What is the Recovery Time from Sculptra?

Sculptra is not an immediately gratifying procedure.  One has to be patient with the results of your body's production of new collagen as a response to the injection of the Sculptra material.  Usually it is done three times separated by six weeks.  The needle is slightly larger diameter than the finer needles of Restylane and Juvederm so there is a greater chance of bruising with Sculptra and in addition, the Sculptra is injected more deeply in the fatty layer than Juvederm or Restylane so there may be more brusiing for this reason as well.  Bruises are gone usually by two weeks, rarely longer.  Swelling occurs and is gone usually in several days. Taking arnica by mouth, an herb, may reduce swelling and bruising. Avoiding aspirin, and non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents such as Motrin (Advil, Ibuprofen) and Alleve, fish oil, garlic tabs, ginko, ginseng and other blood thinners may decrease the risk of bruising.

Because Sculptra involves several needle sticks, bruising and swelling can occur. This has not been a sigificant problem in my experience when the injections are down carefully and by someone experieced with this product. After a few days, the "fill" will go away as your body absorbs the liquid. Your body will then build collagen over the next 4-6 weeks, increasing your volume naturally. Depending on how much volume you need replaced, you may need 3-6 treatments done about 4-6 weeks apart.  Again, make sure your doctor is experienced in using Sculptra.