Sculptra is an incredible product that is steadily gaining popularity because is an effective tool for rolling back the clock on aging skin. At Advanced Aesthetics in Las Vegas, NV we want to help you have younger, glowing skin that will give you the confidence to live your best life. Learn more about this innovative treatment to decide if it is right for you.
Which Conditions Can Be Treated With Sculptra?
Smile Lines or Nasolabial Folds
Smile lines, sometimes called laugh lines, are wrinkles that form on both sides of the face and run vertically from the nose to the mouth. They are seen most clearly when you smile or laugh.
They are created as a result of using the muscles required to smile or laugh repeatedly over time. These wrinkles are also more defined as you age because of the deterioration of the elasticity and volume of the skin.
Marionette LInes
These are vertical lines that run on each side of the mouth between the mouth and the chin. They get their name because they are reminiscent of the lines on the mouth of a puppet that can be controlled by strings. As these wrinkles are formed, they can also lead to sagging in the chin and lower area of the face.
They are formed by the muscles used to open and close the mouth and by the lack of structure in the skin that is naturally lost in the aging process.
Lip Lines
Lips lines are also called lip wrinkles or smoker’s lines. They are most visible when the muscles around the mouth are pulled together like they are if you are sucking or smoking. Smokers often have these types of wrinkles because of the excessive movement of those muscles.
Chin Wrinkles
Sometimes aging creates horizontal lines in the center of the chin, especially as the skin’s structure there weakens. Gravity also helps these lines to develop and get deeper over time.
Hollow Temples
Also called facial lipoatrophy, hollow areas around the temples come from a lack of collagen and moisture in the skin as well as a loss of fat pockets that sit under the skin on the sides of the face. Injections can fill in these areas.
Sunken Cheeks
Sunken cheeks are caused by a loss of subcutaneous fat and can add years to your face. Filler injections will add volume to the skin in these areas and eliminate the hollow spaces.
Jawline Sagging
Sagging along the jawline is caused by pockets of subcutaneous fat disappearing as well as gravity pulling the empty skin down. Filler injections trigger the skin cells to create collagen which replaces the lost fat and tightens the skin.
Lack of Volume in Hands
Your hands are one of the parts of your body where the skin deteriorates and ages you. When the skin in your hands loses volume, veins and arteries become more pronounced and seem to stick out. Dark spots may also occur as the skin cells are no longer creating the substances needed to repair themselves.
Uneven Skin Tone
Damage from the harsh weather conditions and time in the sun, as well as natural aging of the skin, can cause your facial tone to become uneven and splotchy. When the skin cells are given the means to repair themselves, these problems are solved.
Acne
Comedonal acne like whiteheads and blackheads is caused by dirt and oils settling into the pores near the surface of the skin. When skin cells regenerate, acne is improved. This includes scars from acne as well.
Dark Spots
Dark spots and age spots are part of skin getting older, but renewed skin can diminish or eliminate these areas. New skin will be clear and youthful.
Under-Eye Circles
Circles under the eyes can be caused by natural aging as well as stress and a lack of sleep. Filler injections can help fill in these circles and tighten the skin around them.
Dull Skin
Older skin can lose its shine and begin to get dull through the years. When skin cells repair themselves, you will have brighter skin that presents a youthful glow.
How Does it Work?
Replaces Collagen
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that gives you elasticity and a supple texture. It is essentially the fibers that keep the skin cells tightly connected. It is also found in ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other parts of the body. As people age, collagen production naturally declines.
When Sculptra is injected into your skin, it stimulates the cells underneath to create collagen at a faster rate. This allows the skin to become tighter, smoother, and more elastic. It also makes the skin appear younger and brighter.
Increases Blood Flow
Injections of filler material increase blood flow underneath the surface of the skin. Flowing blood brings oxygen into the body and makes your skin look healthy and strong. You are left with an overall glow.
Regenerates Skin
Sculptra is so popular because it causes the skin cells to renew themselves. They create more collagen and mend the damage that has been done to the face through aging and environmental damage
What Is the Process Like?
