Sculptra- collagen stimulating injections for a natural, gradual result

Collagen is a protein found in the skin that helps maintain firmness and structure. After the age of 25, the skin loses about 1% of collagen per year- eventually leading to visible signs of aging such as thin skin, wrinkles and sagging.

Sculptra (Galderma) is an injectible collagen stimulator which is approved for cosmetic use to reverse the signs of skin aging due to collagen loss. It contains PLLA (Poly L Lactic Acid), a substance which has been in use as a medical device (eg sutures) for over 30 years. Sculptra itself has been in use for over almost 25 years (first introduced in 1999). After injection into the skin, Sculptra PLLA particles attract skin fibroblasts (worker cells) which lay down new collagen and improve on existing collagen strands- increasing collagen levels by up to 66%! The end result is firmer, lifted and youthful looking skin- with results lasting up to 2 years!

Personal experience: I had Sculptra treatment in July 2022, 2 vials. Went back to work and sports right away without any downtime. There was mild swelling for 2-3 days, followed by a dull pulling sensation for about 2 weeks (I guess that is what collagen being stimulated must feel like?) Small needle mark at my cheek which was not noticeable the next day. Didn’t see much change for the first few weeks, but about a month later I started getting comments from my patients and colleagues that my skin was glowing. I also felt lifted and tighter. 6 months later, I can say that I am quite satisfied with the results and would do it again.

Sculptra has a generally high satisfaction rate, with ~80% of clients happy with the results based on >800 reviews on Realself

https://www.realself.com/reviews/sculptra-aesthetic

FAQs

• Who should get Sculptra?

Clients who are looking for facial skin rejuvenation and wish for a natural look with minimal change to their current facial features, and are willing to wait 1-2 months to see results

• Sculptra or fillers?

Fillers provide an immediate volumisation of the treated areas- hence results can be seen immediately. Also, hyaluronic acid based fillers can be used in sensitive areas such as the nose, lips and chin- which are contraindicated for Sculptra. However, an excess of fillers leads to an overfilled, “pillow faced” look.

• Risks & contraindications for Sculptra

Sculptra is contraindicated in clients with active severe systemic disease (eg cancer on chemotherapy), prone to keloid formation, pregnant/breastfeeding or with active skin disease. Risks of Sculptra treatment include skin infection and nodule formation- which is rare if proper technique and dilution is used

• How many vials of Sculptra are required?

A rule of thumb would be 1 vial of Sculptra per decade of age (eg a 40 year old would roughly require 4 vials to get a good result). Each treatment would utilise 1-2 vials. Treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart. While results vary, typically younger clients in their 20s/30s can get a good result with 1 treatment, while order clients in their 40s/50s would require 2 sessions or more.

• What is the cost of Sculptra treatment?

Cost of Sculptra is approximately SGD $1500-1800 per vial