Sculptra Frequently Asked Questions

How is Sculptra™ different?

A number of choices are available to you when you are deciding on treatment. Sculptra™ non-surgical cosmetic treatment has important advantages over the two main alternatives available, temporary ‘filler’ treatments and permanent implants. ‘Filler’ treatments only reduce wrinkles and creases for a relatively short time. Although permanent implants can remain for years, they can’t accommodate the changes in appearance that happen as you age. Sculptra™ is also a far less invasive procedure than a face-lift or any other type of facial cosmetic surgery.

Sculptra™ is a volumising agent that reduces facial lines and wrinkles and helps to restore the fullness of your face by stimulating your own facial collagen production to replenish your skin and provide natural looking results. Once your treatment is complete, the results can last for more than 3 years.

Who performs treatment with Sculptra™?

Sculptra™ injectable treatment is performed by qualified practitioners who have been trained to use the correct procedures for Sculptra™.

Does the treatment hurt?

As with all injections, some discomfort is inevitable, and you may feel a brief burning sensation at the injection site. An ice pack applied after the treatment can help to relieve this. If necessary, your practitioner may also give you a local anaesthetic.

What happens after the treatment?

As your aftercare instructions will explain, you massage the treated areas of your face for five minutes at a time, five times a day for the first five days after treatment. Inform your healthcare professional if any side effects occur, such as inflammation or small bumps in the treated area.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects are tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, swelling or bleeding at the injection site. These side effects generally disappear in 2-6 days. One possible delayed side effect with Sculptra™ can be small bumps under the skin in the treated area within 6 to 12 months of the first treatment. These may not be visible, and you may only notice them when you press in the treated skin. The bumps sometimes disappear of their own accord. Visible bumps, sometimes associated with redness or colour change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is risk of infection. Report any side effects to your healthcare professional.

Are the results from Sculptra™ treatment immediate?

Sculptra™ takes time to work, with the results becoming noticeable after about six weeks. It may appear to have an effect immediately after your first treatment visit, but this is because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra™. When the swelling goes down after a few days and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before treatment.

Your healthcare professional will see you again in a few weeks to assess you. Two or three treatments are usually necessary to obtain the desired result. However, unlike some other treatments that require refresher sessions, the results can last for more than three years after the end of your Sculptra™ programme.*

* The results can differ depending on age, wrinkling and the type of procedure used.