Sculptra®
Poly-L-lactic Acid Injectable Filler
Sculptra®
Sculptra® is the brand name for injections of poly-L-lactic acid. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable, synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family. It is FDA approved for the correction of facial fat loss in people with HIV. FDA approval is expected soon for its use in all non-HIV related facial fat loss.
Sculptra® is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra® provides an increase in skin thickness. The results will be visible within the first few treatment sessions and will last for 2 years or more.
Your plastic surgeon will determine the number of treatment sessions that will obtain the best result. After the first treatment session, your plastic surgeon will want to reexamine you in two weeks. He/she will then assess if you need additional treatments. It is common for patients with extreme facial fat loss to require three to six sessions.
In a clinical study the treatment results lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effects.
The most common side effects with Sculptra® include bleeding, tenderness, redness, bruising and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you to massage the treated area (a few times a day) for several days after the treatment. Additionally, an icepack may be applied after the treatment to help any swelling.
Dermal Fillers - Quick Topic Navigation
To find out about the cost of dermal fillers and other general information, click on the various links.
- Introduction to Dermal Fillers
- How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
- What Do Dermal Fillers Treat?
- Restylane Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler
- Juvederm Halyaronic Acid Dermal Filler
- Injectable Collagen
- Fat Injections
- Radiesse - Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Injectable Filler
- Sculptra - Poly-L-lactic Acid Injectable Filler (you are here)
- How much does Radiesse, Scupltra, Restylane, Collagen, or Juvederm Cost?
- The Dermal Filler Procedure
- Recovering from the Dermal Filler Procedure
- How long will Radiesse, Scupltra, Restylane, Collagen, Juvederm or other Dermal Fillers Last?
- Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Your Dermal Filler Procedure
- Dermal Filler Before and After Photos