As people age, the plumpness of youth vanishes and skin starts to sag and droop. For many years, the only option for restoring a youthful appearance was to stretch and pull the skin back up, to use laser resurfacing or to use surgery to move fat deposits around the face. Thanks to the development of Sculptra®, it is now much simpler to add volume to the face, and all without needing surgery.
How Does Sculptra® Work?
Sculptra® is not just a filler. It actually works naturally with the body to restore collagen in sunken cheeks and to improve skin texture. Shallow areas of the face are injected with small amounts of polylactic acid. This acid is bio-compatible and safe to use in the body.
The ingredients in Sculptra® cause the body to produce more collagen. This long-term effect causes a gradual improvement in the face that makes the process seem more natural and not as though someone had his or her face “done”. The build-up of collagen fills in lines and folds in the skin and tightens sagging skin under the chin and around the mouth and nose.
Sculptra® is water-based and is normally used for adding volume to cheeks, temples and the chin. The product is administered with injections. It usually takes about three to four sessions of injections, with about a month between sessions. The results typically last for two years.
How is Sculptra® Different from Other Treatments?
Most other injectables are used for the lips or cheeks and contour smaller areas. These injected gels are cleansed out of the body over time. Sculptra® rejuvenates the entire face and improves the skin’s structure with collagen that is produced by the body.
A facelift will have surgical risks. It also does not restore volume, but merely tightens and pulls the skin in a way that can often appear fake. In addition, a facelift requires quite a bit of downtime, whereas Sculptra® does not.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sculptra®?
Anyone who has a thinner face from the loss of fat over time, either from weight loss or with the natural effects of aging, is a good candidate for this treatment. This is a popular option for patients who do not want surgery performed and who want improvements in their appearance to look natural. You can learn more about your candidacy during a consultation at the office of Dr. Thomas Funcik, MD in Mount Pleasant. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.