Sculptra^®...a sculpting agent that restores volume to correct the signs of facial fat loss

Sculptra^® is an enduring treatment approved by the FDA for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy. When the word lipoatrophy is broken down, "lipo" means "fat," and "atrophy" means "the loss of." Facial lipoatrophy is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes.

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.

Sculptra^® has been safely used outside the United States since 1999 in over 150,000 patients under the trade names New-Fill™ and Sculptra^®.

What It Does

Sculptra^® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Sculptra^® provides an increase in skin thickness, helping to create a more natural facial appearance in those with lipoatrophy.

The following section is designed to help you learn more about Sculptra^® and answer any questions that you might have:

What is Sculptra^®?

Sculptra^® is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable material that has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How does Sculptra^®work?

Sculptra^® is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra® provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

Sculptra^® will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss, but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.

Are skin tests required before treatment with Sculptra®?

No, skin testing is not required prior to use.

Are the results from Sculptra® immediate?

No. After the first treatment, it may appear that Sculptra^® worked immediately. Typically, patients will experience some degree of edema associated with the injection procedure, which will give the appearance of a full correction by the end of the injection session (within about 30 minutes). The injection-related edema typically resolves in several hours to a few days, resulting in the "reappearance" of the original contour deficiency. Sculptra^® takes time to gradually correct the depression in the skin.

How many treatments are required?

Each patient should be evaluated individually. More than one treatment session may be required (usually at least two sessions). Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 or more treatment sessions.

How long do treatment effects last?

Treatment effects 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.

How quickly can I return to my daily activities?

Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities following treatment.

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 Sculptra®?

The most common side effects of Sculptra^® include immediate and transient injection-related events such as bleeding from the injection site, discomfort, erythema or inflammation, ecchymosis, and edema.

Click here to review the Sculptra^® Patient Guide.