Sculptra Pros and Cons: What You Should Know Before Treatment

Growing older is, in so many ways, a gift – tangible proof of the passage of time, the accumulation of milestones, and the creation of cherished memories. But as we age, the face looking back at us in the mirror each morning begins to change, ever so slightly, introducing new lines and changes in texture as we enter new chapters of life. Fortunately, this transition can be a graceful one, made easier by modern tools and interventions that effectively mitigate the traditional pain points of aging – such as collagen loss – and help our skin to maintain its natural luster and glow at any age. For those looking to support their skin’s natural aging process, Sculptra in Calgary is an approved collagen stimulation treatment designed to combat premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, changes in skin texture and elasticity, lost volume, and more. 

What is Sculptra and how does it work?

Sculptra is an approved biostimulator delivered via an aesthetic injectable that boosts your skin’s natural collagen production. Why is this so important? Because by the age of 40, our natural collagen production decreases by 30%, and continues to decrease each year thereafter. When collagen production slows down, our skin experiences slower skin cell turnover (imagine a clean-up crew that is increasingly short-staffed and overworked). This leads to a reduction in skin firmness and elasticity and, in turn, the appearance of deeper wrinkles and “hollows” in places your skin once felt full and supple. By treating the underlying cause of aging with collagen stimulation, Sculptra has become a widely used method of facial rejuvenation, with noticeable results developing gradually over a 3-6 month period as collagen builds. 

Sculptra Pros: Why patients love it

Sculptra has become a preferred anti-aging treatment in Calgary over the years, with patients revelling over the natural-looking (and progressive) results achieved by stimulating their body’s own collagen production. 

1) Results that last (and get better with time)

Sculptra is a science-backed, safe injectable treatment that results in an 87% increase in collagen elastin and fibrin. Results are gradual, natural, and last up to 2 years. In fact, Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting injectable treatments available, with the full effects of the treatment becoming visible after 3-6 months, and 90% of patients saying they look younger after receiving Sculptra treatments.

2) Subtle, gradual results for a more radiant complexion

Maybe she was born with it – maybe it was Sculptra. Unlike other, more invasive treatment options that create more abrupt and noticeable changes to a patient’s appearance, Sculptra is virtually undetectable. With Sculptra, patients are able to restore their youthful glow and meaningfully reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture and quality without changing the way they look. 

3) Minimally invasive + minimal downtime

Sculptra treatments also require little to no downtime; aside from the risk of bruising and slight swelling 24-48 hours post-treatment, patients can typically return to work the next day. It should come as no surprise then, that 90% of Sculptra patients would recommend the treatment to a friend.

Sculptra Cons: What to consider before treatment

We’ve talked about the benefits of Sculptra treatments in Calgary – but are there any cons to keep in mind? As the saying goes, good things take time, and Sculptra is certainly no exception. Studies indicate that 68% of Sculptra patients reported improvements in just 30 days; however, 96% of patients reported improvements in 3 months, while 94% report improvement at both the 1 and 2 year mark following treatment. Sculptra treatments require minimal downtime, with most patients able to resume normal activities soon after the procedure; however, mild bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness can occur following treatment.

It’s also important to note that Sculptra requires an upfront investment of $1,000/vial, with some patients requiring up to 1 vial per decade of life to achieve their desired results. Fortunately, Sculptra treatment results are long-lasting, and many patients can adopt a “maintenance” dosing routine that only requires 1-2 vials every few years. Since Sculptra was designed as a safe and non-invasive means to combat signs of aging in our skin while maintaining our natural appearance and beauty, patients looking for a more dramatic transformation pertaining to volume correction or structural changes may require adjuvant therapies.

Who Should Avoid Sculptra?

Sculptra is a widely used facial rejuvenation treatment with minimal risks and downtime; however, there are some important contraindications to keep in mind when deciding if Sculptra is right for you, including: 

• Allergies: If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, or have a known allergy to any of Sculptra’s key ingredients (including Poly-L-lactic acid)

• Active skin infections or irritation: As with most cosmetic treatments, patients are recommended to wait until any skin irritation, inflammation or infections subside before undergoing treatment

• Keloids and hypertrophic scarring: If you have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring, Sculptra may not be right for you

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Patients who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding are advised to postpone Sculptra treatments

• Underlying health conditions: If you are currently taking blood thinners or other medications that increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, you should consult your healthcare practitioner before receiving Sculptra

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sculptra last?

Natural-looking results with Sculptra last up to 2 years

What’s the difference between Sculptra and dermal fillers?

Unlike dermal fillers, which contain hyaluronic acid and provide immediate (but temporary) volume, Sculptra is an approved treatment that stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results.

Can Sculptra treat volume loss?

Yes, poly-L-lactic acid, the main ingredient of Sculptra, stimulates a patient’s natural collagen production. When injected, Sculptra gradually enhances collagen production and restores lost volume which, in turn, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and enhances the skin’s elasticity for a more youthful appearance.

Sculptra is a safe and science-backed way to age gracefully, empowering patients to restore their body’s natural collagen production for a long-lasting, youthful appearance – without any drastic changes or extended downtime.

If you’re considering Sculptra in Calgary, our team of experienced injectors is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and create a customized treatment plan that suits the unique needs of your skin. Ready to get started? Book your consultation today!