Sculptra

Sculptra is a long-lasting injectable treatment that restores a smoother, younger appearance by adding volume. It does so by stimulating neocollagenesis – the body’s production of collagen. Unlike most other cosmetic injectables, Sculptra is not hyaluronic acid-based. Its active ingredient is a biodegradable polymer known as poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, which provides patients with longer-lasting results.

Collagen is an essential building block for tissues in the body. It’s a protein that provides strength, elasticity, and hydration to the dermis, the layer below the outermost epidermis. As we age, collagen production slows, and our faces lose their youthful tissue volume. Sun-exposed skin and ageing skin loses its ability to synthesise collagen. (1) Moreover, lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet can further compound degeneration, leaving us with lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. 

Dr Hamlet is one the UK’s premiere specialists for body sculpting and other non-surgical aesthetic procedures. As one of the most sought-after surgeons in Europe, he has helped countless patients improve their appearance through his unparalleled expertise. At The Hamlet Clinic, he and his team are ready to help you reach your facial rejuvenation goals. If you would like to be the next, contact us today. Reach our Highgate Private Hospital by calling 0207 127 4377.

About Sculptra

The ageing process causes numerous changes throughout the body. And unfortunately, our skin, especially the skin of the face, cannot escape the effects of time. Vital ingredients for skin health diminish year on year, and we lose the youthful plumpness in our face. Proteins like collagen are an essential skin support that help our skin to maintain its radiance. Collagen is responsible for the tensile strength of the skin and is a vital component of maintaining its appearance as we age.(2) One of the key benefits of injectable Sculptra is that it tackles age-related change, smoothing wrinkles and creases and restoring tissue volume through collagen stimulation. 

Widely used in Europe since 1999 in the treatment of lipoatrophy, a condition involving the localised loss of fatty tissue), Sculptra has become a popular treatment of choice for aesthetic procedures. It’s a safe, and effective way to restore volume to the skin, improve the contour and appearance of the body, treat cellulite, and tighten loose skin. Interestingly, PLLA is also used for healing wounds and repairing bone fractures.(3)

Where Can Sculptra Be Used?

The most common areas of treatment with Sculptra are as follows.

  • Marionette Lines
  • Smile Lines
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Under Eye Hollowing
  • Mid-Cheek Hollowing
  • Temple Hollowing
  • Fine Lines
  • Prominent Jowls
  • Chin Dimpling
  • Pre-Jowl Depressions

Benefits

Utilising PLLA microparticles, Sculptra gives you fuller, smoother, younger-looking skin with results that last for years!

  • Stimulates new collagen production
  • Eliminates wrinkles, creases, and frown lines
  • Provides subtle, natural-looking volume
  • Improves skin texture
  • Minimal side-effects or discomfort
  • High levels of patient satisfaction
  • Results last 2 years or more (4)

Candidates

Facial rejuvenation with Sculptra is most suitable for people who are in good health and over the age of 35. Around the mid-30s and beyond, the skin begins to sag and the lines and wrinkles of the face become more prominent. Although PLLA is well-tolerated by most people, not everyone is a candidate for treatment. Your medical history and current medications may affect your eligibility. Patients with the following conditions may not be able to undergo Sculptra treatment.

  • Hypersensitivity to Sculptra ingredients
  • Known history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
  • Active skin inflammation or infection
  • Bleeding and clotting disorders
  • Serious medical conditions

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, we will discuss your areas of concern and your medical history. He will examine your facial tissue volume, skin elasticity, and skin texture to determine how Sculptra can be used most effectively, given your unique goals and physiology. In particular, he will note the areas of tissue hollowing and more prominent lines. Effective communication and patient interaction are extremely important, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. It is important that you have all of the information that you need prior to your treatment. 

Preparation

Treatment should be delayed if any infections, sores, rashes, cysts, or acne develop on the intended injection site prior to the procedure. It is also advisable to prepare for your Sculptra treatment in the following ways. 

  • Stop using blood-thinning medications (such as ibuprofen, aspirin) the week before.
  • Avoid taking supplements that thin the blood (such as cod liver oil, garlic).
  • Do not use products that could irritate your skin (such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide) in the days before your treatment.
  • Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before your procedure.

Sculptra Procedure

Your personal consultation will determine how many treatments and vials will be required to achieve your desired results. While treatment plans will differ on an individual basis, most patients will require three sessions over a twelve-week span with five vials of Sculptra. 

