Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Buckingham specializes in treatments that produce healthy, younger-looking skin. Dr. Buckingham offers Sculptra®, which replaces the collagen that is lost due to aging, sun damage, genetics, smoking, stress and gravity. Sculptra® generates new collagen, which strengthens and rebuilds the skin’s internal structure and promotes healthier skin. Dr. Buckingham offers Sculptra® injections to male and female patients who are seeking a longer-lasting, natural-looking solution that can erase years from their skin.
Sculptra® Procedure
Sculptra®, which was first marketed in Europe, was FDA approved for use in the United States in 2004. Sculptra® generates the natural production of collagen and is often preferred over other dermal fillers, such as Restylane®, because of its longer-lasting results. Sculptra® is different than other fillers because it is distributed evenly under the entire area that is being treated, while other fillers offer spot treatments that only fill specific lines or creases.
Sculptra® is recognized as a trustworthy and reliable dermal filler and is referred to by many as a “liquid facelift.” Dr. Buckingham injects small amounts of Sculptra® under the skin using a fine needle. Sculptra® then stimulates the formation of new collagen, which strengthens the skin, increases facial volume and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Long-lasting, natural results are produced gradually as new collagen is regenerated within the skin. The collagen enhancing results that are produced after a Sculptra® treatment are seen in about four to six weeks. Sculptra® naturally tightens the skin and treats marionette lines, smile lines, chin lines and other signs of aging that are caused by loose, weak skin.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Dr. Buckingham completes the Sculptra® procedure at the Buckingham Center. A topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic is used to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the 15- to 40-minute treatment. Dr. Buckingham injects Sculptra® under the skin in pre-selected areas to generate collagen development. The patient may experience mild discomfort during the treatment.
The area must be massaged several times a day over the first few days to distribute the suspension evenly and to prevent the formation of bumps. Patients usually require an average of three treatments that are spaced over several months to achieve the results that they desire. Sculptra® results in the reproduction of collagen and the results may last more than two years.
The treated area may immediately appear to be filled out, but this is only a temporary response that is caused by the water content within the Sculptra® injection. This temporary fullness typically recedes within a few days, and the actual effects of the Sculptra® treatment become evident over the next weeks and months. Most patients have three treatments, which are spaced six weeks apart.
Sculptra® Expectations
Sculptra® results gradually become visible after the first six weeks. Three sessions are typically needed to achieve significant results, and each treatment is usually completed six weeks apart. Sculptra® tightens and firms the skin and reduces fine line and wrinkles, including smile lines and forehead lines. Each subsequent session builds upon the first treatment to restore the skin’s internal structure. The new collagen can last 2-4 years, but because each patient is continuing to age and lose collagen, touch-ups are recommended every 12 to 18 months. The increase in collagen is progressive, and the changes that are seen are natural. Sculptra® restores strength to the skin and turns back the hands of time.
Sculptra® Recovery
Sculptra® requires little to no downtime. Like other injectables, bruising, swelling and redness may occur at the site of the injection. These side effects are usually minor and resolve within a few hours or days. Bruising can be concealed with makeup. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after each treatment. The area must be massaged over the first few days to avoid the formation of lumps. Following the aftercare instructions is important because it will promote the best possible results.
Sculptra® Consultation
Dr. Buckingham recommends that men and women who are interested in tightening their skin and reducing lines and wrinkles call to request a private consultation to learn more about Sculptra®. During the meeting, Dr. Buckingham reviews each patient’s medical history and listens to their cosmetic goals and desires. He then completes a facial analysis and determines the best treatment option for the patient.
The Ideal Sculptra® Candidate
The ideal Sculptra® candidate is in good physical and mental health. The ideal Sculptra® candidate also has reasonable expectations and understands that Sculptra® results are gradual and subtle. Dr. Buckingham provides each patient with surgical or nonsurgical treatment recommendations that can achieve the goals that they are seeking.
Sculptra® Cost
Sculptra® injections are affordable and vary based on the number of vials that are needed to achieve the patient’s desired results. Dr. Buckingham and the staff at Buckingham Center never pressure patients to complete a treatment. Financing packages can help Sculptra® to fit into most budgets.
Sculptra® Questions and Answers
What is Sculptra®?
Sculptra® is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler that naturally strengthens the skin and restores collagen. The treatment usually involves three sessions that are spaced six weeks apart.
What is Sculptra® made of?
Sculptra® is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance. PLLA restores lost volume and collagen within the skin’s structure.
What Should I Expect at My Sculptra® Consultation?
Dr. Buckingham will review your health history and talk with you about your cosmetic goals. He will then do a facial analysis to determine if Sculptra® is right for you. Dr. Buckingham will provide you with customized, cosmetic recommendations that may include Sculptra®, and he will answer all of your questions and address any concerns that you may have.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sculptra®?
During your consultation, Dr. Buckingham will determine if you are a good candidate for Sculptra®. He will review your health history and complete a facial analysis to determine if you will benefit from Sculptra®. Suitable candidates have realistic expectations and understand that Sculptra® results are gradual.
Where is Sculptra® Performed?
Dr. Buckingham performs Sculptra® treatments at his Austin, Texas location, Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.
Is Sculptra® Painful?
The Sculptra® injections are not considered painful. Dr. Buckingham will complete your injections with a local or topical anesthetic to ensure that you experience little to no discomfort during the treatment.
How Long Does a Sculptra® Treatment Take?
Sculptra® is a completed very quickly and typically takes between fifteen and forty minutes. The length of time needed for your treatment will depend on the number of areas that Dr. Buckingham is treating.
What is the Recovery Period for Sculptra®?
The recovery time after a Sculptra® treatment is short. You may experience some redness, swelling or bruising, but these side effects usually dissipate on their own after a few hours or in one to two days. Most patients resume their regular work schedule and activities immediately after the treatment. Bruising can be covered with makeup. The production of collagen usually begins to show visible changes in the skin within a few weeks.
When are Patients Released to Return to Work?
You may return to work and resume most of your other activities immediately after the Sculptra® treatment is completed. If you have any questions, Dr. Buckingham will be happy to answer them.
When Can I Resume Exercising after Sculptra®?
You may continue your exercise routine immediately after your Sculptra® treatment. The skin at the injection site may be bruised and tender for a few hours or days.
Does Sculptra® have Risks?
Sculptra® is safe and has very few risks. The side effects are similar to those that are experienced with other injectable fillers, such as swelling, redness, bruising, pain, tenderness or bleeding. There is a risk of developing post-treatment bumps on the injection site. An infection or discoloration may accompany these bumps. This risk is greatly reduced when under the professional care of an experienced doctor. Dr. Buckingham adequately prepares the skin before each Sculptra® treatment and accurately positions the injections to reduce the possibility of bumps. The patient must also regularly massage the treated areas. Sculptra® side effects are uncommon, and the significant and long-lasting benefits of Sculptra® outweigh potential risks.
How Long Do Sculptra® Results Last?
Sculptra® results can last two or more years. Most patients’ initial treatment includes three treatment sessions that are completed every six weeks. Your Sculptra® results will be seen gradually as new collagen is generated in your skin. Touch-up treatments are recommended every 12-18 month to maintain the results rather than returning to the original baseline and starting over.
Dr. Edward Buckingham is a respected facial plastic surgeon who provides excellent surgical and non-surgical procedures for men and women residing in Austin, TX. Call 512.401.2500 to hear more about Sculptra® and to request a consultation with Dr. Buckingham at Buckingham Center.
