Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved injectable filler that’s used to smooth deep wrinkles and reverse volume loss that can lead to a gaunt or sunken appearance. Initially approved to treat HIV-related facial fat loss, Sculptra is most commonly injected in these areas of the face:
- nasolabial folds (especially on either side of the nose, where these folds can be particularly deep)
- fine lines and wrinkles on the cheeks
- hollows in the temples or in front of the ears
- sunken cheeks
- wrinkled chins
- weak jawline
It’s not recommended as an under-eye filler or for lip augmentation.
In recent years, providers have begun injecting Sculptra “off-label” (beyond its current FDA approval) in other areas of the body:
- A Sculptra butt lift adds subtle volume and contour to the buttocks and hips
- Injection in the thighs, triceps, biceps, and pectorals boosts definition and volume
- Treating the elbows or knees diminishes wrinkles
- Filling in cellulite dimples in the buttocks, thighs, or other areas can be a standalone solution or improve the results of another cellulite treatment
- Using diluted Sculptra on the neck or chest thickens and smoothes skin
Manufactured by Galderma, Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic polymer that adds volume and stimulates new collagen production within the deep dermis. Thanks to this biostimulatory effect, Sculptra lasts about twice as long as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane.
Dr. Cameron Chesnut, a dermatologic surgeon in Spokane, Washington, explains that this aesthetic treatment is entirely unique. “Sculptra causes collagen creation within and under your skin, literally acting as a seed to regrow lost collagen. There is no other product on the market with the same mechanism of action.”
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