What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?

Sculptra® Aesthetic is a synthetic injectable material known as “poly-L-lactic acid.” Unlike a typical filler, it is a unique facial and aesthetic injectable that works differently from traditional dermal fillers and fillers by stimulating new collagen production for gradual, natural-looking results.

Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved for specific facial treatments, ensuring its safety and efficacy. The benefits of Sculptra Aesthetic include long-lasting results, as it promotes the growth of new collagen to restore facial volume and rejuvenate the skin naturally. This treatment works by stimulating new collagen production within the deep dermis, leading to gradual, long-lasting improvements in facial volume and appearance. Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How Does Sculptra Work?

Sculptra® Aesthetic works by stimulating collagen production in the deep dermis, which gradually restores volume and improves the appearance of facial wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas. Unlike other fillers that provide immediate results, Sculptra treatment delivers gradual, natural-looking improvements over time. Sculptra Aesthetic injections are used to treat shallow to deep lines and wrinkles, including other facial wrinkles, by addressing the treated area over a series of sessions.

The number of Sculptra injections and sessions is tailored to each patient’s cosmetic goals, and individual results may vary. Sculptra is especially effective for facial aging and facial fat loss, helping to restore a more youthful appearance. The effects of Sculptra are long-lasting and contribute to natural-looking aesthetic work. On average, about three sessions are needed over the course of a few months, but the exact number may vary by person.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your Sculptra® Aesthetic treatment at FacesFirst in Denver or Lone Tree will begin with a personalized consultation to assess your skin concerns and determine the right treatment plan. During your appointment, your provider will carefully mark the injection site areas and cleanse your skin. A topical numbing agent may be applied to maximize comfort.

Sculptra Aesthetic is injected into the deeper layers of the skin, where it gradually stimulates the body’s own production of collagen. Unlike other dermal fillers that offer immediate volume, Sculptra works over time to rebuild lost collagen and provide more natural-looking results. Most aesthetic patients describe the treatment as tolerable, with a slight pinch or pressure during injection.

Each session typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and you may need a series of treatments, usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Because Sculptra Aesthetic works gradually, you’ll notice improvements in skin texture and volume over the weeks and months following your initial treatment.

Sculptra Aftercare and Results

After your Sculptra Aesthetic treatment, some common side effects of Sculptra may include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site. These effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. To ensure optimal results, we recommend massaging the treated areas five times a day for five minutes, for five days following each session. This helps evenly distribute the product and minimize any small bumps under the skin.

You should also avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive sun or heat exposure for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions to follow at home.

Results from Sculptra develop gradually as new collagen is produced. Aesthetic patients can expect subtle, yet noticeable improvement in volume, particularly in areas such as smile lines, nasolabial folds, and other facial wrinkles. The full effects typically become visible within 3 to 6 months after the final treatment session. One of the key advantages of Sculptra Aesthetic is its longevity as results often last up to two years or more, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking long-term improvement without frequent touch-ups like other dermal fillers may require.

Who is a Candidate for Sculptra?

Sculptra Aesthetic patients are typically individuals who are experiencing signs of facial aging, such as volume loss, deep facial folds, nasolabial folds, or smile lines. If you’ve noticed that your skin has become thinner or more hollow with age due to lost collagen, you may be an excellent candidate for this injectable treatment.

Ideal candidates are healthy adults who are looking for gradual, long-lasting results rather than the immediate plumping effects provided by other dermal fillers. Patients who want to avoid surgical procedures but still wish to restore youthful volume and structure are especially well-suited for Sculptra.

You may not be a candidate if you have a history of keloid formation or are allergic to any of the ingredients in Sculptra. During your consultation, our team will review your medical history, aesthetic goals, and skin condition to ensure that Sculptra Aesthetic is the right treatment for your needs.

Schedule a Consultation in Denver or Lone Tree

If you have questions about Sculptra Aesthetic or would like to set up a consultation to discuss your options, contact us in Denver or Lone Tree today by calling 719-414-8223.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sculptra last?

For most patients, Sculptra's collagen-boosting effects can last for 2-5 years.

Does Sculptra lift the face?

Yes, Sculptra can achieve subtle lift in the face by stimulating collagen and plumping the skin, and lifting the sagging tissues. If your aging signs are more severe, however, you may need to pursue a minimally invasive or surgical procedure.

Where should Sculptra be injected?

Sculptra is most commonly used in the face to combat signs of aging like folds, hollowing, and sagging. Recently, the use of Sculptra has expanded to necks, decollete, loose sagging skin of the arms and knees, breasts, buttocks and hands.

Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?

Sculptra candidates are patients who want to reduce signs of aging with long-term results but also want to avoid surgery. You should be overall healthy and have realistic expectations about what Sculptra can achieve with a full package of treatments. Patients with thinner faces or more overall hollowing of the face are excellent candidates, no matter their age.

How many Sculptra treatments will I need?

This can depend on your goals but most patients require a series of 3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart. The initial results will start to emerge 2 months after your first treatment and will continue to improve for 6 months after your last treatment.

Is there any downtime after Sculptra?

Sculptra is a minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities right away. You may experience mild facial swelling or occasional bruising, but these typically resolve within 24 hours. rnTo ensure the best results, you’ll be instructed to massage the treated area 3 times a day for 3 minutes over the next 5 days. It's also best to avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours post-treatment.

How is Sculptra different from dermal fillers?

While dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid (HA) provide instant volume and lift by physically filling in lines and hollows, Sculptra works differently. It stimulates your body’s natural collagen production over time, creating gradual and longer-lasting improvement in skin structure and volume. In short, fillers do the filling, and Sculptra helps your body rebuild from within.

Can Sculptra be combined with other treatments?

Yes! Sculptra pairs well with other aesthetic treatments. For example, HA fillers can be used on top of Sculptra to provide immediate enhancement while your body builds collagen underneath. It can also complement skin tightening, resurfacing, or other collagen-boosting treatments, depending on your goals.

Are the results immediate?

Sculptra results develop gradually. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to start noticing visible improvement, with full results appearing around the 6-month mark. Because the results come from your own collagen production, they look incredibly natural and can last 2 to 5 years.

Are Sculptra injections painful?

At our practice, Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent, to help ensure a comfortable experience. Most patients describe the treatment as very tolerable, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Testimonials

from our patients

Great experience at Faces First! Nadia was super nice and you can tell she keeps up with the latest trends in skincare and is constantly updating her techniques. Had a lovely hydrofacial, light treatment and peel and left feeling glowy and taken care of. Will definitely be back to see her.

-Diana M.

Read More

Read Our Blog

for more information

featured_img

Comparing UltraSlim and CoolSculpting for Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

READ BLOG
featured_img

In-Office Liposuction (& How It Pairs With Renuvion)

READ BLOG

Request Appointment

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

request
REQUEST APPOINTMENTarrow-up
Request Appointment