Sculptra® in Oklahoma City, OK

When facial volume is lost for any number of reasons, the face can take on a sunken, aged look, which can be corrected with the dermal filler, Sculptra. This poly-L-lactic acid-based filler is offered at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City to stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen aids in skin elasticity and firmness, which helps to build up the lost volume. Cosmetic surgeons Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin can inject Sculptra into the jaw line, smile lines around the mouth, nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth and cheeks. Sculptra can last more than a year in most patients.

Schedule a Consultation

During a Sculptra treatment session, the injection sites are marked, and the filler is injected directly into the problematic areas. The product is delivered through a fine needle, and multiple layers are injected gradually until the desired contour has been achieved. The treatment is pain-free; although a numbing cream is usually applied first to reduce any discomfort from the needle. A Sculptra treatment session lasts around 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated and the extent of the cosmetic issues. On average, 2 to 3 injections spaced a few weeks apart are recommended for optimal results.

A Sculptra session averages around $750. This price reflects one syringe of the product. During a treatment session, the number of syringes used will be determined based on the skin’s condition and how many areas are being treated. 

Sculptra is a nonsurgical treatment and does not require any downtime for patients. After treatment, patients will be slightly red and swollen where the injections occurred, but this goes away within a few hours. Patients can resume their normal routine right after treatment, but should refrain from any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. It is advised to not apply any pressure to the face, and to sleep upright the first evening following treatment. The results are evident immediately after treatment, but it could take several weeks for the optimal results to become visible.

Sculptra is synthetic based and approved by the FDA. It has been tested extensively and has been proven to be safe and effective for cosmetic use. It utilizes processed poly-L-lactic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in humans, so rejection to the product is rare. Temporary side effects include mild swelling and bruising, and possible pain and redness around the injection sites. 

There are a number of injectable derma fillers available on the market today. Each has a specific benefit to resolve facial wrinkles. There are also muscle relaxers, such as BOTOX, that patients can consider. While the results may appear similar, the difference lies on the approach each treatment takes to produce a smooth, wrinkle-free result. The doctor will be able to recommend the best approach once the facial condition is evaluated during the initial consultation.

As wrinkles and creases are typical with aging candidates, anyone who needs volume may be a candidate for a Sculptra treatment. Statistics show that the most common age groups who seek this treatment are those between 30 to 55 years old. The younger age group may seek treatment due to premature skin aging caused by personal habits or environmental factors such as extreme sun exposure.

The advantage of Sculptra over other derma fillers is that the results typically last up to 2 years. Naturally derived derma fillers only lasts 6 months up to 1 year. The treatment may be repeated as soon as necessary.

Sculptra is commonly injected into the subdermal layer into the chin, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It may also be used on the mid-face section for augmentation. It is a common filler that surgeons use to achieve a “liquid facelift.”