Manhattan

121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB, New York, NY 10022

Ph. (212) 285-1110

Long Island

901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530

Ph. (516) 512-7616

New York City (212) 285-1110

Garden City, NY (516) 512-7616

Sculptra Injections in New York

sculptra

Sculptra® Aesthetic is an injectable that corrects age-related concerns by replacing lost collagen in the skin, which is the underlying cause of facial aging. Sculptra is different from other injectables because it works with our body to naturally and gradually restore collagen in our skin. When injected by an experienced practitioner like Dr. Rokhsar, Sculptra1 can effectively improve the appearance of facial folds and wrinkles and restore lost volume in the treated areas.

Sculptra is a Collagen Stimulator, Not a Dermal Filler

Classified as a collagen stimulator, Sculptra diminishes facial wrinkles and folds by restoring collagen in the skin, thereby improving its underlying structure. Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible, synthetic material that is naturally absorbed by the body over time. This substance helps stimulate the growth of collagen when it is injected deep within the dermis.

Sculptra ba*Results may vary.

Sculptra is quite different from dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid2, such as Restylane or Juvederm. Dermal fillers work by immediately adding volume beneath the skin to smooth out wrinkles and creases. While results are immediate, they don’t tend to last as long as Sculptra. Because Sculptra utilizes your body’s natural processes, it tends to provide a more natural look, which is gradually revealed over the course of the treatment. For these reasons, Sculptra is well suited for individuals who want long-lasting results and the assurance that their results will appear natural.

Treatment Areas

The FDA has approved Sculptra3 for use in treating shallow to deep facial folds, wrinkles, and creases. Dr. Rokhsar typically uses Sculptra to correct the following age-related concerns:

  • Nasolabial folds (also known as smile lines)
  • Marionette lines
  • Chin wrinkles
  • Hollows around the temples
  • Volume loss in cheeks

Treatment Overview

Before beginning the treatment at our New York or Garden City office, your skin will be cleaned and an antiseptic will be applied. A topical anesthetic may be injected to reduce discomfort. Once you have been properly prepped, Dr. Rokhsar will inject a tiny amount of Sculptra in pre-determined locations using a very fine needle. After the injections are finished, you will be given an ice pack to apply to the treated areas to reduce swelling and bruising. Dr. Rokhsar may gently massage the treated area to ensure the product is properly distributed.

Recovery and Side Effects

No downtime is required after a Sculptra treatment session, so you can resume normal activities as soon as you wish. Dr. Rokhsar may ask you to massage the treated area or apply ice packs at prescribed intervals in the days following your treatment. Please follow all post-treatment instructions to ensure the best result.

The most common side effects of Sculptra are swelling, pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, and itching at the injection sites. These side effects are normal and should go away within a few days. Less commonly, small to large lumps may form under the skin but are usually only noticeable when pressing down on the treated area.

Sculptra Results

The results of Sculptra appear gradually over time. In most cases, the treatment regime involves three rounds of injections over three or four months. When this regime is used, the results can last up to two years.

Sculptra Vs. Radiesse

Sculptra and Radiesse are both dermal fillers used to replace volume and a youthful look to the facial skin. They are composed of different substances. Radiesse is made of calcium spheres suspended in a gel; a substance naturally present in the body. Radiesse gives immediate results of a more youthful face. Additionally, Radiesse continues to improve skin over time by stimulating collagen production. The increased collagen will replace the soft, youthful volume your skin once had. Radiesse is used for acne scars, wrinkles, smile lines, aging hands, crow’s feet, and can also be used to contour the cheekbones and chin. You will notice the results as soon as the treatment is finished. You can enjoy results from Radiesse for up to one year.

Sculptra is composed of plant-derived acids. Sculptra is used to smooth smile lines, crow’s feet, aging hands, and to fill in hollow under-eye bags. After treatment with Sculptra in NYC, the injected volume will go down after a few days- there are no immediate results. Sculptra works by stimulating your own skin to make more collagen- this process takes time, and peak results are seen over the course of 3-6 months. Sculptra requires multiple sessions. The number of treatments you need depends on a variety of factors; such as the areas of concern and the depth of your wrinkles. Sculptra is a great option for those who are shy of an immediate change to their face and prefer a more gradual improvement. Sculptra provides long-lasting results for up to two years.

Sculptra Injections FAQ

What is a Sculptra injection?

A Sculptra injection is a type of dermal filler used for cosmetic procedures to smooth fine lines, deep wrinkles, and restore facial volume loss due to aging or illness. It contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to improve results over time. It is FDA-approved to smooth marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and to reverse facial volume loss. It is also used off-label for butt augmentation, a procedure known as a Sculptra butt lift which competes with the Brazilian butt lift.

Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting injectable treatments, with results usually lasting one to two years, and the best results appearing four to six months post-treatment. Sculptra works deep within the skin to help stimulate the natural production of lost collagen and boost previously lost volume. The material has been commonly used in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue implants, and a natural form of Poly-L-lactic acid is produced in our muscles during exercise.

Where is Sculptra injected?

