Sculptra: 5 things you want to know

There are plenty of anti-wrinkle, anti-aging and skin-improving treatments on the market today. Some are similar, others solve specific problems, but the goal is always the same: a younger, fresher appearance. Of all these different treatments, the Sculptra treatment is truly unique. It uses the substance poly-L-lactic acid and works with your body to gradually produce collagen. Precisely because it puts your own body to work, the results are natural and long-lasting. Are you considering a Sculptra treatment? Then these 5 tips are for you.

1. What is Sculptra for?

Sculptra is an injectable designed to fill wrinkles and give volume back to, for example, sunken cheeks and temples. It is a biostimulant, which means it stimulates your body's collagen production. Precisely because your own body is put to work, it takes longer to see results, but the effects last much longer. Usually, you see your first difference after 6 weeks and often the improvement of your skin lasts up to 2 years. The advantage of gradually building up collagen is that it makes Sculptra very natural. The change takes place over a longer period of time, so you don't get a completely different face all at once.

2. Sculptra is not the same as a hyaluronic acid filler

As we age, our bodies naturally stop producing lots of collagen and we experience volume loss: one of the main reasons for visible facial ageing. Although both hyaluronic acid and Sculptra are both injectables that provide volume, the way they work is very different.

Hyaluronic acid filler is particularly used to fill or add volume to deep wrinkles and specific areas. In addition, the results of hyaluronic acid filler are visible almost immediately. Results last for an average of 9 - 12 months and can be repeated well after that. However, if you need a lot of filler because there is a lot of volume loss, it quickly becomes quite an expensive treatment.

Sculptra works with the body to restore the skin's inner structure and volume through collagen production. That means it takes time to see results, but the effect lasts longer and often looks more natural. Thanks precisely to the collagen, you not only regain volume, your wrinkles soften and your entire skin structure improves.

3. How do I choose a practitioner?

As with any cosmetic procedure, experience and skill are key when choosing a practitioner. An experienced cosmetic practitioner usually delivers better results with fewer complications, than a non-experienced specialist. For proper Sculptra treatment, it is important that your practitioner understands how to properly prepare and inject this product to avoid problems.

Therefore, even before your Sculptra treatment, do proper research on the treating doctor and clinic. Read online reviews, look at before-and-after photos and always visit for a personal consultation.

4. Know what to expect

Know that you will not see immediate results after your Sculptra treatment. The volume that the diluted Sculptra initially gives retreats soon after treatment, as it is broken down by the body. Collagen production needs to get going, and you won't see those effects until 6 weeks on average. Furthermore, results can vary from person to person, as they depend on the individual's ability to produce collagen. This means that someone aged 30 or 40 might see more results than someone aged 60 with less collagen in their body. Get proper information from your doctor to determine whether Sculptra can give you the results you want.

5. Avoid bumps

Preventing bumps starts with an experienced practitioner and the right injection technique. It is important that your doctor knows how and where to inject Sculptra and that she can explain the right massage technique to you for afterwards.

After your treatment, it is advised to massage the treated areas regularly to prevent the Sculptra from clumping. You can follow the 5-5-5 massage rules here: for the first 5 days, massage 5 times a day for at least 5 minutes each time.

To further boost collagen afterwards, you can combine your Sculptra treatment with connective tissue massages and supplement with collagen supplements. The Tight me up package from Skin +Surgery combines all three at a fixed, fair price.

Want to know if Sculptra is a great treatment for you? Feel free to schedule a non-binding consultation in, for a personal consultation. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic in The Hague or Bergschenhoek, nearby Rotterdam.