Sculptra

Sculptra is made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible material that helps stimulate your body's natural collagen production.

Immediately after treatment, you may notice some temporary fullness from the fluid used during the injection process. As that swelling subsides, Sculptra begins doing its real work beneath the surface.

Over the following several weeks, new collagen gradually develops, helping improve:

• Facial volume and support 
• Skin firmness and thickness 
• Overall skin quality 
• Facial contours 
• Areas affected by age-related collagen loss 
• Changes in facial volume following significant weight loss 

Because the improvement develops gradually, Sculptra is especially appealing to patients who want a refreshed appearance without an abrupt or obvious change.

 Sculptra may be an excellent option for patients experiencing:

✓ Volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and lower face

✓ Reduced facial structure or support associated with aging

✓ Skin that appears thinner, less firm, or less resilient

✓ Progressive collagen loss associated with age and hormonal changes

✓ Facial volume changes following significant weight loss

✓ A desire for gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation

✓ Patients who want to improve their appearance without surgery or significant downtime

 Sculptra is different from treatments designed to create an immediate or dramatic transformation.

Patients often choose it because they want:

• Gradual, natural-looking improvement
•  Increased collagen production 
• Better skin firmness and structure 
• Restoration without an overly filled appearance 
• Long-term facial support 
• Results that develop discreetly over time 

Think of Sculptra less as “adding filler” and more as encouraging your skin to rebuild some of the structural support it has gradually lost.

 Your appointment begins with an individualized assessment of your facial anatomy, areas of collagen loss, and aesthetic goals.

Once your treatment plan is established, the skin is cleansed and Sculptra is carefully placed into the appropriate treatment areas.

A typical appointment takes approximately 45-60 minutes, although treatment time varies depending on the number of areas being addressed. 

Immediately afterward, the treated areas may appear somewhat fuller. This is expected and is largely related to the fluid used during treatment rather than your final Sculptra result.

Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising can occur and generally improves over the following several days.

 Sculptra is designed to work gradually.

While every patient responds differently, a general timeline may look like:

Immediately after treatment:
Temporary fullness and mild swelling may be present.

Approximately 3–6 weeks:
Early collagen-related improvements may begin becoming noticeable.

Over 3–6 months:
Collagen production continues and results become progressively more apparent.

The goal is not an overnight transformation. Instead, the face gradually begins to look more supported, refreshed, and youthful.

Because the change happens slowly, friends and family may simply notice that you look good without immediately knowing why.

 Sculptra results are designed to be long-lasting because the treatment stimulates your own collagen rather than relying entirely on injected volume.

For many patients, improvements may remain visible for up to approximately two years or longer, although longevity varies depending on age, anatomy, lifestyle, treatment plan, and individual collagen response.

Maintenance treatments can be discussed once your initial treatment series is complete

 Sculptra is typically performed as a series rather than a single treatment.

Many patients benefit from approximately:

2–3 treatment sessions
spaced roughly 4–6 weeks apart

Your individual plan may vary depending on:

• Age 
• Facial anatomy 
• Degree of volume and collagen loss 
• Areas being treated 
• Previous aesthetic treatments 
• Your desired level of correction 

Some patients are looking for subtle collagen support, while others want more comprehensive facial restoration.

Your treatment plan will be customized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all formula.

  A few simple steps can help minimize unnecessary bruising and make your treatment experience more comfortable.

Before your appointment, we generally recommend:

• Avoiding alcohol for approximately 24–48 hours when possible 
• Arriving with clean skin and minimal or no makeup 
• Staying well hydrated 
• Letting us know about all medications and supplements you take 
• Rescheduling your appointment if you develop an active illness, infection, cold sore, or significant irritation near the treatment area 

Certain medications and supplements can increase bruising, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and some herbal supplements.

Do not discontinue a prescription medication without first speaking with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

Your complete medical history will be reviewed before treatment.

  Mild swelling, tenderness, bruising, and temporary fullness are common following treatment.

Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

You may be instructed to:

• Massage the treated areas as directed 
• Remain well hydrated 
• Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours 
• Avoid excessive heat, saunas, and hot tubs shortly after treatment 
• Limit alcohol for the first 24 hours 
• Avoid unnecessary pressure on freshly treated areas 
• Follow all individualized instructions provided by your injector 

Sculptra has traditionally been associated with the “5-5-5” massage protocol—five minutes, five times per day, for five days—but your injector will tell you exactly how they want you to massage based on your treatment.

Contact Elysium promptly if you experience symptoms that seem unusual or concerning following treatment.