Sculptra^® is a bio-stimulant dermal filler indicated for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy, (the loss of fat beneath the skin that sometimes causes sunken cheeks, indentations and hollow eyes). The main component of Sculptra^®’s is poly-L-lactic acid, a substance that has been used for more than 20 years in surgical products such as dissolvable sutures (stitches) and sustained-release injectable medications. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible substance, which means that it is not harmful to the surrounding tissue. This characteristic makes Sculptra^® suitable for a wide variety of surgical and cosmetic uses.

Several hundred thousand individuals in over 30 countries worldwide have been treated with Sculptra^® under the brand name New-Fill. It was approved in Europe in 1999 for the correction of skin depressions such as nasolabial folds, and again in 2004 for the treatment of lipoatrophy. Sculptra^® gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2004 for the correction of lipoatrophy.

Sculptra^® is different from other dermal fillers in that it works exclusively by stimulating the body to create collagen. So unlike other dermal fillers, Sculptra^® does not yield immediate results. Although the body begins to respond to Sculptra^® immediately, it takes a few months before the skin starts to feel thicker and hollows begin to diminish. The optimal effect is usually reached after a few months. Most patients will need 3-5 treatments to achieve optimal contouring that will often last up to 2 years or more. The results can be so gradual that some patients will not perceive them; however, comparing ‘before’ pictures with ‘after’ pictures often reveals significant change.

Physician technique and experience can affect the life of the treatment, as Sculptra^® requires a unique injection technique in relation to other dermal fillers. Other factors such as the patient’s age and amount of long-term exposure to the sun might also alter the effectiveness and life of Sculptra^® treatment. To sustain results of Sculptra^® treatments after 2 years and for up to a lifetime, patients should return to their doctor for touch up treatments periodically.

It is advisable to return for touch up treatments before Sculptra^® has been completely dissolved and absorbed by the body.  Some physicians advise touch up treatment every 6 months. 

Sculptra^® is not used as much to correct wrinkles, as it is to buttress wrinkles and to help fill concave facial areas.  For instance, Sculptra^® may be effective in providing contour to flattened temple areas or sunken areas below the cheek pads.  However, it is not as effective at directly treating a nasolabial fold or crow’s feet, for example.  Wrinkle correction with Sculptra is more of an ancillary benefit. Its primary benefit is to lift and contour sunken facial features, as well as thickening skin with collagen production.

Most commonly reported side effects may include temporary injection-related events at the site of injection, such as tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling. Side effects of Sculptra^® may also include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. This side effect is usually minimized or alleviated by a thorough massaging of the treated area immediately following administration. Consult your physician for a complete list of potential side effects.

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Sculptra^® is a registered trademark of Dermik Laboratories, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC