It’s been said each line and wrinkle on your face tells a different story about your life experience. That said, not everyone believes facial lines and wrinkles are required. If you wish you could reverse the visible signs of the aging process, we can help. At Advanced Life Clinic in Huntsville, AL, we offer Sculptra aesthetic, a PLLA-based dermal filler that will volumize your skin and restore the appearance of youth by inducing collagen production.
Does Sculptra Aesthetic Look Natural?
Although Sculptra aesthetic is a dermal filler, it’s unique in that it provides incredibly durable results that look wholly natural. Additionally, some of the results of treatment are evident immediately. The primary role of this PLLA-based injectable is the induction of collagen production in the treatment area. Your own skin provides the most significant results. These results look completely natural because they are completely natural.
They come about as your skin produces collagen. This contrasts significantly with alternative anti-aging solutions that rejuvenate your appearance by injecting synthetic chemicals beneath your skin. Due to its mechanism of action, your results will never look artificial or overdone. After all, your body provides the results rather than the injectable filler. Regardless of your desired treatment area, soft, subtle fullness will be added to fill in wrinkles and volumize hollow regions.
What Is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable dermal filler approved by the FDA to volumize the face and body by inducing collagen. When injected into strategic locations, it can fill in hollow cheeks and temples, smooth wrinkles away and help you look years younger and refreshed. Most people use this treatment to treat cosmetic concerns in the lower portion of the face, such as hollow cheeks, chin wrinkles, smile lines, marionette lines, jowls and nasolabial folds.
However, it can also be used to fill in hollow temples and restore volume to the forehead. Furthermore, this volumizing injectable can restore volume to other parts of the body, such as the chest. Additionally, it can be used to perform a non-invasive Brazilian butt lift, enhancing the size and shape of the butt.
The Two Dermal Filler Types
The two primary types of dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers and dermal fillers that encourage collagen production. Both types of fillers reverse the signs of aging by adding volume to the foundational layers of the skin. While they’re both effective, the results become apparent at different rates and the results aren’t quite the same.
Hyaluronic Acid-Based Dermal Fillers
Most dermal fillers on the market use an artificial version of hyaluronic acid (HA) to volumize the skin. They are used to restore volume to parts of the face that have experienced a significant loss of hyaluronic acid. HA is produced naturally by the body to keep your skin tissues hydrated, soft and youthful. As you age, your body produces less of this critical acid than it uses.
This leads to the formation of wrinkles and visible skin dehydration. Remember, the HA present in dermal fillers is an artificial version of the acid used to replenish parts of the skin with noticeably less acid and hydration. An immediate volumization of the skin occurs when the acid is injected, and the results of treatment continue to improve over the course of 10 to 14 days.
Collagen-Stimulating Dermal Fillers
Sculptra Aesthetic is a collagen-stimulating dermal filler. Rather than using synthetic HA to volumize the skin, it uses poly-L -lactic acid. The chemicals in the PLLA stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production process. At the same time as your body slows its production of hyaluronic acid, it slows down its production of collagen and elastin.
That’s why this filler is essential for maintaining your youthful aesthetic. Once this filler is administered, your body will start producing extra collagen in response to the active ingredient. Over time, you will see beautiful, natural results. However, we would like to reiterate that you will see an immediate improvement.
Are Collagen Creams Effective?
Lots of OTC skincare products claim to youthen your skin. While collagen is quite nutrient-rich, volume can’t be restored by applying the essential protein to the upper layer of your skin. These creams can hydrate the superficial layer of your skin, but they can’t encourage your skin to produce extra collagen.
The only effective variation of collagen is the collagen that comes from the deepest layers of your skin. When collagen is present in the foundational layer of your skin, the signs of aging are reversed and hydration is restored. This injectable dermal filler is so effective because it treats the root cause of the signs of aging. It helps your body heal itself.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Your treatment process will consist of three steps. First, you need to come in for an evaluation. Then, your treatment will be administered. Finally, you will be able to enjoy your results for roughly five years. Each step in the process is necessary to ensure you benefit as much as possible from treatment. The goal is to restore your self-confidence by volumizing problem areas, youthening your appearance.
