As early as your 20s or 30s, you may begin to notice that your skin is showing visible signs of aging. Lines, wrinkles, and volume loss can make you look and feel older than your actual age.
Thankfully, there are non-surgical and minimally-invasive treatment options that can activate your body’s natural power to rejuvenate your skin. We encourage you to call our office and schedule your consultation to learn more about Sculptra in Parker County.
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler that works differently than most other dermal fillers. The product is a gel-like substance made of poly-l-lactic acid instead of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound in the body that attracts and retains moisture.
Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) stimulates your body to produce collagen. This is a protein molecule in your skin that provides structure, support, and strength. Initially, Sculptra was approved to treat HIV-related fat loss in the face.
PLLA is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer used in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications. As a soft tissue filler, it is injected into the deeper tissues (fat compartments or along your bone) to reverse volume loss related to aging, sun damage, or weight loss.
Since Sculptra triggers your body to produce more collagen, it is commonly used in areas of the face or body as a temporary lift or to smooth out lines and wrinkles. For example, it can treat nasolabial folds, which are the lines that appear from your nose to the corners of your mouth and can become particularly deep.
Sculptra can increase volume in the hollows of the temples, in front of the ears, along the cheek bones, and can even define a weak jawline. It is not recommended as an under-eye filler or for lip augmentation, but has been used to add subtle volume and contour to the buttocks and hips.
It can also be injected into the triceps, biceps, and pectoralis muscles to improve definition. Patients in Parker County may find that Sculptra can also improve the results of cellulite treatment by filling in cellulite dimples on the thighs or buttocks.
Unlike other dermal fillers that produce an immediate volume change by filling in the space, Sculptra stimulates your body’s collagen production and acts as a scaffold where new fibroblasts can produce collagen over time.
Once the product is injected into the subcutaneous layer of the skin, the area can appear fuller because of the water content in the injection. However, this volume change is gone within a few days as your body absorbs the fluid.
PLLA microparticles trigger a mild inflammatory response in the target area. This activates cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen. In the following weeks and months, these fibroblasts make new collagen around the PLLA particles. The process produces a gradual volume restoration and remodeling, that provides a more natural and subtle enhancement. Your body will metabolize the polylactic acid, which ensures that Sculptra is biodegradable and does not leave any permanent compounds in your body.
Sculptra injections are minimally-invasive and the healing time is typically far faster than other cosmetic treatments. It is not uncommon to experience some swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness at the injection site, but they are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
Most patients in Parker County feel well enough to return to their daily activities immediately after getting Sculptra. However, you should avoid exercising or strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to ensure the product settles and begins to work.
While Sculptra encourages your body to produce more collagen, your body begins breaking it down more quickly as you age. The results from Sculptra can last up to two years or more, depending on your age, lifestyle, and skin condition. This is far longer than most other dermal fillers.
You can take several steps to maintain the effect of the treatment. For example:
Chronic stress also negatively impacts your skin health, so consider practicing management techniques like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation methods.
Skin changes, volume loss, and age eventually affect everyone. However, not everyone ages in the same way. If you are reading up on Sculptra in Parker County, we encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation to learn how it can address your cosmetic concerns and offer a convenient approach to a more youthful appearance.
