Sculptra is an advanced collagen-stimulating injectable treatment that gradually restores facial volume and rejuvenates skin. Made from poly-L-lactic acid (a biocompatible synthetic material), Sculptra works beneath the skin’s surface to kick-start your own natural collagen production. This treatment helps to firm up areas of volume loss, smooth fine lines, and enhance facial contours over time. The result is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that develops subtly and naturally in the weeks following treatment. Sculptra is especially valued for its long-lasting results (often up to two years or more), making it an ideal choice for those seeking a long-term anti-aging solution without surgery or frequent touch-ups.
Sculptra is injected in targeted areas of the face to address volume loss and wrinkles at their source. This process is relatively quick and is made as comfortable as possible. During a treatment session, Dr. Selina will first use a numbing injection on one point on either side of the face, and then use a cannula to carefully fan Sculptra under the skin. Once injected, Sculptra stimulates your skin’s fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Over the following weeks, this increased collagen gradually plumps and firms the treated areas. Instead of adding instant volume like traditional fillers, Sculptra triggers your own collagen-building response, leading to a slow, natural rejuvenation of the skin’s structure. The procedure typically takes under an hour, and because it works from within, the improvements appear gradually, giving you a refreshed look that people will notice without guessing you’ve had “work” done.
Sculptra offers a range of aesthetic benefits by improving the skin’s foundation and volume. Key advantages of Sculptra include:
The number of Sculptra sessions required varies based on individual needs and desired results. Generally, a course of 2 to 3 treatment sessions is recommended for most patients to achieve optimal collagen stimulation and volume restoration. These sessions are typically spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, allowing time for collagen build-up between visits. During your consultation, Dr. Selina will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan. Some patients with more significant volume loss or specific goals might benefit from a fourth session, while others with mild concerns may find two sessions sufficient. The approach is always tailored to you, ensuring that the number of treatments aligns with your anatomy and aesthetic goals. By planning your Sculptra treatments carefully, we ensure you get a balanced, gradual improvement that looks natural and meets your expectations.
Patience is key with Sculptra, as it works by gradually rejuvenating your skin from within. You might notice a bit of immediate plumpness right after each treatment, but that initial fullness is mostly from the injection fluid and will subside in a day or two. The true results take time to develop. Typically, within 4 to 6 weeks of your first session, you’ll start to see subtle improvements – your skin may feel firmer and areas of hollowing begin to look more filled in as collagen builds. These results continue to improve with each week. The full effect of a Sculptra treatment series usually becomes apparent around the 3 to 4 month mark after your first injection. By that time, the collagen network has been significantly reinforced, leading to visibly smoother skin and restored volume. Because Sculptra works gradually, the improvement is very natural; many patients love that the change is noticeable but not sudden. If a series of sessions is done, each subsequent treatment boosts the collagen renewal process, so the cumulative result after the final session will be an even fuller, firmer and more youthful look. In summary, you’ll need a bit of patience, but the payoff is a progressive rejuvenation that looks like you, just younger.
Sculptra’s results are impressively long-lasting compared to many other injectable treatments. After completing your series of sessions, the effects can last approximately 2 years. Over time you might notice gradual fading of the added volume or firmness as your collagen slowly matures. To maintain the best results, Dr. Selina may recommend a maintenance Sculptra treatment once a year (or as needed) after your initial series. As with all treatments, the best results are experienced with ith proper maintenance and a healthy lifestyle.
Sculptra is an excellent option for a wide range of adults who want to rejuvenate their appearance in a subtle, natural way. It is particularly well-suited for those experiencing facial volume loss due to aging or weight loss. If you have noticed hollow or sunken cheeks, thinning of the temples, deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines), or general loss of firmness in your skin, Sculptra can be especially beneficial. Additionally, Sculptra can be used to help slim fuller faces by injecting over the lateral aspect of the face (temple, hairline and over the mandible) and this helps to create a lift or a ‘ponytail lift’ as it’s sometimes called. The effect is a lifted slimmer looking face.
Both men and women of various skin types can benefit from Sculptra, as it stimulates your body’s own collagen and adapts to your natural features. Typically, patients in their mid-30s and older who are starting to see signs of collagen loss are great candidates. It’s a fitting choice if you want to address the underlying causes of aging (collagen loss and volume depletion) rather than just surface wrinkles. During your consultation, Dr. Selina will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and determine if Sculptra is the right treatment for you. If you’re seeking a natural-looking, long-duration improvement in facial fullness and skin quality, Sculptra could be an ideal match.
One of the advantages of Sculptra is the minimal downtime associated with the treatment. Most patients find that they can return to their normal daily very shortly after a Sculptra session. Because the procedure involves a series of injections, you may experience some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites – this is a normal reaction and usually resolves within a few days. Swelling can make the area look a bit fuller initially, but this subsides typically in 2–3 days. Strenuous exercise, excessive heat (like saunas or heavy sun exposure), and alcohol should be avoided for the first 48 hours, as these can increase swelling or bruising. Dr. Selina will provide you with clear aftercare instructions (for example, massaging the treated areas at home, which is recommended to ensure the product distributes evenly). By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth recovery with minimal downtime.
Sculptra is generally very safe, and very well tolerated, especially when administered by an experienced medical professional, but as with any injectable treatment there are some potential side effects and considerations to be aware of. Common side effects are typically mild and temporary. These include redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection sites, which tend to resolve on their own within a few days. Some people might feel small bumps or nodules under the skin in the treated area; these are usually not visible and often dissipate over weeks or months as the Sculptra integrates and collagen grows. Proper injection technique by a medical professional, and aftercare (like the gentle massage routine that may be recommended) helps minimise the chance of any noticeable lumps forming. Rarely, if a nodule persists or is bothersome, it can be treated by the practitioner. Infection is an uncommon risk with any injection, which is why Dr. Selina upholds strict aseptic techniques and provides aftercare advice to keep the area clean. Sculptra’s main ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid, is biocompatible and biodegradable – it has been used in medical dissolvable stitches and facial treatments for decades – so allergic reactions are exceptionally rare. Regardless of the minimal risks, choosing a medically qualified practitioner is still crucial for overall safety. At Dr Selina Clinics in London, treatments are performed by Dr. Selina, who ensures the product is placed correctly, and will monitor your progress. Your wellbeing is top priority, so Dr Selina will discuss all safety information with you during your consultation and make sure you feel comfortable and informed before proceeding.
