Sculptra

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a new product which has been specially developed to help the body to "fill-in" the lines, wrinkles and depressions which develop naturally over the years.

Sculptra is a polylactic acid which occurs naturally and which helps to stimulate the body's own production of collagen within the line or wrinkle, making the skin appear smoother and firmer.

How does Sculptra work?

Using a needle, Sculptra is injected into the line or wrinkle by a specially trained, qualified practitioner. Initially the gel fills the wrinkle, but Sculptra also works over time to stimulate the production of new collagen within the wrinkle, so the skin regains its previous elasticity and smoothness.

Where can Sculptra be used?

Sculptra is an excellent way of treating lines and wrinkles on all parts of the face including the forehead, around the eyes, lips, between the mouth and nose and cheeks. Sculptra can add volume to areas which may have become hollow or 'baggy' such as rings around the eyes, cheeks, lips, folds around the chin and even on hands, knees and ankles. Certain types of scars can also be created.

How long does Sculptra last?

Due to the way Sculptra acts to stimulate the body's own collagen, the results can last much longer than other types of cosmetic implant. Most patients should expect a sustained improvement for twelve months and in some cases even longer.

What should I bear in mind after the treatment?

Immediately after treatment, there may be slight redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area. This a normal result of the injection. This inconvenience generally disappears after a few days. If these do not, or if other reactions occur, it is advised to contact your physician.

Your physician will advise you not to drink alcohol or to expose your face to UV light for the next 24 hours to speed up the recovery process.

If you are having treatment to the lip area and have a history of cold sores your doctor will prescribe anti-viral medication to prevent a flare up of cold sores, a well known result to any trauma of the lips.

Straight after having your Sculptra treatment you will see an improvement in the firmness of the skin as the wrinkles and lines have been literally "filled" with the Sculptra. Within the next two to three weeks the wrinkle or line may appear to regress. Don't worry - this is normal - after a few days, the gel starts to stimulate the natural production of collagen. You will be able to see the full effect approximately 20 days after having your treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Sculptra is made from substances found naturally in the body and contains no animal proteins. But, as with all substances/medication there is the possibility of an allergic reaction.

However potential side effects include:

• Swelling/bruising at the injection site
• Itching
• Allergic reaction
• Bruising
• Redness
• Cold sores

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy
• Breast feeding
• Blood coagulation disorders

Cautions:

• Aspirin
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Vitamin E
• Gingko Biloba
• St John's Wort