SCULPTRA
Which areas does Sculptra Aesthetic treat?
- Sculptra Aesthetic is used to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds on the face. Administered with the appropriate injection technique from a trained specialist, Sculptra Aesthetic is clinically approved for:
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), also called “smile lines”
- Lines framing the mouth (marionette lines)
- Chin wrinkles
For even more specific product information about Sculptra Aesthetic, please see What Is Sculptra Aesthetic?
How many treatments are required?
- On average, a series of three treatment sessions over the course of a few months may be needed. The number of injections at each session will vary, depending on the degree of correction needed and the treatment plan determined by you and your specialist.Learn more about how Sculptra Aesthetic works here.
How soon will I see results?
Sculptra Aesthetic is designed to give you noticeable results that emerge gradually and can last more than two years.* Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see immediate results. A few days after treatment, you may look as you did before treatment. This is normal and temporary. The Sculptra Aesthetic regimen delivers its full effects with an average of three treatment sessions over the course of a few months. Because results happen gradually, you’ll see subtle, yet noticeable, results in the reduction of facial wrinkles and folds by comparing images before treatment and a couple months following treatment.**
See What to expect after treatment for more information.
*Individual results and treatment sessions may vary. Clinical trial ended at 25 months.
**Safety and effectiveness of Sculptra Aesthetic have not been evaluated in areas other than nasolabial wrinkles and folds.
How soon after treatment can I wear makeup?
If there are no complications, you may apply makeup several hours after treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor after treatment.
For further aftercare instructions, please visit our aftercare information section.
Is Sculptra Aesthetic safe? What are the side effects?
Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra Aesthetic is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.
Since Sculptra Aesthetic does not contain any human or animal components, no allergy testing is needed prior to treatments.
Side effects reported include injection site pain, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching and lumps, bleeding or swelling. Small bumps under the skin can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported.
The types and duration of side effects may vary. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor.
Please read our Safety & Side Effects section, as well as our complete Important Safety Information.
Who can inject Sculptra Aesthetic?
Specialists who have been trained to inject Sculptra Aesthetic and are licensed to practice within the state may administer treatment. This can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other trained personnel.
Galderma offers an extensive training program, because we believe that proper injection technique and aftercare are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes.
Training sessions are led by experienced Sculptra Aesthetic specialists around the country, offering a unique opportunity for dermatologists, plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons to learn from their peers in a hands-on forum.
The training program undergoes continuous observation and refinement as the number of trained specialists grows. The goal is to help optimize patient outcomes.
We can help find a trained specialist near you.
How much does Sculptra Aesthetic cost?
- There are several factors that figure into how much treatment will cost, including:
- Number of treatment sessions needed
- Number of Sculptra Aesthetic vials used per session
- Degree of necessary correction determined by you and your specialist
- Specialist fees
- Discounts and special offers
- Geographic market
Since injection costs will vary from person to person, the best way to determine projected costs is to visit with your doctor. Average total treatment package costs can range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on many factors, including those listed above.
Comparing the cost of facial rejuvenation options can be challenging, because so much depends on desired results, the amount of product your doctor recommends, your response to treatment and the amount of time results last.
A facial filler treatment that lasts up to three to six months may cost less up front than one that lasts much longer, but it will generally require additional treatment sessions to maintain the effect for the same duration as one longer-lasting treatment. You may want to consider the total cost over time.
Coupon or rebate programs through Galderma and/or a specialist may be available from time to time. It’s a good idea to ask your specialist if there’s a discount program available at the time of consultation. We highly recommend joining ASPIRE Galderma Rewards, our loyalty program that rewards you with special points, offers and rewards for every Galderma aesthetic treatment you receive — not just Sculptra Aesthetic.
Are you interested in filling in a few wrinkles and want something that will last more than a few months?
Sculptra is a newer generation filler, FDA approved. It is commonly used for facial contouring and filling wrinkles, such as the “smile” wrinkles running from the edge of the nose to the mouth. Some have called Sculptra a liquid face lift because the results are so dramatic. However, with Sculptra, results don’t come immediately. They develop over 4-6 weeks, but they can last 24 months or more, much longer than other fillers. When injected, Sculptra has a mild inflammatory effect that stimulates your body to produce collagen. This collagen production is what makes your skin look younger and also what makes the results last.
Sculptra is made of polylactic acid, which is the synthetic version of lactic acid, a chemical our bodies produce naturally when we exercise. Polylactic acid has been used for over 20 years in various surgical products, including dissolvable stitches. Because Sculptra is made synthetically, the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal—another benefit.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE? IS IT PAINFUL? WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE? ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Sculptra is administered under the skin with a fine gauge needle. It is a liquid that can be combined with a pain killer if necessary. Some people feel some pain; others do not. After the injection, the doctor will massage the area to distribute the liquid. You can expect some mild redness and swelling afterward, but it should go away within a day or two. You can apply ice to reduce swelling.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? HOW MANY INJECTIONS WILL I NEED?
Your results will develop slowly over 4-6 weeks as your body produces collagen. Your doctor will look at your results after about 4 weeks and then will decide how many other injections you need, if any. Results can last 2 years or more.
Why Trust Us
Our doctor and staff are devoted to our patients and to the commitment of providing quality patient care on all levels.