An appointment for Sculptra injections will take about thirty to forty-five minutes. A topical anaesthetic will be applied to the site of the injection prior to treatment, and the product is mixed with a local anaesthetic. The injection may cause you slight discomfort, however, every effort will be made to ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment.

Recovery

Sculptra is a minimally-invasive procedure. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Swelling, redness, and bruising at or around the injection site are normal, but should resolve within the first 24 hours. A wrapped ice pack can alleviate discomfort in the treatment area. It is recommended that you lightly massage the area of injection a few times per day for a few minutes to spread the formulation throughout the treated areas. This distributes the Sculptra evenly and minimises the risk of nodules forming. (5) It is also advised that you avoid tanning beds or excessive sun exposure until the redness and swelling have resolved.

Results

The results of Sculptra treatment will develop gradually. Unlike dermal filler treatments, Sculptra facilitates collagen production, which takes time to yield results. The smoothing, rejuvenating effects of Sculptra are visible after one month as the new collagen begins to form, and results will continue to improve in the months that follow. The Sculptra microspheres are gradually reabsorbed into the body between the sixth and ninth month, leaving new, healthy collagen in their place.(6) Sculptra results usually last for 2-3 years.(4)

Corresponding and Complementary Procedures

We will help you determine what treatment or combination of treatments will work best with Sculptra facial rejuvenation.

Botox

Botox and Sculptra can be used in the same treatment session, for different areas of the face. Botox is a neuromodulator that disrupts nerve signals from facial muscles, causing them to relax and wrinkles to smooth. As Sculptra is generally indicated for the temples, cheeks, and lower face, Botox can address glabellar lines between the brows and horizontal lines in the forehead.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Improve energy levels, get better quality sleep, and gain clearer thinking alongside your Sculptra treatment with comprehensive anti-aging treatment for body and mind. Hormone replacement therapy helps women across the country deal with menopause-associated changes in the body. In addition to stabilizing mood, BHRT can also be used to increase sexual desire and may help you to lose weight.

Facelift

Rhytidectomy procedures, otherwise known as facelifts, produce striking anti-aging results. Sculptra pretreatment has been found to significantly improve the overall outcome of a facelift by providing a better foundation of soft tissue over which to redrape the skin.(7) 

How Much Does Sculptra Cost in London?

Sculptra costs are calculated by the vial, therefore the amount required will vary based on the details of your treatment plan. The cost of your Sculptra treatment will be determined during your personal consultation, and qualified candidates may wish to finance their procedure. To book a consultation at The Hamlet Clinic, please call our Highgate office at 0207 127 4377.

If you would like to find out more about surgical, non-surgical, and anti-aging treatments at The Hamlet Clinic, please read our informative blog.

FAQ

Do I need a skin test before undergoing Sculptra treatment?

No, allergy testing is not required before your treatment. There is almost zero chance of being allergic to Sculptra since it is synthesised from lactic acid – a chemical found naturally in the human body.

Is Sculptra a dermal filler?

Although it is injected, Sculptra is not a true dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm literally fill the area of treatment, while Sculptra acts in the tissue to stimulate collagen production. Because of this, the results from fillers are noticeable sooner, but diminish at a faster rate, whereas Sculptra results develop over time and last far longer.

References

  1. Haddad A, Menezes A, Guarnieri C, et al. Recommendations on the Use of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Skin Laxity in Off-Face Areas. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD. 2019;18(9):929-935. Accessed May 27, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524350/
  2. MOY R, FINCHER E. Poly-L-lactic acid for the aesthetic correction of facial volume loss. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2005;25(6):646-648. doi:10.1016/j.asj.2005.10.001
  3. Ray S, Ta HT. Investigating the Effect of Biomaterials Such as Poly-(l-Lactic Acid) Particles on Collagen Synthesis In Vitro: Method Is Matter. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2020;11(3). doi:10.3390/jfb11030051
  4. Lacombe V. Sculptra: A Stimulatory Filler. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2009;25(02):095-099. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1220648 
  5. Lam SM, Azizzadeh B, Graivier M. Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra): Technical Considerations in Soft-Tissue Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;118(Suppl):55S63S. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000234612.20611.5a
  6. Ray S, Ta HT. Investigating the Effect of Biomaterials Such as Poly-(l-Lactic Acid) Particles on Collagen Synthesis In Vitro: Method Is Matter. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2020;11(3). doi:10.3390/jfb11030051
  7. MOY R, FINCHER E. Poly-L-lactic acid for the aesthetic correction of facial volume loss. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2005;25(6):646-648. doi:10.1016/j.asj.2005.10.001
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