Factsheet | Collagen Stimulating Injections (Sculptra ®)
Why does our skin look older? The natural ageing process means that over time, our skin begins to thin and lose its firmness. Our skin begins to sag and wrinkles and facial lines and folds appear. In addition, sun exposure, alcohol consumption and smoking can also increase this effect. |
What is Sculptra® therapy? Sculpting therapy with Sculptra ® is a non-surgical treatment which promotes the production of Collagen. This helps restore some of the skin’s natural firmness and reduces the evidence of lines, wrinkles and hollow cheeks and eyes. The material used (Poly-L-lactic Acid) has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches. It is a synthetic material produced from the fruit acid family of polymers which is not harmful to the body and is broken down by the body over time. |
How does Sculptra® therapy work? Poly-L-lactic acid is injected into the skin over 2-6 treatments and promotes the production of Collagen – the bodies natural ‘volumiser’. This helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and also reduces sagging of the skin, providing an appearance of younger skin |
What can Sculptra® therapy be used for? A Sculptra® therapy helps volumise the skin and is usually used in the facial area. It reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagging and can also be used to ‘plump up’ hollow cheeks, eye sockets etc. to create a fuller looking face. |
Who is Sculptra® suitable for? Subject to initial medical screening, both men and women of any age can benefit from the treatment. You should NOT have treatment if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you are allergic to Lactic Acid. |
What happens during the treatment? The solution is injected under the skin surface in a number of places, depending on the area being treated. The solution is spread out by gently massaging the treatment area. Initially, the skin will appear plumped up, but this is due tothe volume of the solution and is temporary. Over a few days the solution will disperse in the skin and the skin will return to its previous position. Over the coming weeks and months, the skin will gradually fill out as the body produces Collagen. The treatment usually includes between 2 and 6 applications over a period of months. |
How long does treatment take? In most cases, the treatment will take between 30 and 60 minutes for a single area |
Is it painful? As the treatment includes injections there is some discomfort. Depending on the area being treated, the practitioner may use a local anaesthetic. There is sometimes a slight swelling and redness straight after treatment, which can be eased with the application of an ice pack and usually settle within a few hours. |
How long will the effects last? It does depend on each individual and the area being treated, but generally the effects will last for 1-2 years. However, some people are continuing to see an improvement 5 years after treatment. |
How many times can I have Sculptra® therapy? Sculptra® therapy can be ‘topped up’ as the effects begin to reduce |
What happens Pre and Post-Treatment? You will need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure there are no reasons why you cannot receive treatment. After your treatment you will be given an after-care leaflet which tells you what to do in the days after treatment. You will normally be able to return to your usual daily activities after treatment |
Are there any adverse effects? There may be some localised bruising, slight swelling or redness at the site of the injections. This will fade. In rare cases there can be more serious side effects, but your practitioner will discuss these with you and provide you with a document which sets these out. |
Do the effects of this treatment look artificial? No. Initially the face will look a little swollen due to the injections and the application of the solution. However, once this has dissipated, the skin will gradually fill out and will look completely natural. |
