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Sculptra -- NEW!
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 What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. For most people who participated in a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to two years.
More than 150,000 people in over 30 countries worldwide have been treated with Sculptra, under the trade name New-Fill, for a variety of facial volume and contour deficiencies. It was approved in Europe in 1999 to increase the volume of depressed areas, particularly for the correction of skin depression, including skin creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, and eye rings. In 2004, the product was approved in the United States for large-volume corrections of the signs of lipoatrophy (localized fat loss). In June 2006, this was approved in Canada by the Health Protection Branch for treatment of both lipoatrophy and cosmetic treatment of skin wrinkling. Dr. Pollack was among the first physicians trained in the use of Sculptra and has been selected to train other Canadian Cosmetic Specialists interested in using this exciting new product.
Because the main component in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid, is a polymer synthetically derived from natural components and is a biocompatible substance, there is no need to test for allergic reactions. Poly-lactic acid has been used in surgical products for more than 20 years as a component of dissolvable sutures and is used as a vehicle for several sustained-release injectable medications.Sculptra should not be used by those who are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra. Sculptra should not be injected while there is an infection or inflammation in the treatment area.
Side effects of Sculptra may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling.
Cost: $1000 per syringe
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a skin test before being treated with SculptraŽ?
No skin testing is required prior to use.
Are the results from SculptraŽ immediate?
No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that SculptraŽ worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute SculptraŽ. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you will look as you did before your treatment. SculptraŽ takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Initial improvement will begin to appear after about 6 weeks.
How many treatments are required?
Dr. Pollack will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of SculptraŽ you will need at each session. Most atients with facial fat loss will require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.
How long do treatment results last?
Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session, in most patients. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
Do injections of SculptraŽ hurt?
As with any injection, injections with SculptraŽ may hurt. SculptraŽ is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Dr. Pollack adds a local anesthetic to the mixture in order to diminish discomfort.
What can I expect to happen at a treatment session?
Prior to the injections, all make-up should be removed. The area where the injections will be given will be cleaned with an antiseptic. Sculptra will be injected in small amounts into the skin using a fine needle. Multiple injections will be needed. After the treatment session, the area will be thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly. Ice packs will be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
What can I expect after treatment?
Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra, redness, swelling, pain, and/or bruising may occur in the treatment area. These signs usually go away in a few hours to 3 days. Some have been known to last up to 17 days. Dr. Pollack will give you specific post-treatment care instructions. You should massage the treated area for five minutes, five times each day for five days after the treatment session. Within the first 24 hours after treatment, an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid putting ice directly on your skin. Avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure until any initial swelling and redness has resolved.
How quickly can I get back to my daily activities?
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities immediately following treatment.
When will I be able to apply make-up after treatment?
Make-up may be applied a few hours after treatment if no complications are present (for example, open wounds or bleeding).
What are the possible side effects of treatment with SculptraŽ?
The most common side effects with the use of SculptraŽ include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.
One possible delayed side effect with SculptraŽ can be small bumps under the skin in the treated area. These small bumps may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you press on the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Occasionally, these bumps go away on their own. Visible bumps, sometimes with redness or color change to the treated area, have also been reported. As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.
Report any long lasting problems or side effects immediately to our office.
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