Sculptra is one of the newest injectable options which produces long lasting volume by acting as a biostimulator to produce Collagen. The results are an amazing, subtle, long-lasting result that maintains over time. Dr. Burke Robinson at Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery is an expert and National Trainer in Sculptra, and travels the country to train other physicians on the procedure the past seven years. Dr. Robinson offers Sculptra treatments to his patients in the Alpharetta and Sandy Springs areas. If you are considering an injectable anti-aging treatment, there are a few things about Sculptra you should know.
What is Poly-L-Lactic Acid?
The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, which is naturally produced in human muscle during physical exercise. The body breaks it down over time to carbon dioxide and water. There is no concern of an allergic reaction to it.
It is a known phenomenon that placement of microscopic particles of ~ 30-70 microns (very tiny!) that are irregularly shaped placed next to skin or bone will stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. Taking advantage of this phenomenon, PLLA can be made into particles of this size in a powder form. When hydrated in water and placed underneath the skin or next to bone, can stimulate the body’s own production of collagen. This is why Sculptra is a Biostimulator which can last several years, as opposed to “Fillers” e.g. Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, etc… which given an instant result and absorb over months.
What can it treat?
Collagen is important to supporting the underlying structure of the skin to keep it soft and supple. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which in conjunction with loss of facial fat as well as bony absorption of the skull, results in facial hollows and the appearance of facial creases. Sculptra helps to replace collagen for natural, long-lasting results.
Absorbable sutures made of PLLA have been used for decades, and Biostimulators containing PLLA have been used in Europe since 1999, and in the United States since 2004.
Sculptra can be used for a variety of treatment areas, including:
• Temporal Hollows – depressed area of the temples
• Cheek Hollows – the “gaunt look” that makes the cheek bones look to prominent
• Midface Flattening – resulting in the nasal-labial fold to look prominent
• Pre-Jowl Atrophy – a depression along the jawline that makes jowling look worse than it is
When will I see results?
Because Sculptra works with the body’s natural processes, results from treatment tend to be gradual. It’s best to think of Sculptra as being similar to growing your lawn with seed, not sod. It’s slow and gradual but gives the best and most natural result. The number of treatments varies depending on the patients age, metabolism, and degree of volume loss. On average a patient will undergo 3-4 sessions to achieve desired results. The results are truly amazing with softening of bony landmarks, without losing the normal highlights of your underlying bony structure. Most patients experience results lasting up to two years before a touch-up procedure is needed.
Dr. Burke Robinson is a national trainer in Sculptra treatments and has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful, natural results with this soft tissue bio-stimulator. To learn more about Sculptra, contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery at 770-667-3090.
