My Experience with Sculptra Aesthetic

By Mary Brooks, APRN, Couture Med Spa Winter Park

We all want to be able to feel confident with the way we look as we get older. In fact, we want to feel so confident that we can say, “My favorite age is now.” But with sagging and wrinkling skin, that can feel impossible. 

Thankfully, Couture has yet another service to help you look and feel your best: Sculptra Aesthetic. This innovative technology is very popular for those looking for natural anti-aging solutions. As a specialist, I decided to try it myself!

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra Aesthetic is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment option for people who want to look and feel younger with natural-looking results. Sculptra is an injectable substance (poly-L-lactic acid) that works differently from hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm or Restylane. 

Rather than functioning to increase volume by filling in the area with a substance that the body eventually breaks down and eliminates, Sculptra increases volume and minimizes wrinkles and lines over time by stimulating the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Sculptra improves the inner structure of the skin which also leads to a more natural, youthful appearance without ever looking overdone!

Where is Sculptra used?

Sculptra is usually injected into the temples, cheeks, and jawline. These specific areas are most prone to volume loss as we age, causing an “older” appearance including sagging skin and jowls, flattened cheeks, diminished jawline, and hollow temples.  The treatment consists of a series of 3, 6 weeks apart.

My Personal Sculptra Experience

Before being injected, I had a consultation with the provider to ensure that I was a good Sculptra candidate.  Due to the hollowing of my temples and some minor volume loss in my cheeks, we decided that Sculptra was the better and longer-lasting option.

After several photos of my face were taken at different angles, the medical assistant applied numbing cream to my temples, cheeks, and jawline. After numbing for about 15 minutes, the assistant removed the numbing cream and the provider wiped my face with alcohol swabs.  The provider applied ice to my temple first for a little added numbing effect and injected the first syringe right into my temple, which felt and sounded like it was going into my brain (obviously it is not going into the brain, as it is protected by our skull). 

Next, the provider moved down to my cheek and injected right along my cheekbone, and then fanned the product right at the apex of my jaw.  The procedure itself was very quick once the provider started injecting.  

Post Procedure and Sculptra Results

After the injections were finished, the medical assistant started massaging each area that was treated with some arnica gel using moderate pressure for 5 minutes to help with bruising and swelling.  The aftercare included massaging the treated areas for 5 minutes a day, 5 times a day, for 5 days straight. The massaging is done to break up the product and prevent nodules as well as to help the collagen production in your skin.  

I had minimal bruising, but I was a little sore the day of my treatment and the day after.  This was my third treatment. I am extremely happy with my results!  I feel like it looks very natural and it has given me a more youthful appearance. 

Ready to take the first step toward feeling confident about how you look? Call us for a consultation!