Sculptra treatment
Sculptra treatment – the collagen treatment for firm, radiant and younger-looking skin
WHAT IS SCULPTRA® ?
Sculptra® is a collagen biostimulator that stimulates and activates the skin's natural process of collagen production so that the skin regains and maintains its firmness, elasticity and structure, and the skin looks radiant and youthful .It addresses the underlying cause of skin aging. 1-4,13-16
Sculptra® is made from a 100% biodegradable, synthetic polymer called polylactic acid (PLLA-SCA). Polylactic acid occurs naturally in our bodies. Sculptra® allows the body to produce new collagen, which is essential for maintaining good skin quality
Why is collagen important?
Collagen ensures that our skin maintains its structure and elasticity, keeping it smooth and hydrated. Healthy collagen production gives it a youthful appearance. 3,6-9 However, as we age, we lose collagen, and less collagen is produced. From the age of 20, we lose 1% of our collagen per year. By the age of 45, we have already lost approximately 25% of our collagen, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, lines, and folds. 10
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR SKIN HAS LOST ITS ELASTICITY AND FIRMNESS?
There are 3 simple ways to tell if your skin has lost its firmness and elasticity;
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULT LASTS?
The results after a Sculptra® treatment become visible gradually: this means that the skin quality gradually improves. The results are not immediately visible after the first treatment. The first results appear after about 6 weeks and last up to 2 years .
To maintain results, regular follow-up treatments are recommended.
Read more:
Sculptra reviews
*Real patient. 3 treatment sessions, 1 bottle per session; 4 weeks apart, with 6 weeks between sessions.
HOW DOES SCULPTRA® WORK ?
Sculptra® works from within the skin to restore skin structure and quality .
Sculptra® is injected into the deep layer of the skin, also known as the deep dermis. The polylactic acid (PLLA-SCA) triggers a chain of reactions that leads to the production of new collagen.
The PLLA-SCA microparticles are injected into the deep layer of the skin.
The PLLA-SCA microparticles recruit macrophages, which surround the PLLA-SCA particles. The macrophages fuse into giant cells and attract fibroblasts.
Fibroblasts are the skin cells responsible for collagen production. New collagen production is stimulated, renewing skin structure and quality and reducing fine lines and wrinkles .
HOW MANY SCULPTRA® TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
On average, two to three treatments are needed, spread over several months, to achieve optimal results. The number of injections per treatment session may vary depending on the treatment plan developed in consultation with your doctor.
IS SCULPTRA® A FILLER?
Sculptra® is not a filler. Fillers, usually made of modified hyaluronic acid gel, are intended to plump up wrinkles , lines, and certain facial areas to create more definition and/or volume. Fillers are injected superficially into the skin, and the results are immediately visible. Depending on the filler product, the amount used, and the facial areas, results can last between 6 and 18 months.
Sculptra® is made of polylactic acid (PLLA-SCA) and is injected deeper into the skin. The goal of Sculptra® is to activate and stimulate the body's own collagen production process. As the body produces new collagen , the skin is repaired from within. Results become gradually visible and can last up to 25 months. 1-4,11-16
Sculptra® is a good alternative to fillers and suitable for anyone who wants a more youthful and firmer skin in a natural way.
DO YOU NEED A RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER A SCULTPRA® TREATMENT ?
After a Sculptra® treatment , you do not need a recovery period, you can simply continue with your daily activities. 3
To ensure optimal results, it's important to follow your doctor's aftercare instructions carefully. The following three recommendations are :
Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days after the treatment. Use a moisturizer to reduce friction during the massage.
· For the first 24 hours after treatment, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the treated area to reduce any swelling.
· You may wear makeup for a few hours after the Sculptra treatment, provided there are no complications (for example: open wounds or bleeding).
· Avoid exposure to the sun and UV tanning lamps until the swelling and redness have gone away.
· Avoid sauna/steam baths for 24 hours.
Sculptra® has been around for 25 years, and millions of Sculptra® treatments have already been performed worldwide . Sculptra® has both FDA* approval and the European CE mark. 4,17,18
* FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) is a United States government agency that only approves medical devices and medicines that are safe and effective when used correctly.
** CE marking indicates that a product, according to the manufacturer, meets all EU requirements for safety, health and environmental protection.
