Sculptra Dermal Filler

Sculptra® is a popular injectable treatment option for signs of aging. Over time, the skin on your face may lose fullness and develop a sunken effect, aging you dramatically. To remedy this, the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center offers Sculptra in Cincinnati, which can replace some of that lost volume over time.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra, made by Sanofi Aventis, is a synthetic product made of poly-L-lactic acid. This product has had extensive use in Europe and initially was approved in the United States to help the cheek atrophy or wasting in AIDS patients.

sculptra cincinnati

When Sculptra was originally introduced in the United States, it was given FDA clearance for treating facial lipoatrophy. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. No skin testing is required.

As of July 2009, Sculptra has FDA clearance for cosmetic facial procedures that treat mild to severe nasolabial folds, wrinkles and contour irregularities.

Dr. Mandell-Brown & Dr. Maccarone

Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and Dr. Gina Maccarone strive to offer Natural Look™ cosmetic surgery results in an educational, supportive environment. Each holds multiple board certifications, so you can rest assured that your surgeon has the credentials and aesthetic eye to precisely tailor your surgical plan for safe, aesthetically sound outcomes.

Portrait of Dr. Mandell-Brown and Dr. Maccarone smiling

Am I a Good Candidate for Sculptra?

You might be an ideal candidate for Sculptra if you want to reduce harsh to moderate lines. It is also an excellent option for patients who want to add volume to the recessed parts of their skin caused by aging or weight loss.

However, Sculptra is not ideal for patients who are younger than 18, are pregnant or nursing, or have active skin problems like rashes or outbreaks. It is not recommended for those with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring or those taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Your Sculptra Consultation

Before you can get Sculptra injections, you will need to meet with us for a consultation to go over your treatment goals. As part of this, we will learn about your allergies, current medications, vitamins, supplements, and history of similar procedures.

During the consultation, we will discuss what Sculptra can do as a dermal filler and document your skin’s appearance before the treatment. We will also explain the benefits, potential complications, and pre- and post-treatment instructions. If you have any questions about the treatment, we will be happy to answer them.

Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown is a frequent speaker at national soft tissue filler training programs.

What Can I Expect from the Sculptra Treatment?

Before your Sculptra treatment, the injection site and surrounding area will be cleansed with an antiseptic. Using a fine needle, your plastic surgeon will inject a small amount of the Sculptra solution. A conservative amount is first used because of how Sculptra works over time. With a series of Sculptra injections, the body builds collagen around the poly-L-lactic acid particles.

Sculptra Aftercare and Results

The results of Sculptra can be quite impressive when filling out cheek hollowness and can have some skin lifting effect as well. Sculptra lasts approximately one to two years, at which point it is naturally absorbed by the body. Patients usually receive a series of injections spaced six to eight weeks apart until the desired volume is added.

Side effects are usually minimal and not long-lasting, but may include small lumps or bumps, tenderness, swelling or bruising at the treatment site. You should avoid strenuous activities within 24 hours after getting the injection. It won’t be long before you can go back to your regular activities.

Sculptra Alternatives

While the long-lasting effects of Sculptra are unique, some dermal fillers such as RHA fillers and Radiesse can be used to treat more mild depressions in the skin, like lines and wrinkles.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost?

The cost of Sculptra varies depending on factors like the number of areas being addressed. The price of the treatment will vary based on how many vials you will need in order to achieve your desired results. You will learn more about this during the consultation.

Related Procedures Set Up Your Consultation

To learn more about how long-lasting Sculptra in Cincinnati can work to restore lost volume to your face, please contact Dr. Mandell-Brown to schedule a consultation.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mandell-Brown — Updated on Mar 11, 2024