The concept of Sculptra is quite exciting in that Sculptra encourages the body to build up its own collagen and tissue volume. Sculptra is the trade name for poly lactic acid – many molecules of lactic acid joined together. Lactic acid is formed in the body by the muscles when they work hard, making this product totally compatible with the body's own tissues. However the medicine is not made from animals or animal products. Like many bio-products it is made from bacterial fermentation. 

Sculptra should be considered as a volumising (or re-volumising) programme for the face, and certainly not as a filler. The product is injected into the areas of the face that require volume. Although there will be a "result" after the first treatment, this is due mostly to swelling and merely gives us an idea of the end result. The initial swelling disappears after one or two days, buy gradually and often imperceptibly the volume builds up until the next treatment, six weeks later. Yet again the face appears to show a result, but this is short-lived swelling and subsides within two days. The real results will now begin to show as the tissue of the face is responding to the injected poly-lactic acid. One third and final treatment after another six weeks will complete the programme. The results should now last for up to three years. You may of course top the treatment up from time to time, but with one injection session rather than the full three again.

Sculptra is particularly recommended for the lower part of the face where classical HA fillers are not necessarily indicated. Sculptra will give a long-lasting smooth result in the area.

Those of us who insist on instant results will be reassured to know that Sculptra and HA fillers can be used together. Once you have decided on a volumising treatment, perform the HA filler first to give instant results in the areas where it is recommended. Then at your leisure, embark upon the course of Sculptra.

Adverse reactions to HA fillers

Manufacturers cite an "adverse reaction" rate of 1:20,000. We have never witnessed an adverse reaction to HA fillers in the clinic but it can and probably will happen. We will do our level best to ensure that you do not react adversely in the first place, and then treat you accordingly in the unfortunate event. Although this figure is very small it is significant if you are that one. Please remember this when deciding upon a treatment. 

The advantage of Hyaluronic acid is that it will dissolve and disappear totally; it can also be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase should you really not like the results. 

Adverse reactions to Sculptra

To date there have been no reported adverse reactions to Sculptra. In the past, tiny lumps were known to appear. This can be avoided by following exactly the post-treatment instructions.

Swelling

All treatments tend to cause some initial swelling which normally subsides within three hours. Very rarely the swelling may persist for a full 24 hours, a fact to remember when planning treatment.

Bruising

Injections into the top layer of skin (fine lines) rarely cause bruising but deeper injections can do. Both swelling and bruising can be minimised with 5 minutes of visible red light therapy. Bruises are almost unavoidable with the Sculptra treatment and can last for seven days even in the most healthy individual. Arnica as a cream or homeopathic dilution taken orally will help remove the bruise.