GENERAL INFORMATION GALDERMA
Galderma is a global pharmaceutical company specializing exclusively in dermatology and skin. Galderma boasts a science-based portfolio of recognized brands spanning the full spectrum of dermatology, including aesthetics, medicine, and cosmetics.
Everyone's skin is unique, and we all have our own skin story. Since 1981, Galderma has focused on developing innovative products and treatments to meet individual needs. "Advancing dermatology for every skin story" is Galderma's vision.
In the field of Aesthetics , Galderma offers a comprehensive and complete portfolio. With Sculptra® , Restylane® hyaluronic acid fillers, Restylane® Skinboosters™ , and two different forms of Abobotulinum toxin type A, Galderma offers innovative, approved aesthetic treatments that enable physicians to help their patients achieve individual wishes and needs with optimal results.
REFERENCES:
1. Zhang S, Duan E. Fighting against Skin Aging: The Way from Bench to Bedside. Cell Transplant. 2018;27(5):729-738.
2. Fabi S, et al. Effectiveness and safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the correction of cheek
wrinkles. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2024;23(1):1297-1305.
3. Galderma. A patient's guide to treatment with SCULPTRA®. 2021. Available from: https://www.galderma.com/us/sites/default/files/2021-12/Patient_Brochure_Sculptra_US_1.pdf Date accessed: May 2023.
4. Galderma Receives FDA Approval for New SCULPTRA® Label, Offering More Options to Aesthetic Partners. Galderma. 2021. Available from:
https://www.galderma.com/ news/galderma-receives-fdaapprovalnew-sculptra-label-offering-more-optionsaestheticpartners. Date accessed: May 2023.
5. Goldberg D, et al. Dermatol Surg. Single-Arm Study for the Characterization of Human Tissue Response to Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid. 2013;39(6):915–922.
6. Noguchi A, Djerassi D. Chapter 15 – Amino Acids and Peptides: Building Blocks for Skin Proteins, Editors: Tabor A, Blair RM, In Personal Care & Cosmetic Technology, Nutritional Cosmetics, William Andrew Publishing, 2009, Pages 287–317.
7. Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen structure and stability Ann Rev Biochem. 2009;78:929–958.
8. Aziz J, et al. Molecular Mechanisms of Stress-Responsive Changes in Collagen and Elastin Networks in Skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016;29(4):190–203.
9. Farage MA, et al. Characteristics of the Aging Skin. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2013;2(1):5–10.
10. Shuster S, et al. The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. Br J Dermatol. 1975;93:639–643.
11. Marchado Filho CD, et al. Polylactic acid: a biostimulating agent. Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2013;5(4):345–350.
12. Lacombe V. Sculptra: A Stimulatory Filler. Facial Plast Surg. 2009;25(2):95–99.
13. Brandt FS, et al. Investigator Global Evaluations of Efficacy of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid Versus Human Collagen in the Correction of Nasolabial Fold Wrinkles. Aesthet Surg J 2011;31(5):521–528.
14 Narins RS et al. A randomized study of the efficacy and safety of injectable poly-L-lactic acid versus human-based collagen implant in the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;62(3):448–462.
15. Bohnert K, et al. Randomized, Controlled, Multicentered, Double-Blind Investigation of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Improving Skin Quality. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019;45(5):718–724.
16. Brown SA, et al. Subject Global Evaluation and Subject Satisfaction Using Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid versus Human Collagen for the Correction of Nasolabial Fold Wrinkles. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127:1684.
17. Galderma. Data on file (MA-54105).
18. Sculptra. IFU EU. 2021
NL-RES-2400003 Drawn up on 03/2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Sculptra
How many bottles of Sculptra?
If you are under 35, 1-2 falcons is often recommended. If you are over 35, 2-3 falcons are recommended.
What is the difference between Profhilo and Sculptra?
Sculptra stimulates collagen production, making the skin firmer. Profhilo, with its hyaluronic acid, primarily improves hydration and skin quality without adding volume.
What is the difference between Radiesse and Sculptra?
Sculptra works solely by stimulating collagen production. Results are slow to develop, and multiple treatments are usually required. Radiesse provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen for firmer skin.
What is the difference between Sculptra and hyaluronic acid fillers?
A filler consists of hyaluronic acid and provides immediate volume or a lifting effect. It gradually disappears from the body over 9 to 18 months. Sculptra stimulates the production of your own collagen and connective tissue, so the result develops gradually and remains visible for up to 2.5 years.