Your Consultation
As noted above, the first step in your treatment process is an initial consultation. This step is crucial because we need to understand your health history and aesthetic goals to provide you with the most effective treatments to achieve your goals. Besides talking about your general medical history, we need to know about any allergies you have.
Once we ensure this treatment will be safe for you, we will assess your problem areas to identify the most effective injection locations. At this time, you should ask any questions you have about treatment. If you’re concerned about any part of the process, please let us know. We will advise you on what to expect throughout the injection process and how to care for your skin afterward.
Preparing for Your Injection Session
To ensure you get the best possible results, it is very important to follow all preparation instructions. To ensure your skin is adequately hydrated at the time of your appointment, make an effort to drink at least 2.5 liters of hydrating fluids in the 24 hours leading up to your scheduled injection session. The more hydrated your skin is, the better your results will be.
You should also avoid any cosmetic treatments or skincare products that may irritate your skin for 72 hours before your injection session. For example, you should refrain from exfoliating your skin through mechanical or chemical means. It is particularly important to avoid chemical peels before your session because your skin’s pH should be balanced. Otherwise, skin irritation or inflammation may occur. Here are some other things you should avoid:
- Unprotected sun exposure
- Tanning beds
- Alcohol consumption
- Nicotine consumption
- Blood thinners
Your Appointment
We will schedule your injection session once we have determined you are a good candidate for this anti-aging injectable. Once your skin is cleaned, the injections will be administered into the most strategic locations in your problem areas so you get the best possible results. You will remain comfortable throughout the entire injection session because the needle used is so fine.
If you’re afraid of the needle hurting, we can apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. However, you should be aware that this treatment is much more comfortable than intramuscular injection, like a vaccine. You will only feel a slight pressure as the injectable is administered.
Your Aftercare
We will advise you on recommended aftercare steps once your session is complete. One of the most important aftercare steps you must adhere to is wearing sunscreen diligently during the first 72 hours following your injections.
In the first 24 hours following your injections, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and other forms of excessive heat. Furthermore, you should touch your face as little as possible after your session.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
How Soon Will I See My Results?
As noted previously, you will see an immediate increase in volume when your injections are complete. That said, this treatment works by encouraging your skin to produce extra collagen. It may take between two and three months to enjoy the full benefits of the extra collagen production. We will talk to you during your initial consultation about the factors that affect how quickly you will see your final results, including:
- Age
- Skin health
- Overall health
How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?
Remember, the results of your treatment will last around five years. The results last this long because by the time your skin has broken down the primary ingredient in the filler, it has started the increased collagen production process. Notably, your results will last roughly five years after the appearance of your final results (two to three months post-injection) without making an effort to preserve the health of your collagen.
However, you should also be aware that in severe cases, your ideal results may only last a couple of years. Depending on your age, skin health and concerns, you may want to take steps to maintain the health of your collagen.
How Many Sessions Are Required for Ideal Results?
We can tell you how many sessions you will need to achieve your ideal results during your initial consultation. That said, only the most extreme cases require two sessions for ideal results. Most people only need one injection session to perfect their appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Again, we will determine whether you are a good candidate for this injectable during your initial consultation. There is a good chance you will qualify for this anti-aging injectable if you want to help your body help itself. That said, there are a few things that may preclude you from qualifying.
For example, this treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of research on the effects of poly-L -lactic acid on fetuses or breastfeeding infants. Additionally, this treatment may not be right for you if you are younger than 18 or older than 65.
Book an Appointment Now
Sculptra Aesthetic delivers natural results because it encourages your skin to produce collagen. It is more effective than collagen creams because the results come from deep within your skin and the root cause of your visible aging is treated. Contact us now at Advanced Life Clinic in Huntsville, AL to book an appointment and find out if this dermal filler is appropriate for you. We look forward to helping you achieve your ideal aesthetic.
