Sculptra Aesthetic
What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is a facial injectable which is made from Poly-Lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen in the face of men and women. As we age, we lose volume in our face from loss of muscle, fat, and bone, and our skin loses collagen and elastin. Sculptra® is used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. such as the deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), lines from the corners of the mouth (marionette lines), chin wrinkles, and cheek regions. Sculptra® is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used for decades. Sculptra® is injected with an average of three injection sessions over a few months. Sculptra® aesthetic helps to replace lost collagen, which in turn, will provide a foundation that naturally restores the look of fullness of your face that has been depleted over time. Sculptra® gradually corrects facial wrinkles and folds to result in a natural rejuvenated appearance that can last more than two years.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Good candidates for Sculptra® treatments are men and women who have noticed decreased volume in
their face, particularly in the nasolabial folds, cheeks, and chin regions.
What are Realistic Expectations of Sculptra® Aesthetic?
For clients undergoing Sculptra® treatment, realistic expectations would be to achieve increased fullness of the face to reinforce the collagen structure to provide a foundation for a look of fullness. This will address deep facial wrinkles and folds that occur over time. It is important for post-treatment care that clients massage the treated areas. This will result in a more even distribution of the Sculptra® and will improve the results. Following injection within a few days, the water components of Sculptra® are absorbed and the natural swelling resolves. This will result in a temporary reappearance of the defect that had been treated. At that point, the microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which are the main component of Sculptra®, will begin working in the deep dermis to replace the lost collagen.
What are the Common Reasons why one would want Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Clients typically present with concerns regarding loss of volume and aging in their face, particularly nasolabial folds, corners of the mouth, and marionette lines below the mouth. Patients want to achieve fullness or improved volume in their face, but their goal is to receive a natural appearance. This is the emphasis of the Mack Center, which is to provide our patients with a rejuvenated, natural appearance and Sculptra® is the facial filler that will result in this improvement.
What is the recovery time?
Following treatment with Sculptra®, we ask our clients to apply ice packs and also to massage the areas as directed. Clients can return to work the same day of treatment with Sculptra®.
Will I look natural?
Our focus is always on achieving natural results, either with rejuvenation procedures such as Sculptra®, or other injectables. Our clients appreciate these natural results and are satisfied with the long-term results of treatments such as Sculptra®. On average, three injection sessions are needed over a period of a few months. The number of injection sessions and the number of injections per session vary from person to person. Unlike most fillers, the results are not immediate but will begin to appear in 4 weeks. The product will last up to 2 years. As with any injectable filler, bruising is the most common side-effect.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a temporary dermal filler used to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face.
Radiesse is also considered a collagen stimulator so even after the product has dissolved the area treated often still looks better than it did prior to treatment.
It is often used “off-label”, meaning for treatment that is not yet FDA approved, all over the body for skin tightening and improved appearance of skin. Common body areas treated with Radiesse are the neck, chest, stomach (particularly after weight loss or pregnancy), above the knees and inner arms.
What is Radiesse made from?
Radiesse is made from tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in gel. The microspheres are bioidentical to minerals that are found naturally in the body so allergy testing is not necessary. Eventually, the gel and the microspheres are absorbed by the body and the natural collagen remains.
Radiesse vs Sculptra What is the difference?
Radiesse and Sculptra are two favorites of injectors and clients. Neither is necessarily better, they are simply different, but can provide the same results in the long-run. Often an injector may have a favorite or choose one over the other for a specific patient.
Similarities:
- Radiesse and Sculptra are both collagen stimulators, meaning they create new collagen in the area injected.
- They are both considered advanced products and need to be injected by an experienced provider.
- Radiesse and Sculptra both take several treatments to achieve full results. Usually, 3 are recommended.
Differences:
- Radiesse is a filler and a collagen stimulator. That means you get an immediate correction, as well as long-term collagen benefits. Sculptra is only a collagen stimulator.
- Radiesse is made from minerals that are bio-identical to minerals found in human bone and teeth. Sculptra is made from the same material as dissolvable sutures used in surgery.
- Sculptra creates an inflammatory process around the injected molecules that stimulates collagen production. Radiesse stimulates collagen through the minerals injected that create a matrix for collagen to form around.
- Radiesse is usually diluted when used for collagen stimulation and can be done immediately before the procedure. Sculptra has to be mixed ahead of time, often the night before so a deposit is typically required so the product is not wasted in case of cancellation.
HYPERDILUTE RADIESSE
Hyperdilute Radiesse is a variation of the Radiesse dermal filler, typically used in medical aesthetics. Radiesse itself is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler that provides volume and stimulates collagen production. When hyperdiluted, Radiesse is mixed with a greater volume of diluent to create a more diluted solution.
Here are some key points about hyperdilute Radiesse:
1. Purpose: Hyperdilute Radiesse is often used for treating larger areas of the skin, such as the body, to improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. It can be used to treat areas like the arms, thighs, or buttocks, as well as the face.
2. Application: Due to its diluted nature, hyperdilute Radiesse is typically injected in a more diffuse manner compared to traditional Radiesse, allowing for more even distribution and broader coverage.
3. Results: The primary benefit is the stimulation of collagen production over a larger area, which can lead to improved skin quality and reduced signs of aging. Results usually appear gradually as collagen builds up over time.
4. Longevity: The effects of hyperdilute Radiesse can last for several months to over a year, depending on factors such as the area treated and individual response. The gradual buildup of collagen helps extend the results.
5. Procedure: The injection process is similar to that of other dermal fillers, often involving local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The diluted solution allows for a less invasive treatment that can cover larger surface areas.
6. Side Effects: Potential side effects are similar to those of other injectables and can include swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort at the injection sites.