There’s no shortage of anti-aging products on the market that all claim to turn back the hands of time, which makes it difficult to sort through the clutter to figure out the best plan of attack for your goals. There are many dermal fillers on the market, serving a variety of services. Some are better at taking on certain cosmetic problems. It can be tricky to decide which one is right for your patient. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of Sculptra.
Sculptra is used as a treatment for deep lines and creases which aids in a more youthful appearance. It literally “fills you out” for a more plump and youthful look. Better yet, results improve over time as your body produces more collagen. The benefits are owed to the way it works inside the body. The active ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), this is a synthetic material that is both biocompatible and biodegradable. These attributes are important because they trigger the body’s natural healing processes. This means a resurgence in the natural production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin production also slows as we grow older. Facial skin starts to acquire wrinkles and depressions as a result. Mature skin is also: slower to heal, less effective in secreting protective oils, and less able to stay hydrated, thinner in nature, prone to sunken and sagging appearances. PLLA is recognized as a bio-stimulatory dermal filler. Unlike injectables made with hyaluronic acid (HA) – designed to immediately plump skin without necessarily promoting collagen production – PLLA does stimulate collagen synthesis. This, therefore, is how Sculptra works; it restores a crucial ingredient to your facial structure so skin is once again lifted and smoothed.
One of the most fascinating aspects about Sculptra is that it was originally approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy for people with HIV. In the simplest of terms, lipoatrophy is the loss of fat in specific areas, such as the face, which is a common side effect of certain medical conditions, including HIV. Based on its success in this arena, Sculptra gained FDA approval in 2009 as Sculptra Aesthetic to correct shallow-to-deep facial wrinkles and folds. Today, Sculptra enjoys an 88% satisfaction rate in the cosmetic world.
As with all injectables, outcomes vary from patient to patient since Sculptra is naturally absorbed by the body and fades with time. But, with Sculptra, the average patient can expect results for two to five years. Compared to Botox which lasts 3-4 months, that’s insanely good. Sculptra results may take a few months to optimize as it gradually fills in deep lines and folds but the lasting results are phenomenal - just collagen doing its thing.
