What is SCULPTRA®?

SCULPTRA® is the first original collagen stimulator. It is also called a biostimulator as it “stimulates” ones own body to produce more collagen. The main ingredient in this injectable is Poly L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). PLLA is a synthetic molecule that stimulates fibroblast to produce more collagen and elastin. It is these two component that restores the skin’s firmness and fullness.

SCULPTRA® has been FDA approved since 2009 for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles in healthy patients. Not only does it improve wrinkles, but it also volumizes the face and improves overall skin quality (radiance, smoothness, pigmentation, redness and pore size). This improvement is often referred to as the “Sculptra glow’’.

How does it work?

Poly-L-lactic triggers a “foreign body reaction” that leads to a sub-inflammatory cellular response that acts on fibroblasts to produce collagen. Not only does it increase collagen but causes the connective tissue to have a better blood supply. Although the inflammatory response subsides in 6 months, the collagen production continues, increasing dermal thickness that lasts about 2 years. SCULPTRA® is the only PLLA proven to stimulate Collagen Type I (the most important type collagen related to skin aging).

Am I a candidate?

After the age of 20, one looses about 1% of collagen per year. It is thus indicated for people who have lost collagen and have healthy immune systems. It is used specifically for the correction of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging due to collagen loss. It gradually helps restore the skin’s structure and volume.

The following are contra-indications for this treatment:

• Persons under the age of 18 years.
• Persons with an “unhealthy” immune system including having any auto-immune diseases (i.e. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) or patients on any immunosuppressant medications.
• Any person with a hypersensitivity to the components of SCULPTRA® (i.e. Poly-L Lactic Acid, carboxymethylcellulose, mannitol).
• Persons with a known history of or susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring.
• Females who are pregnant, lactating or breastfeeding.

NOTE: Treatment may be deferred if there are any active infections especially on the face or inside the mouth. These include pimples and acne, cold sores, upper respiratory tract infection and visiting the dentist in the past month.