Sculptra Filler

Sculptra is an injectable cosmetic filler that can be used to restore facial volume lost due to aging or illness.

It contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates collagen production.

It can be used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds to give a more youthful appearance.

It’s also used to treat facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people living with HIV.

Safety:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sculptra in 2004 for restoration following lipoatrophy for people with HIV.

In 2009, the FDA approved it under the brand name Sculptra Aesthetic for the treatment of deep facial wrinkles and folds for people with healthy immune systems.

It may cause swelling, redness, pain, and bruising at the injection site. Lumps under the skin and discoloration have also been reported.

Convenience:

The procedure is performed in-office by a trained provider.

No pretesting is required for Sculptra treatments.

You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.

There is no special preparation required.

Some results can be seen after just one treatment, but full results take a few weeks.

The average treatment regimen consists of three injections over the course of three or four months.

Results can last up to two years.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that has been around since 1999. It was first approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy in people living with HIV. Lipoatrophy causes facial fat loss that results in sunken cheeks and deep folds and indentations on the face.

In 2014, the FDA approved Sculptra Aesthetic for treating wrinkles and folds on the face to give a more youthful appearance.

The main ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It’s classified as a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last up to two years.

Sculptra is safe and effective but isn’t recommended for people with allergies to any of its ingredients or for those with medical conditions that cause irregular scarring.

The cost of Sculptra depends on several factors, including:

amount of enhancing or correction necessary to achieve the desired result

number of treatment visits required

geographic location

number of vials of Sculptra used

discounts or special offers

Sculptra Aesthetic and other dermal fillers aren’t covered by health insurance. However, in 2010, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made the decision to cover the cost of Sculptra for people living with HIV who have facial lipodystrophy syndrome (of which lipoatrophy is one type) and also experience depression.

Most plastic surgeons offer financing plans, and many also offer coupons or rebates from the makers of Sculptra.