A. No, a skin test is not required before treatment. Sculptra has been used safely for decades without allergic reactions.
Q. Who Should Administer Sculptra?
A. Any authorized health care professional can administer Sculptra, but Dr. Edwin F. Williams, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, in Latham, NY., recommends that those seeking to receive a Sculptra treatment should be treated by a health care professional with experience. Cosmetic Physicians, and Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are generally more experienced professionals. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses, practicing under the direction of Dr. Edwin F. Willaims. The Williams Rejuva Center, Where the treatments will be done, provides a relaxing spa-like environment.
Q. What should I tell my healthcare professional before having a Sculptra treatment?
A. Notify your Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse Specialist if you are taking Blood Thinners, Aspirin, Aspirin like medications ( Aleve, Celebrex, Advil, Naproxen, Motrin etc.) Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Herbal Supplements or Alcohol, as these can all cause bruising and/or bleeding during the procedure. Your health care professional may recommended that you stop taking any of these, if you can, at least two weeks before your Sculptra treatment as this helps reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Q. How long do Sculptra treatments take? Are the Results Immediate?
A. To administer a Sculptra treatment it will take approximately 30 minutes per area to treat. The result is not immediate, although it may appear that the Sculptra worked immediately due to the initial swelling and injection of the fluid. the fluid will reabsorb within 2 days and you will look as you did before the treatment. Over the next 6 months you will see development of collagen. It takes time to gradually correct the loss of volume in you face.
Q. How many treatments are required?
A. You and the Cosmetic Nurse Injector will discuss treatment options, including number of treatments and the amount of Sculptra you will require. By waiting 6 - 8 weeks between treatments, you will be able to see the results of treatment and decide if more sculptra is needed and where it is needed. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 - 6 treatment sessions
Q. Are Sculptra treatments painful?
A. The Williams Rejuva Center Cosmetic Nurse Specialists pride themselves in providing Sculptra treatments with minimal or no discomfort. We have researched methods for optimum results with nearly pain free injections. Discomfort is minimal because we use anesthetic agents such as topical creams and/or local anesthetic. Sculptra is mixed with Lidocaine, to help minimize discomfort. The needle used to inject with Sculptra is very fine to further minimize discomfort.
Q. How long do the treatment results last?
A. Treatments results will differ between patients. Clinical studies have shown results will last, at least, two years. Most patients will need a touch-up treatment to maintain the desired result.
Q. What is recovery like after a Sculptra treatment?
A. After your Sculptra treatment, any discomfort that patients experience typically fades within a few days. Normal activities can usually be resumed right away, though the treated area should not be exposed to intense heat or extreme cold until the redness or swelling has resolved. Alcohol consumption and exercise should be avoided for at least six hours after your Sculptra treatment.
Q. Can I drive myself home after the treatment?
A. Yes, there is nothing to contraindicate you from driving which will occur during the treatment.
Q. What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra?
A. Treatment with Sculptra can result in side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness at the injection site. The effects subside within 3 - 17 days. As with any procedure that involves injection through the skin there is always the chance of infection. A delayed effect occurring six to twelve months after the first treatment is the development of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These bumps may not be visible and may only be noticed by feeling them. They usually go away on their own. Any side effects should be reported to the cosmetic nurse specialists in the Rejuva Center.
Q. Does Insurance ever cover the cost of Sculptra?
A. Sculptra teatments are considered cosmetic and therefore are not covered by insurance.
Q. Is it possible to get financing for this cosmetic procedure?
A. Yes, financing is available for many of our procedures and the option can be discussed during your consultation.
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