Consultation
The first step in your treatment will be coming into our office for a consultation. We will ask you about what you don’t like about your skin, and we will evaluate any issues you are having. We will carefully check your skin to see what is causing your trouble, and we will help you come up with a plan for treatment.
We will ask you about any medications you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker. We will also need to know what kind of skincare products you use as well as any skin treatments you have had in the past. We will answer all of your questions about this treatment and explain exactly what you can expect.
Preparation
We will begin your first appointment by making sure your face is clean and free of dirt, oil, and bacteria. We do not want to introduce any bacteria through the injection so we will make sure that the surface of your skin is clean. We will then apply a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
Injections
We will then use an ultra-fine needle to inject the product into the areas that are going to be treated. The number of injections needed depends on how large an area will be treated and how many parts of your face or hands we will treat.
Additional Sessions
It typically takes 3 to 4 sessions to get optimal results. The number of sessions we recommend will depend on how deep into your skin the problem areas are and the size of the area to be treated. We will make appointments for you to come in for additional appointments around 4 to 6 weeks after the previous session.
What Is the Timeline for Results?
Short-Term Results
You will see some changes soon after treatment, but the majority of your results will not be fully visible for about 8 weeks. At that time, your skin should look youthful and refreshed, and wrinkles or hollow spots should be plumper and more supple.
Long-Term Results
Results from this treatment last up to 2 years for most people. After that time, you can make an appointment to come back for further treatments if you wish to maintain your results.
How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
Avoid Sunlight
In the weeks leading up to your injections, you should avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight. You will not be able to complete your treatment if you have a sunburn on the day of your session, and any additional sun damage can cause your results to be less than you expect them to be.
Wear a hat and sunglasses when you spend time outside, and be sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
Eliminate Medications
We may advise you to discontinue certain medications a few days before your appointment. Be sure to tell us about all medications you are taking, both over-the-counter and prescription, so we can be sure that nothing will interfere with your treatment.
Some of these medicines may be anti-inflammatories or medicine that can make your blood thinner.
Stop Using Certain Products
We may also advise you to stop using certain skincare products, especially those that are particularly strong or harsh. These may include products that contain retinol or chemicals that can interfere with your filler treatment.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the key lifestyle choices that can add to the aging process when it comes to your skin. If you can stop smoking, you will increase the benefits of this treatment and slow the progression of future skin damage and deterioration.
What Are Some Advantages of Sculptra?
Quick Appointments
When you come in for your injections, the appointments are very fast. Many people have their treatments during their lunch hour or a long break from work. You can expect to spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes in our office at your appointment.
Short Recovery
There is no downtime involved in this treatment. Most people walk out of the office after their injections and go back to work or continue their daily activities immediately. You will not need to spend time in a medical facility, and you will not need to rest. And unlike with other treatments, you won’t have to take time from work.
Minimally Invasive
Unlike many cosmetic skin treatments, this is a minimally invasive therapy. There is no need for general anesthesia, and you will not have to go to a hospital or surgical clinic. This makes it a more convenient option than many other treatments, and it is also a much safer option.
Sculptra is a wonderful choice for people who are uncomfortable with the idea of cosmetic surgery but are looking for a less invasive type of treatment.
Gradual Changes
It will take time for the results of this treatment to fully occur, and that means that you can easily keep your privacy. No one will know that you have had this treatment unless you decide to tell them. People will see you with younger, fresher skin but it will not be obvious that you had a treatment done.
Revitalize Your Skin
We want to help you face the world with confidence and skin you love. Call us today at Advanced Aesthetics in Las Vegas, NV to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We will listen to your story and make recommendations for a treatment plan to solve your skin challenges. We will carefully explain each step of your treatment and answer all of your questions.
Don’t waste any more time with aging skin. Come into our office today to find out if Sculptra is the right treatment option for you. We strive to help people like you have amazing skin.
