Understanding Sculptra Aesthetic

Before-and-after photo of a 49-year-old treated with Sculptra. Treatment included: 5 visits over 25 months.

As you all may know, this month SkinSpaMED is offering quite a few deals on Sculptra. We love the product and since we have put out the specials we have received a lot of questions.

The biggest question received: “Which do you prefer?” The simple answer is, it depends.

Here’s why.

Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen — an underlying cause of facial aging — for results that can last more than two years. It is a Polylactic Acid-based injectable filler that promotes the production of collagen in your face, neck, hands and decollete.

Although Sculptra is grouped into the dermal fillers category, it’s not your standard filler, nor are all treatments or injectables are created the same. Some target different areas of the face, and, more importantly, produce different effects.

To understand the difference, Sculptra says on their site,

“Traditional collagen creams claim to deliver collagen absorbed by the skin; however, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the dermis. So, in actuality, most of these treatments include vitamins and hold moisture, making them suitable moisturizers that can briefly improve skin’s appearance.

Collagen dietary supplements are meant to facilitate the production of collagen within the body. However, collagen is a protein that, when ingested, is broken down by the digestive system. Results for these types of treatments are inconclusive.

Toxins work by temporarily weakening muscles, typically in the forehead, to minimize frown lines. Results appear within a couple days and can last up to a couple months.”

Fillers are liquid or gel substances, like hyaluronic acid or bovine or porcine collagen that diminish lines by pushing up the dermis space beneath wrinkles and creases. Results appear immediately and can last up to several months.

Collagen stimulators are used to diminish facial wrinkles by helping to restore the deep, underlying structure of the skin. Results appear gradually over the treatment regime, typically three injections over the course of three to four months, and can last up to two years.

It works with your body within the deep dermis to help revitalize collagen production and help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume. As the Sculptra microparticles are absorbed, they help stimulate collagen production.

You can use Sculptra in your temples, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and the chin area where your jowls start to form. You can also use it in your hands, decollete, and your neck for cording and wrinkling.