Sculptra® Injections
in St. Louis & St. Peters MO
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a specialized skin injection that was originally used for people with HIV to correct the effects of lipoatrophy, a condition that causes facial fat loss. Today, it is used for most anyone who wants to reduce skin folds/wrinkles, sunken eyes, hollowed cheeks, or indentations in the chin. If you have any of these conditions and want to look better, Sculptra in St. Louis may be a great option for you.
The substance in Sculptra is synthetic, but it is biocompatible, which makes it very safe. It has been used in Europe as a filler for facial wrinkles and folds for more than ten years.
the parts of the face Sculptra treats
Sculptra is used to correct signs of aging including lines and wrinkles, hollowing, and sharp angles in bony areas of the face.
Fine lines and wrinkles are some of the most common signs of aging. They often appear first around the nose, mouth, and chin. Sculptra injections can help fortify the skin’s underlying structure to smooth fine lines in these areas.
With age, the skin thins and the face loses fatty tissue. This can make the bony areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, look more prominent. Sculptra injections can soften this area by stimulating collagen production that firms and plumps the deeper layers of the skin.
Some people naturally have contours that give a hollow appearance to certain areas of the face, such as under the eyes or cheeks. The temples also tend to become hollow with age due to the loss of fatty tissue in the mid-face. Sculptra brings more collagen into the area, allowing the temples to appear more youthful without an obviously “filled” look.
Who is a candidate for Sculptra?
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulator that can rebuild robust volume in the dermis. It may be a reliable treatment option for adults who have lost a significant amount of weight or volume in certain parts of the face. Sculptra works particularly well in men and older adults, though it can be appropriate for most healthy adults seeking natural facial rejuvenation. Patients must understand that Sculptra does not work like the traditional dermal filler. This product works over time to gradually reverse the signs of aging related to volume loss. The best results are achieved when the patient can perform post-treatment massage as directed by their provider.
How long Sculptra treatments take
Each appointment for Sculptra injections takes 20 to 30 minutes. This allows us time to apply a local anesthetic for improved comfort. Patients typically undergo multiple rounds of injections, with each appointment occurring about 4 weeks out from the previous visit.
What to expect during sculptra® treatment
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under a local anesthetic or numbing cream. It usually takes just one-quarter to one-half hour, and you can go home almost immediately.
The effects of Sculptra are gradual during the first few weeks but have been found to last as long as two years after just one treatment. Some people may require more than one treatment, however, to achieve their desired results. They can be done as frequently as every 45 days, if necessary.
Dr. Holds and his staff are the best. I would highly recommend them. They insure you are happy with anything they do. They produce great results.
“Dr. Buchanan, I am extremely grateful for how easy my eyelid procedure went today. You and your staff were very easy to talk to, and you were very reassuring that you would do everything possible to make me comfortable. The procedure was amazingly fast, and the results are just as amazing. Thank you to you”
How many injections are there per session?
On average, Sculptra treatment includes 2 vials per session to adequately promote ongoing collagen remodeling. How many injections it takes to achieve the desired outcome may differ from one person to another. This is discussed during our consultation and recommendation for treatment using Sculptra Aesthetic.
How many Sculptra sessions may be needed
A thorough consultation and examination are performed to determine the number of treatment sessions needed to achieve the best result. Most people schedule three injection sessions scheduled over three to four months.
What do Sculptra injections feel like?
Patients typically receive multiple vials of Sculptra during a single session. Before administering treatment, we apply a topical numbing cream or anesthetic to the treatment area. Sculptra also has a mild anesthetic in it, which minimizes discomfort. Though injections are deposited into a deeper layer of the skin, patient comfort remains a priority and most people report that this treatment is tolerable.
What Sculptra Recovery is Like
You may experience some mild redness, bruising, inflammation, bleeding, or itching at the site of the injections for a week or two. You can use an ice pack to reduce discomfort and swelling, and you will be asked to massage the injection areas a bit.
You will also be more vulnerable to the sun after your Sculptra injections, so take precautions to protect your skin from sunburn.
Can Other procedures be combined with Sculptra?
Other procedures that you may consider for facial wrinkles and folds are Botox, Restylane, Dysport, Radiesse, and Fat Transfer. The team at Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. will discuss with you what you want to accomplish and which options are best for you.
Are the results of Sculptra immediate?
The signs of aging may be improved immediately after Sculptra injections. However, these initial results typically do not last more than 24 hours. They are related more to slight inflammation and swelling beneath the skin than to the treatment itself. Sculptra is a collagen-inducing treatment so works more subtly over time than standard dermal fillers.
the possible side effects of Sculptra
Sculptra® side effects are generally localized around the site of injection. They include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness or pain
- Bleeding
How long will side effects last?
Minor side effects usually resolve within one week of treatment. Some people develop post-treatment nodules, which may appear as visible bumps, after Sculptra injections. The risk of nodules is decreased by careful preparation before the treatment and regular massage after treatment. If nodules develop, they typically go away within a few days.
the wonderful benefits of Sculptra injections
Sculptra is not for everyone. However, many adults gravitate toward this injectable option to gain specific benefits. These include:
- Minimally-invasive treatment is relatively pain-free and requires no downtime. After the quick appointment, many patients go right back to their normal routine.
- Improved collagen production. Cosmetic aging is largely attributed to collagen loss. Sculptra revives and remodels the skin by stimulation a prolonged period of collagen production.
- Subtle, natural-looking results. Because Sculptra rejuvenates the skin through collagen stimulation, the effects of treatment are not immediate. Many patients appreciate that they will seem to age backwards, never looking as though they have had work done.
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Is Sculptra covered by insurance?
Sculptra is a cosmetic treatment performed to correct the signs of aging. Therefore, it is not covered by insurance.
How long will my Sculptra results last? 
Sculptra injections gradually improve the foundation of the skin, it’s collagen matrix in the dermis. Collagen remodeling occurs over 6 to 9 months and remains intact for about 2 years after the initial series of injections. Because the first injections set off a months-long process of collagen production, period touch-ups after the two-year mark may require fewer injections than the previous treatment.