Sculptra is a synthetic and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra is mainly used as a cosmetic dermal filler to reduce deep wrinkles, elevate recessed areas of skin, redefine or soften contours, and treat fat loss. It is usually injected into the deep dermis of the skin in the face. Off the face, Sculptra is commonly used in areas such as the buttocks and hips, but its use is not limited to these areas. Sculptra causes collagen creation within and underneath the skin and fat pads, literally acting as a seed to regrow lost collagen. Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates the patient’s body to make its collagen, and it is used to fill wrinkles and reduce hollow, sunken cheeks, laugh lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Once diluted with saline solution and an anesthetic (lidocaine), Sculptra is injected into the profound layers of the skin, and the solution starts dissolving into the skin in about two weeks and is absorbed only at the skin level, so it doesn’t get into your bloodstream. The body builds tissue around the Sculptra crystals thus adding volume back to the face. Sculptra is commonly injected in the deep dermis of the skin to reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen production.

How does Sculptra work?

Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler, which means that it works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is a fibrous protein that gives support to the structure of the skin, and it also supports hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin to retain moisture, and elastin, which helps to maintain firm, tight skin.

When Sculptra is injected into the skin, it encourages the body to increase its own collagen production, thereby improving the look and firmness of the skin over time. Sculptra works deep within the skin to help stimulate the natural production of lost collagen and boost previously lost volume. By maintaining and building your own natural collagen, Sculptra can provide long-lasting results that gradually improve over time.

Use at the site of skin sores, cysts, pimples, rashes, hives or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Sculptra should not be injected into the red area (vermillion) of the lip or in the periorbital area.

How many vials of Sculptra for buttocks?

The number of vials of Sculptra needed for buttocks augmentation varies depending on several factors such as the desired results, the roundness of the buttocks to begin with, and the age of the patient. The number of vials can range from four to as many as 80 over the course of several sessions.

On average, most patients require 10 vials per treatment, 5 vials per buttock. However, some patients may need up to 20 vials to achieve their desired results. In some cases, as many as 60 to 80 vials may be used over the course of several sessions. Additionally, the number of vials needed increases with age, with a person in their 60s potentially needing more vials.

The number of vials needed for Sculptra injections varies on a case-by-case basis. Patients should consult with an experienced board certified dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment and the appropriate number of vials required for their desired outcome.

How many vials of Sculptra for hip dips?

The number of Sculptra vials required to correct hip dips can vary depending on the individual’s anatomy, the extent of correction needed, and the desired outcome. However, on average, most patients require 2-10 vials per session for up to three sessions, with a total of 20-30 vials recommended for significant augmentation. The number of vials may vary depending on individual factors such as age, goals, and response to treatment. Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating filler that requires several vials to be placed every 30 to 45 days, and the results can last over 3 years, with progressive results that may require additional evaluation and follow-up sessions.

How many vials of Sculptra for a face?

The number of vials of Sculptra needed for a face depends on various factors, including age, skin condition, extent of hollowness, and desired results. As a general rule, one vial of Sculptra is needed per decade for correction. For example, a 40-year-old may require four vials of Sculptra, whereas a 50-year-old may need five vials. More vials may be required for some individuals, and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

The substance in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a synthetic material. The substance comes in the form of a powder in vials that get mixed with a saline solution before injecting it into the skin.

How long does Sculptra last?

Sculptra can last anywhere from one to two years. Results typically take between three to six months to become noticeable, with full results appearing 60 to 80 days after treatment. However, individual results may vary, and additional treatments may be needed every year to maintain the desired results. Sculptra is not a permanent cosmetic procedure. Yearly injections may be required to maintain the positive results. Sculptra injections are safe in experienced hands with few complications.

How long does Sculptra for buttocks last?

Sculptra injections for the buttocks can take 4 to 6 months before results become apparent, as the injection works to slowly boost the body’s collagen production. After undergoing the recommended number of treatments, which can vary depending on the individual, a gradual yet steady improvement in the appearance of the buttocks can be seen over time. Sculptra results for the buttocks typically last for 1-2 years, although some have reported that Sculptra can continue to enhance collagen production for as long as five years or even longer. However, individual results may vary and depend on factors such as the amount of product used and the patient’s skin type and condition. It is recommended to have a touch-up treatment every 6-12 months to maintain the results. Experts generally agree that results last between one and two years.

How much does Sculptra cost?

The cost of Sculptra can vary depending on several factors such as the experience level of the provider, the location of the practice, how much product is used, and the number of injection sessions you have over time. Total cost of Sculptra will vary depending on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. Some providers may also offer a lower cost per vial if multiple vials are used during a single treatment session.

How to dissolve Sculptra lumps?

Sculptra is a type of filler used to stimulate collagen production and provide a more youthful appearance to the face. However, in some cases, it can result in the formation of lumps or nodules. Here are some options for dissolving Sculptra lumps:

  • Hyaluronidase: This is an enzyme that can dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane. It can also dissolve Sculptra lumps, although it may require multiple treatments.
  • Steroid injections: A steroid such as triamcinolone can be injected into the lump to reduce inflammation and dissolve it.
  • Massage: In some cases, small lumps can be massaged out with lotion for 2-4 weeks. However, it is important to be gentle and not manipulate the lump if it is tiny or invisible, as it may resolve on its own over time.
  • Surgical excision: If the lump is particularly large or not responding to other treatments, it may need to be surgically removed.
  • Saline injections. Saline injections with vigorous massage may help break up sculptra nodules. Multiple sessions may be needed.

New York Office Locations

Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110

Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616

Request an Appointment

References

  1. The Power of Sculptra Aesthetic. Available: https://www.sculptrausa.com/.
  2. Hyaluronic acid gel ( Juvéderm™) preparations in the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682392/.
  3. FDA-approved. SCULPTRA® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid). Available: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf3/p030050s002c.pdf.

About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.

Learn more about Dr. Rokhsar | Dr. Rokhsar's Google Scholar