Sculptra
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)Sculptra is the first and original collagen-stimulating injectable. Poly-L-lactic acid microparticles are placed in the deep dermis, where they trigger your fibroblasts to lay down new collagen over a series of two to three appointments. The PLLA biodegrades; the collagen remains. Results emerge over months, last up to two years, and read as your own structure — because they are.
Lift & SculptThe science, plainly.
PLLA microparticles are reconstituted with sterile water and lidocaine, then injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous plane. Over weeks, the particles trigger a controlled fibroblast response that lays down new type I and type III collagen. The PLLA fully biodegrades within 12 to 24 months; the newly built collagen remains.
What to expect in the room.
Topical numbing, then deep dermal injection across mapped points. Mild swelling for two to four days. Every client leaves with the 5-5-5 protocol: massage the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.
5-5-5 massage protocol. Avoid heat and vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
The honest timeline.
Individual response varies. What follows is the typical arc we observe in our clinic.
- 01Day 1 to 3
Slight initial volume from swelling (not the result).
- 02Month 3
True structural change becomes apparent.
- 03Month 6
Peak collagen build; results last up to 2 years.
The questions we hear most.
- Is Sculptra reversible?
- No. Once collagen is built, it cannot be dissolved. This is why we under-dose first and add at follow-ups.
- How is Sculptra different from Radiesse?
- Both are biostimulators, but the chemistry is different. Radiesse provides immediate volume from its gel carrier and stimulates collagen over months. Sculptra provides no immediate volume — the entire result is your own collagen built over months. Radiesse lasts 12 to 18 months; Sculptra up to 2 years.
- Will the result look natural?
- Because the volume is your own collagen, it ages and moves with your face. Most observers cannot identify Sculptra as a treatment.