Sculptra

Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler that improves signs of aging and restores volume. Once injected, Sculptra works to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and sunken skin gradually. However, the treatment works differently than other injectable treatments. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, Sculptra stimulates collagen production with PLLA, a bio stimulatory substance that increases collagen production to gradually restore a youthful appearance. After 3-4 months of treatments, patients will have radiant, youthful-looking skin.

At Scottsdale Plastics, Dr. Robert G. Bonillas and his esteemed medical staff are pleased to offer this highly effective treatment to residents in the greater Phoenix area. Patients looking to achieve a refreshed facial appearance should call our office for an initial consultation. To book your appointment, call us at (480) 245-6380 or contact us online.

About

Changes to our skin’s texture are a natural part of aging. As we age, collagen, a key component in keeping our skin youthful, decreases. Along with the other effects of aging, facial features begin to lose volume. However, with a treatment like Sculptra, patients can gradually smooth and firm the skin in just a few months. The key ingredient in Sculptra is Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA),  a biodegradable, tissue-compatible injectable polymer that was developed in Europe in 1999.^[1]  By just a decade later, over 150,000 patients had been treated! Since then, it has helped countless patients overcome medical and cosmetic hurdles. PLLA is a versatile material, and has long been used in various medical applications, including dissolvable sutures, soft-tissue implants, and resorbable screws. In 2004, the injectable form of PLLA was introduced to the American market as a soft tissue filler for patients with HIV that were suffering from atrophied facial fat. ^[1]

When PLLA is injected under the skin, the ingredients initiate an inflammatory response that causes the body to increase collagen production, thereby restoring volume and firming the skin. ^[2][3] Results are achieved in as little as 3-4 sessions. Indentations and hollowed areas are volumized for an improved appearance, and results can last for two years or more.

What Can I Treat With a Sculptra Treatment?

Sculptra is an FDA-approved treatment used to correct signs of aging in the following areas:

Benefits

Sculptra offers dramatic yet natural-looking results. Patients will see positive, gradual improvements in the appearance of creases and recessed areas of the eyes, jaw, and cheeks. Other advantages include:

Ideal Candidates

This injectable treatment provides a discreet way to address wrinkles and volume loss. Although Sculptra is safe and popular, a consultation meeting is needed to assess your circumstances and determine whether Sculptra is suitable for you.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Bonillas

Robert G. Bonillas MD is an approachable and empathetic Scottsdale-based plastic surgeon. His immense medical experience and penchant for creating extraordinary results have led to thousands of patients’ success stories. Dr. Bonillas and his team listen attentively to their patients’ needs and goals and develop personalized treatment plans.

We’ll explore your reasons for seeking treatment at your personal consultation. First, our staff will ask you for basic information about your health. After that, you’ll have the chance to raise your concerns and voice the kind of results you wish to gain. We’ll explain more about what Sculptra can do for you, and whether this injectable will address your aesthetic concerns. We may also discuss other anti-aging solutions that will get you the results you deserve. If you’re a good candidate for Sculptra, and it will be an effective solution, we’ll schedule an appointment for your first session! Book your personal consultation by calling (480) 245-6380 or clicking this link to schedule one online. 

Patients are encouraged to engage with us on social media. You can visualize the results you can obtain or learn more about how we perform our procedures.

Procedure

Patients arriving at the office will be introduced to our resident Medical Assistant, Manuela, who will administer your treatment. Once you’re settled, she’ll apply a topical anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. Next, with an ultra-thin needle, she’ll inject the Sculptra solution into the treatment areas that need more volume. Finally, she’ll gently massage the treated area to ensure the solution is evenly spread under the skin. Once each area is treated, you are free to leave the office and quickly resume your daily routine.

Recovery

Patients can return to their normal activities once treatment is completed, but high-impact activities should be avoided for the next 24 hours. As with any injection, you may notice mild stinging, bruising, or swelling in the treatment areas. You can find relief by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying an ice pack, and following the 5/5/5 rule: massage the treatment area for five minutes, five times a day for five days. 

Results

As collagen production increases, you will see gradual improvements over the next few weeks. After 2-4 sessions are completed, results will become visible in 4-6 weeks. Patients can see their results last for up to two years or more. ^[3]

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Scottsdale Plastics is pleased to offer patients a wide range of services that addresses many concerns. During our discussion, we may discuss how you can gain the best results with other treatments. 

Facelift

If loose sagging skin and wrinkles are more of a concern than volume loss, a facelift may be the best solution. This surgical procedure is often considered the golden standard for facial rejuvenation. During a facelift, the surgeon repositions the underlying tissues of the face and removes excess skin to address wrinkles, jowling, and lax skin. At the end of the surgery, patients can look forward to the long-lasting benefits of a youthful, refreshed appearance.

Juvederm

While Sculptra is an effective way to restore volume, it’s not intended for fine lines and wrinkles, and does take several weeks before results begin to become visible. For those who want a more immediate improvement, Juvederm may be more appropriate. This dermal filler plumps the skin and removes moderate wrinkles and fine lines on the face. This injectable’s main ingredient is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally occurring in our skin, and keeps the deep layers of the dermis hydrated and healthy. Juvederm is a HA gel that is injected subdermally for a rapid improvement in volume that also facilitates the production of collagen. 

Juvederm Voluma XC

Juvederm comes in several different varieties that are specially formulated to treat different areas of the face. Patients who want a more immediate solution for lost fullness in their cheeks can benefit from Voluma XC. The gel in this version of Juvederm is designed to be firm and resilient enough to add substantial volume to the cheeks while also preserving natural facial movements.

Cost of Sculptra in Scottsdale

The final price of your Sculptra treatment depends upon the areas you wish to treat, the number of sessions you require, and the amount of Sculptra injected at each session. If you’re interested in financing your Sculptra, please check out our helpful resources to find ways to make payments easier. 

FAQ

References

1. Lacombe V. Sculptra: A Stimulatory Filler. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2009;25(02):095-099. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1220648
2. Sickles CK, Nassereddin A, Gross GP. Poly-L-Lactic Acid. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed July 8, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/
3. Fitzgerald R, Bass LM, Goldberg DJ, Graivier MH, Lorenc ZP. Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(suppl_1):S13-S17. doi:10.1093/asj/sjy012