Sculptra works by targeting the areas of collagen loss in your skin. Collagen are cells that run throughout your skin and gives your skin the elastic, firm, and healthy look that it has. Over time, your body produces less collagen and there is also fat loss in your skin, which together results in the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Sculptra is an injectable substance that is made up of a synthetic material known as poly-L-lactic acid. Since Sculptra uses a synthetic biocompatible material and not any human or animal components, no allergy testing is required by the FDA or our office. This injectable is not a replacement for your lost collagen but causes new collagen to be formed. It is a safe substance that is naturally absorbed by the body. It revitalizes your old collagen and stimulates new collagen growth, filling lost volume and restoring a more youthful, fuller, younger look.
Sculptra is a gradual process. By injecting poly-L-lactic into those areas where the collagen has decreased, it replaces and restores it to its previous youth through this stimulatory process. If you want a filler with immediate results, you might consider Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, or Radiesse.
The process usually takes less than 20 minutes. It may take longer if there are more areas of treatment. The amount of pain varies between people depending on the sensitivity of their skin and the area treated. There might be some initial slight pain at the injection site. After the injection there could be slight bruising, some redness, itching, a little swelling, or even some bleeding. These effects go away after a short period of time though.