Sculptra Face
Conveniently located to serve Seattle and Bellevue
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What is sculptra?
Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA) is a biostimulant injectable used to restore facial volume and reduce wrinkles. Unlike traditional fillers that simply “fill in” lines, Sculptra stimulates your body to produce more of its own collagen for a gradual, natural-looking result.
How does it work?
- Sculptra is injected into targeted areas of the face or neck.
- Over time, your body builds new collagen in these areas.
- This leads to skin that looks tighter, smoother, and fuller.
What is the science?
- PLLA is a biostimulator
- Instead of physically filling space, it reactivates fibroblasts (cells that make collagen).
- The product has excellent biocompatibility. As your body breaks Sculptra down into water and carbon dioxide, the cells produce new collagen.
- Because it uses your own natural collagen, results often look more natural and may last longer than hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.
FDA approval:
2004 – Facial fat loss (Lipoatrophy
2009 – Shallow to deep nasolabial fold (ie. smile line)
2009 – Other facial wrinkle
PLLA vs hyaluronic acid fillers
| PLLA (Sculptra) | Hyaluronic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12-24 months | 6-18 months (location dependent) |
| Onset of effect | Progressive (2-3months) | Immediate |
| Reversibility | No | Yes |
| Treatment sessions | 2-3+ | 1+ |
| Risks | Rare. Similar to each other | Rare. Similar to each other. |
How much sculptra is needed?
- The general guideline is “one vial per decade of life.”
30s → ~3 vials
40s → ~4 vials
50s → ~5 vials - Vials are spread over multiple sessions depending on your skin and goals.
What is the typical treatment course?
- 2–4 sessions, spaced 4–8 weeks apart.
- Example: A patient in their 30s may need 3 vials total, injected over 3 visits (1 vial per session)
What are the common areas treated in the face?
- Temple
- Cheek
- Nasolabial fold
- Marionette line
- Jowls
- Jaw line
- Neck
What is the after care?
- Follow the 5-5-5 Rule: Massage for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.
- Apply ice packs for comfort and swelling.
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may help with redness, swelling, or itching.
Other body parts that may be injected with Sculptra
(off-label use)
- Hand
- Arms
- Knees
- Decolletage (Chest)
- Thighs
- Buttucks (“Sculptra butt lift”)
What are the common areas avoided?
Because of higher risk for nodules, Sculptra is generally not used in:
- Forehead
- Around the eyes
- Around the mouth
Contraindication (When Sculptra should be avoided)
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to PLLA or lidocaine
- Severe allergies / history of anaphylaxis
- History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
What are possible complications?
The complications of Sculptra are similar to those seen with other fillers. Patients may notice redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which usually improves within a few days. Because Sculptra is a biostimulant, it can sometimes cause inflammation, itching, or irritation as the body responds to the product. A complication more specific to Sculptra is the possible development of small nodules or lumps under the skin. These are usually not visible but can sometimes be felt, and their formation may depend on factors such as the amount injected, the depth of placement, and the way the product was prepared.