In the complex world of facial cosmetic treatments, it can be hard to decide on which procedure is best for you. If you get queasy at the thought of scalpels and months-long recovery times, you may have more options than you think. The age of restorative facial injection is here. With Sculptra, often described as a “liquid facelift,” you can achieve the full, toned face you want without the risk of invasive surgery.
Sculptra, developed by Galderma Laboratories, is a relatively new and very effective dermal filler. In other words, it is an injection that fills areas of your face that may have become sunken from fat loss. While the procedure was initially intended for the treatment of facial fat loss in victims of HIV, it is now widely used by healthy people to give their face an extra lift, without painful surgeries or prolonged recovery times.
Here are five things you should know if you are considering Sculptra:
1. Sculptra adds volume and shape to a sunken face.
Sculptra is an alternative to traditional facelifts, not liposuction. If you want to remove fat from areas of your face, Sculptra is not for you.
2. Patience is key.
Sculptra is very effective at reversing the effects of fat loss and aging in your face, but it does not work immediately. The most common treatment plan consists of 3 injection sessions, with results that progressively appear over time. This is what gives Sculptra an edge over traditional surgery: sunken features and wrinkles are corrected gradually from the inside out, leading to more natural looking results!
3. Aftercare is easy, but important.
Sculptra does not have a recovery period like surgical facelifts. However, practicing a few easy aftercare habits can improve your results. You should use an ice pack wrapped in a hand towel to reduce the minor initial swelling, as well as some sunscreen to protect the treated areas from excessive UV light. You’ll also want to follow the 5-5-5 Rule: massaging the treatment area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days after injection.
4. Sculptra is safe.
Assuming you are not allergic to any of its ingredients, there are no major side effects of Sculptra. The minor side effects (itching, redness, etc.) are not only rare, but they are seen with just about every other skin care product on the market. That said, only you and your doctor can decide if you are clear to use Sculptra.
5. Sculptra should ONLY be administered by a licensed medical professional.
While Sculptra is a simple procedure, it should be handled by somebody who knows what they’re doing. Your face is the first thing people look at when they meet you. Don’t leave it in the care of an amateur!
If you want a facelift without the fuss and risk of surgery, Sculptra may be the perfect alternative for you. The results are gradual and painless, giving you the volume and shape you want without the appearance of having had work done. Just check out these before and after photos!