Sculptra® Injections in Atlanta at The Spa at NAPS
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved product that helps your body stimulate collagen growth, which restores facial volume and fullness over time. The results appear gradually over the treatment area, typically requiring three injections over the course of three to four months. The results can last for up to two years.
To learn more, give our Atlanta, GA, office a call at (470) 381-3610 today.
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLLA), which is a bioactive filler. It stimulates the formation of collagen in the skin. What could be better than stimulating your tissue for natural rejuvenation?
Your injector mixes a custom vial of Sculptra® for you and applies it to facial contours that need structural support and volume. Once the Sculptra® molecules distribute into the soft tissue under your skin, your body gets inspired to make a collagen matrix. The Sculptra® eventually gets broken down by the body. Your collagen matrix should last two years.
Why Choose Sculptra®?
Replacement and restoration of the collagen framework will create a subtle, refined correction of wrinkles, as well as lifting and supporting our tissues. As we age, we lose soft tissue volume in our cheeks, temples, and the middle part of the face. This volume loss usually begins in our 40s. Sculptra® can help reverse that process by stimulating the natural production of our collagen, which adds subtle volume to the treatment areas. A youthful appearance is one where the temples, midface, and cheeks have a nice, natural fullness.
Optimal areas include:
- Pre-auricular wrinkles (the wrinkles that appear in front of the ear)
- Nasolabial folds (the lines from our nose to our mouth)
- Marionette lines (the lines from our mouth to our chin)
- Chin wrinkles
- Submalar wrinkles (below the cheeks)
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Buttocks
Sculptra® works with your body within the deep dermis, rather than topically, to help revitalize collagen production and help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume. Traditional collagen creams claim to deliver collagen for absorption into the skin. However, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. As the dermis consumes the micro-particles in Sculptra®, they help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume.
How Many Injections Do I Need?
Dr. Alderman and Dr. Joiner will help you with a custom plan. Most strategies start at two vials per treatment, with a minimum of two treatments per area of concern. We let your body build upon the Sculptra® for four weeks before retreating. The buttock area requires significantly more Sculptra®, usually four vials per side.
Request a Consultation
If you’re in the Atlanta area and have any questions about Sculptra® or wish to schedule a consultation on Sculptra® with Dr. Alderman, please contact our office.
Request a ConsultationSculptra® vs. Dermal Fillers and Radiesse®
Fillers
Most fillers are gel-like substances made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in our body. Fillers soften lines by pushing up the dermis space beneath wrinkles and creases. Hyaluronic acid has the benefit of immediate correction of volume and wrinkle reduction, and is reversible at any time if desired. However, the product only lasts for nine to 12 months.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is another type of bio-active filler used to soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. Radiesse® consists of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. Radiesse® is injected through a small needle placed under the skin. Immediately, this filler works to add volume under the skin. Over time, the benefits continue by stimulating your body’s natural collagen.
You may have heard people refer to Radiesse® as a semi-permanent filler because the results last between nine and 18 months, but the product can remain in the body for up to seven years. The benefits are a longer-lasting result. However, there is no way to remove the product and, therefore, the effects cannot be reversed.
Sculptra®
Sculptra® can provide a long-lasting result, like Radiesse®. However, immediate correction, as is possible with hyaluronic acid or Radiesse®, is not available with Radiesse®. You will likely require multiple treatments to obtain the desired effect. The body absorbs Sculptra®, and only your natural collagen production remains. Collagen stimulators, such as Sculptra®, diminish facial lines by helping restore the deep, underlying structure of the skin. Results appear gradually over the treatment period and last for up to two years.
Sculptra® FAQs
Dr. Alderman or Dr. Joiner will spend time formulating a short- and long-term plan for you, discussing the pros and cons of each treatment option. Often, a combination approach can fulfill both short and long-term goals.
It depends on the amount of Sculptra® your body uses to build your collagen matrix. Collagen lasts for two years. Vials are $850 each, and package pricing is available.
Yes, Sculptra® is FDA-approved, has been in use since 1999, and your body will naturally absorb the biocompatible, biodegradable particles. Tell your provider if you have any sensitivity to the components of Sculptra®, are pregnant, have any autoimmune disorders, or have a history of keloid formation. Let us know if you take any daily products that thin the blood.
The majority of our patients see the best results from a treatment regimen of three sessions over several months. At each appointment, the number of injections will vary based on Dr. Alderman or Dr. Joiner’s assessment of your aesthetic needs. If you’re hoping for a higher level of correction, additional sessions may be necessary.
If no complications present, you are free to wear makeup again within several hours following your treatment. Talk to Dr. Alderman and Dr. Joiner after your treatment to get the most accurate recovery instructions.
Appointment times can vary based on the area(s) treated and the desired degree of correction. However, in general, treatment takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
Across the board, our patients say one of the biggest draws of Sculptra® is the minimal pain, discomfort, and downtime associated with the treatment. Some patients experience very mild, temporary discomfort – similar to a slight pinch. You may feel a pushing or pulling sensation and some pressure at the site of injection, as well.
Sculptra® comes premixed with an anesthetic called lidocaine. However, Dr. Alderman and Dr. Joiner can also apply a topical numbing agent for patients worried about any discomfort. Following your procedure, applying an ice pack or cold compresses should alleviate any symptoms.
Not only is there no downtime necessary after a Sculptra® treatment, you can head straight back to work, out with friends, or home to relax once you leave our office. That said, Dr. Alderman and Dr Joiner do suggest avoiding exercise for 24 hours following your treatment to ensure optimum results.
As with any medical treatment, Sculptra® does pose some minimal risks to certain patients. During your consultation, Dr. Alderman and Dr. Joiner will help you determine if Sculptra® is right for you. If you have any concerns or would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.
With so many factors to consider when it comes to facial rejuvenation procedures, comparing costs can be difficult. Depending on what amount of injectables you need, length of time a procedure lasts, and the desired number of treatments, prices can look very different from one patient to another.
However, Sculptra® does offer patients long-lasting benefits, which can be a key deciding factor when comparing anti-aging solutions. The best way to determine what treatment’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alderman to discuss the pros and cons of each treatment.
Our Sculptra® patients love this product because of how gradually results appear and how long-lasting they are. Individual results may vary, but in general, you’ll see the hands of time turned back for up to two years thanks to Sculptra®.
Learn more about Sculptra® injections today by scheduling a consultation at North Atlanta Plastic Surgery and The Spa at NAPS. Our team offers a variety of cosmetic skin fillers to help you look youthful and rejuvenation. For the best Sculptra® treatment in Atlanta, trust our aesthetic professionals.
View Gallery
Be sure to view our Before and After Photo Gallery of Sculptra® procedures to see real patient results at North Atlanta Plastic Surgery.
view galleryDr. Alderman’s National Efforts on this Topic:
Chairperson for Aesthetica, a national aesthetic surgery meeting
American Society of Plastic Surgery Patient Safety Committee
Vice Chairperson, ASPS Education Aesthetic Council
Alderman, AK, Chung, KC. Discussion: A Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures after Facial Cosmetic Surgery and/or Non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2009, 123:1828-9.
Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC. Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery. In Plastic Surgery 1st Edition
Alderman, AK, Chung, KC. Outcomes for Surgical Guidance in Plastic Surgery: Measuring Outcomes in Aesthetic Surgery. Clinics in of Plastic Surgery, 2013:297-304.
Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC. Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery. In Plastic Surgery 4th Edition