Collagen and elastin naturally decline as you age, leading to visible volume loss in areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline. This change can be triggered by aging, sun exposure, and other environmental factors. As volume fades, facial features may begin to appear flatter or more hollow.
Some treatments work by encouraging your body to gradually restore volume in these areas. Sculptra is an injectable treatment that does this by stimulating collagen production. At Orchidia Medical Group in Naples, FL, we offer Sculptra to patients who want a gradual, natural-looking increase in facial volume.
What is Sculptra?
- Sculptra is a poly-L- lactic acid-based treatment, a unique treatment that restores your skin’s inner structure for a more youthful-looking appearance.
- Sculptra works with your body to revitalize collagen production and increase overall facial volume.
- Sculptra works subtly and gradually over time for results that can last more than 2 years.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is a biostimulator, meaning it activates natural collagen production deep within the skin rather than simply filling lines. Once injected, the poly-L-lactic acid particles begin to break down gradually, triggering a mild inflammatory response that signals your body to build new collagen fibers. Over a series of sessions, this process leads to firmer skin and fuller facial contours.
What Can Sculptra Treat?
- Cheek Wrinkles: The cheeks are one of the first areas where collagen loss becomes noticeable. Fine lines can start to form as the skin thins and loses support. Sculptra gradually reinforces the skin to smooth out these creases.
- Nasolabial Folds: These lines, running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, tend to deepen as volume shifts and skin laxity increases. By encouraging collagen rebuilding beneath the surface, Sculptra can soften the appearance of nasolabial folds in a gradual and lasting way.
- Marionette Lines: Lines that extend from the corners of the mouth toward the chin can create a permanent frown. While traditional fillers provide instant volume, Sculptra promotes structural improvement over several months.
- Chin Wrinkles: Horizontal lines across the chin may become more noticeable as the skin in this area loses its natural elasticity. When injected, Sculptra can help create smoother texture and improved firmness.
What to Expect?
- You will require a few treatment sessions (an average of 3 over a few months), as Sculptra works to gradually replace lost collagen to give you long-lasting results.
- Visible results will appear during the course of these treatment sessions.
- Sculptra has a unique injection requirement and should only be used by trained physicians, like those at Orchidia Medical Group.
- A topical anesthetic will be applied to your face to decrease discomfort during injections.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes. A treatment regimen of 3 to 4 sessions is scheduled about 3 weeks apart for any corrections needed around the naso-labial fold contour and other facial wrinkles.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Before your appointment, we may recommend that you avoid certain over-the-counter medications and supplements that can increase your risk of bruising, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E. If you have a history of cold sores and plan to treat areas around the mouth, let us know in advance so we can discuss your options. Plan your schedule so you do not have any important events within a few days of your treatment, in case mild swelling occurs. Arrive with clean skin and avoid applying makeup or skincare products to the treatment area for the rest of the day. If you have any recent illness or active skin issues, let us know so we can determine if rescheduling is appropriate.
Your Sculptra Consultation
During your consultation, we will evaluate your facial structure, skin condition, and the areas where volume loss is most noticeable. We will talk to you about your aesthetic goals and help you understand whether Sculptra is the right approach based on how the treatment works. Some patients may benefit from combining Sculptra with other treatments, and we will walk you through those options when appropriate. We will also explain the collagen stimulation timeline and answer any questions about safety, ingredients, or injection technique. Based on what we learn during the consultation, we will create a treatment plan for you.
Sculptra Injections
We inject Sculptra into the deeper layers of the skin using a fine needle or cannula, depending on the area and technique required. The goal is to distribute the product evenly across areas of volume loss to encourage collagen production where it is most needed. After each injection, we may massage the area to help disperse the product and reduce the chance of nodules forming. We provide aftercare instructions that include massaging the treated areas at home and monitoring for any temporary swelling or bruising. Most patients tolerate the process well and return to their regular activities shortly after the appointment.
Aftercare Instructions
Massage Protocol
We will show you how to properly massage the treated areas before you leave your appointment. The standard recommendation is to massage the area for five minutes, five times a day, for five days. Use gentle but firm pressure with clean hands or a clean moisturizer to help the product settle evenly. Massaging helps reduce the risk of small lumps forming under the skin and encourages even distribution.
Managing Swelling and Bruising
Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may appear at the injection sites and usually resolve within a few days. You can apply a cold compress for short intervals during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling. Avoid using ice packs directly on the skin; wrap them in a soft cloth instead. If you experience bruising, topical arnica or oral arnica supplements may be helpful, but ask us before using any new products.
Activity Restrictions
Wait at least 24 hours before doing any strenuous exercise, since increased blood flow can worsen swelling or bruising. Because heat can interfere with the healing process, you should also avoid saunas, hot tubs, or extended sun exposure for the first few days. Refrain from facials, chemical peels, or other facial treatments for at least one to two weeks unless we advise otherwise. You can apply makeup after 24 hours, but make sure the skin is not irritated before doing so.
Follow-Up
Injections are usually scheduled with three or four weeks in between. Keep track of your treatment dates and skin changes, since this will help us monitor your progress. During your follow-up visits, we will assess how well your body is responding and determine if any adjustments are needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sculptra?
- Patients With Age-Related Volume Loss: Those noticing gradual softening or flattening in areas like the cheeks, temples, or lower face often benefit from a collagen-stimulating approach that works beneath the surface rather than filling wrinkles directly.
- Patients Not Looking for Immediate Volume: If you prefer gradual changes that appear more subtle over time, rather than walking out with instant results, this treatment approach may align better with your expectations.
- Patients Without Contraindications: You should not receive Sculptra filler if you have active skin infections in the treatment area or any known allergies to any component in the formulation. Let us know about any autoimmune conditions or medications you are taking so we can determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
FAQs About Sculptra
How Frequently Are Sculptra Treatments Needed to Maintain Results?
After your initial series is complete, we recommend maintenance to keep your collagen production active. You will require maintenance sessions every 6 months to a year. These follow-ups help preserve the structural improvements and prevent the gradual return of volume loss. The frequency may vary slightly depending on age, metabolism, and how your skin responds to the initial Sculptra injections.
Is Sculptra Suitable for All Skin Types?
Sculptra treatment works well across all skin tones and types, including those with melanin-rich skin. Because the product stimulates collagen beneath the surface rather than affecting pigment or skin texture directly, it does not carry the pigment-related risks that some other treatments may have. We will still assess your skin history to make sure you are a good candidate before beginning.
What Happens If I Stop Sculptra Treatments?
If you choose not to continue with maintenance sessions, your collagen production will gradually slow down again. The volume that was restored will diminish over time as part of the natural aging process. However, you will not experience any sudden reversal or damage from stopping. You can always resume treatments later if you decide to restore volume again.
Learning More About Your Providers
At Orchidia Medical Group, only physicians perform Sculptra treatments to help protect patient safety and treatment precision. We focus on using proven medical techniques and applying them with attention to your individual goals and anatomy. Each patient receives a thorough assessment before we begin any injectable treatment. Our approach combines clinical experience with a commitment to helping you look and feel your best using science-backed methods. We are here to guide you through each step with care and expertise.
