Sculptra® in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh area men and women who would like dramatic results in skin rejuvenation without having surgery may consider Sculptra as a treatment option. Plastic surgeon and Pittsburgh Sculptra specialist, Dr. James Fernau, routinely utilizes Sculptra, which is an FDA-approved biocompatible, biodegradable dermal filler made from poly-L-lactic acid.  In the temporal area, this filler is used to alleviate crow’s feet. It is also used for a permanent correction of the tear trough deformity, located underneath the eye and near the nose. Used by many cosmetic surgeons as a “liquid facelift”, this filler is known to add facial fullness and to treat skin depressions, fill in nasolabial folds, wrinkles, sunken cheeks, or facial creases. In order to achieve optimal results, Sculptra is typically administered in a series of treatments every 4 to 6 weeks.

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.

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.

A Sculptra session averages around $700-$4,900.  According to www.realself.com the average cost is $1,825. 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. It is common for some patients to require 1-3 syringes during a treatment session.

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.”