Sculptra

Sculptra Aesthetic

Class: Injectable poly-L-lactic acid/collagen stimulator.

Approved cosmetic uses: Shallow-to-deep nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles.

Mode of action: Injectable poly-L-lactic acid thickens skin and stimulates the body to replace lost collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin. It provides the supple, elastic quality associated with youth. Unfortunately, our body’s natural supply of collagen is depleted as we age.

Results: Sculptra Aesthetic provides subtle results over time. A full course of treatment includesas many as four sessions spaced roughly three weeks apart. The results may last for more than two years.

Side Effects may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Pain/discomfort
  • Redness
  • Bruising and/or swelling
  • Small bumps and lumps under the skin
  • Infection

Sculptra side effects tend to occur at the injection site.

* Massaging the treated areas five times daily, for five minutes, the week after each treatment may allow for more even distribution and lower risk of some side effects. Ask your surgeon.

Cost: Sculptra Aesthetic cost varies based on how many treatments and vials are needed, and the location of the practice. It tends to range from $1,200 to $5,000.

Injection Pain (1-5 scale, with 5 being the most pain): 3.5

Your facial plastic surgeon may suggest a topical or injectable anesthetic to block the nerves so you don’t feel pain. (Pain is subjective, and many people report experiencing little-to-no pain with Sculptra Aesthetic.)

Other injectables in this class: Other injectables do stimulate and replace collagen, but Sculptra is the only injectable form of poly-L-lactic acid on the market.

Fact: Sculptra was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for facial "wasting" in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.

To view a comparison chart explaining the pros and cons of all available injectables, please click here.