Sculptra
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SCULPTRA TREATMENT
WHAT SCULPTRA IS USED FOR
HOW SCULPTRA IS PERFORMED
SWELLING
LUMPS AND BUMPS
BRUISING OR TENDERNESS
THE NEED FOR REPEATED INJECTIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SCULPTRA TREATMENT
Sculptra is poly-L lactic acid (PLA). It is biocompatible, immunologic ally
inert (i.e. does not trigger inflammatory reacionts), synthetic polymer belonging
to the category of biomaterials termed "resorbable." Sculptra is
completely eliminated from the body in the form of carbon dioxide. There are
no known systemic effects. Sculptra is made from the same material that dissolving
stitches are made from. It has been used for a variety of orthopedic and maxillofacial
applications since the mid 1990's.
Sculptra was first approved in Europe in 199 for the cosmetic correction of
scars and wrinkles. It has been used in approximately 150,000 patients in
more than 30 countries.
Sculptra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004
for the treatment of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in patients with HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus)The use of Sculptra for cosmetic applications is currently
considered "off label" in the United States, but may be performed
at the discretion of and under the orders of a physician. [back
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WHAT SCULPTRA IS USED FOR:
Medically, Sculptra is used to treat depressed scars as those that develop
following surgery, acne, or chicken pox. Cosmetically, Sculptra is used to
treat aging and chronically sun-damaged skin. These include the "nasolabial"
folds and "marionette" lines of the mid and lower face; hollow,
sunken cheeks; and other areas of aesthetically thin or depressed skin. [back
to top]
HOW SCULPTRA IS PERFORMED:
First, a local or topical anesthetic may be administered for increased comfort.
Next, Sculptra is injected below the skin with a small needle. Treatments
take approximately 30 minutes. [back to top]
SWELLING:
As the product is injected, there will be initial swelling in the areas. Ice
can be applied for 10-15 minutes daily as needed. This swelling will disappear
within the next few days and you will look like you did prior to the treatment.
Collagen will be produced gradually within the following weeks. [back
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LUMPS AND BUMPS:
During the procedure, there will be initial lumps or bumps that Dr. Jhin and
staff will massage away. It is very important that you continue to massage
the treated areas using cetaphil cream two times daily for one week after
the procedure. If there is a lump that does not disappear after a week, please
follow up with Dr. Jhin. [back to top]
BRUISING OR TENDERNESS:
Sculptra injections involve the insertion of a tiny needle into the treatment
areas. Any one of these sites may experience some degree of tenderness or
a "black and blue" bruise lasting up to several days. We make a
special effort to minimize any bruising.
[back to top]
THE NEED FOR REPEATED INJECTIONS:
Two or three treatment sessions 4-6 weeks apart are usually needed. Other
than the initial "needle-poke" sensation, the treatment is quite
comfortable and free of burning or stinging. [back to top]
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