Discover how Sculptra at Dr Selina Clinics in London can naturally restore youthful volume, smooth wrinkles, and boost collagen production. Gain insights into the benefits, treatment process, and expert guidance from Dr Selina, a cosmetic doctor based in London.
As an experienced cosmetic doctor based in London, I’ve spent years helping patients rejuvenate their appearance through subtle yet impactful treatments. One injectable that consistently impresses me is Sculptra, a collagen-stimulating treatment designed to restore lost facial volume in a very natural-looking way. Many patients seek treatments that deliver noticeable yet discreet improvements, and provide longer-lasting results compared to traditional dermal fillers. For these patients, Sculptra offers an excellent solution, as it stimulates natural collagen growth, resulting in gradual but significant skin rejuvenation.
This article covers what Sculptra is, its unique advantages, and what patients can expect from the treatment.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra differs from standard dermal fillers as it’s formulated from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible, biodegradable substance. Rather than immediately adding volume, Sculptra stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production, resulting in gradual volume restoration and improved skin elasticity.
How is Sculptra different from other fillers?
Traditional fillers, such as those based on hyaluronic acid, provide immediate results by directly filling areas under the skin, and typically last 6-12 months. However, these fillers do not encourage any natural regeneration of the skin. Sculptra, in contrast, actively boosts collagen production over time, creating natural, enduring improvements that can last up to 2 years. I often recommend Sculptra to patients experiencing early signs of volume loss or mild skin laxity, or to those who are looking for subtle, long-term rejuvenation rather than immediate changes.
Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?
Ideal candidates for Sculptra typically have noticed early signs of aging, such as hollow cheeks or a softening jawline, and would like a gentle enhancement. It is particularly suited to those willing to wait several months for gradual yet significant improvements in facial volume and skin firmness.
Sculptra can also be used to help slim fuller rounder faces by injecting over the lateral aspect of the face (temple, hairline and over the mandible laterally) and this helps to create a lift or a ‘ponytail lift’ as it’s sometimes called. The effect is a lifted slimmer looking face if desired.
The technique I use varies depending on the concern, but the end result is always a natural-looking enhancement.
If immediate results are required, such as for an upcoming event, traditional fillers might be more suitable, and I will always discuss the options during consultations.
How Sculptra works to rebuild collagen
Sculptra’s main component, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), has been safely used for many years in medical products such as dissolvable stitches. Once injected into the deeper layers of the skin, PLLA particles stimulate the body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen production around these particles over subsequent weeks and months. Collagen, essential for skin firmness and elasticity, diminishes with age, making this stimulation vital for rejuvenation.
Visible improvements typically emerge gradually over several months as the new collagen structure strengthens beneath the skin.
What to Expect During the Sculptra Procedure
Consultation & Personalised Plan:
During our initial Sculptra consultation at my London clinic, I will thoroughly assess your skin, discuss your goals, and determine if Sculptra is the best treatment option. A typical Sculptra treatment plan involves two to three sessions spaced approximately four to six weeks apart to optimally encourage incremental collagen growth.
Your Sculptra Treatment:
The Sculptra procedure is straightforward. After using a single point numbing injection on either side of the face, I then use a cannula to fan the Sculptra under the skin. Patients typically describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable but entirely manageable. Sessions usually last around an hour, including preparation time.
Immediately post-treatment, treated areas might appear fuller due to initial swelling and injection fluid, which subsides within a few days. Collagen production then gradually starts taking effect.
Post-Treatment Aftercare & Downtime:
Sculptra involves minimal downtime. You might experience minor redness, swelling, or bruising at injection sites, but these typically resolve quickly. I provide clear aftercare instructions, including the critical ‘5-5-5’ massage rule—massaging the treated area five minutes, five times daily, for five days—to ensure optimal distribution of the product and prevent small lumps.
Avoid vigorous exercise and sauna exposure for 24 hours post-treatment, and maintain hydration to support collagen synthesis. Makeup application is usually possible the day after treatment. Follow-up appointments occur around two weeks later to assess progress and plan additional sessions as needed.
The Long-Lasting Benefits of Sculptra
A significant advantage of Sculptra is the longevity of results, typically lasting 18-24 months after the completion of treatment sessions. This makes Sculptra cost-effective despite initial investments, as fewer maintenance sessions are needed compared to traditional fillers.
Sculptra provides exceptionally natural-looking results as the enhancement originates from your own collagen growth, offering firmer, smoother skin texture and improved facial contours.
Summary of Benefits:
- Gradual, natural-looking improvements
- Lasting results up to two years
- Enhanced skin quality and firmness
- Non-surgical approach with minimal downtime
Sculptra FAQs
Q: Is Sculptra safe?
A: Yes, Sculptra is considered very safe when administered by an experienced professional. The main ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid, is biocompatible and eventually absorbed by the body. It is safely used in other medical applications like dissolvable sutures.
My advice for considering any injectable is that treatment must be carried out in a medical setting. The most important safety factor is the skill of the injector – a trained doctor will know how to avoid or minimize side effects. In my clinic, I’ll discuss all the potential side effects with you (such as temporary swelling or small lumps) and how we manage them. Overall, Sculptra has a strong safety profile and a high satisfaction rate among patients.
Q: Does it hurt to get Sculptra injections?
A: Sculptra injections involve a needle, so there is some slight discomfort, but it’s tolerable for most people. I use techniques to make the process as comfortable as possible: a numbing cream is applied, and I use fine needles/cannulas. You might feel a pinch or a slight burning sensation at times, but it’s brief. After the treatment, the area can feel a little sore or tender to the touch for a day or two, but it shouldn’t be overly painful. Over-the-counter painkillers (like paracetamol) are more than enough if you feel you need something, though most don’t. If you’ve had other fillers or Botox before, you’ll find Sculptra is a very similar experience in terms of levels of discomfort.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Patience is key with Sculptra. You will not see results immediately, because the goal is to stimulate your collagen to produce new volume. In fact, you might look mostly back to “baseline” a few days after treatment once initial swelling goes down. Most patients start noticing subtle improvements about 4-6 weeks after their first session, such as a little more fullness in the cheeks. These changes continue to build with each session and over time. After the second session, the collagen production really kicks in and friends might start commenting that you look refreshed. By the end of the full treatment course – say 3-4 months after your first injection – you should see the full effect. In clinical studies, many participants saw significant improvement at the 3-month mark, and those results were sustained for up to 2 years.
Q: How long does Sculptra last?
A: Sculptra’s results are long-lasting compared to other injectables. Once you’ve completed all your sessions and the collagen has been built up, the results can last around 2 years. I recommend a maintenance session around 18-24 months after the initial session, to maintain results. Compared to most hyaluronic acid fillers that you need to have redone more frequently, Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting facial filler alternatives. Just keep in mind individual results can vary; factors like your metabolism, age, and lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure, diet) might affect how long it lasts for you.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: The number of sessions can vary, but on average it’s 2 to 3 sessions for a full treatment. This treatment plan I create for you will be personalised, based on your starting point and desired outcome. The sessions are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart to allow your collagen to build gradually in between visits.
Q: Can I combine Sculptra with other treatments?
A: Absolutely – combining treatments can be a great way to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, in a natural-looking way. Sculptra addresses volume and overall skin firmness, but it doesn’t target things like muscle movement wrinkles or surface pigmentation. Many Sculptra patients visiting Dr Selina Clinics opt for anti-ageing injections like Botox alongside their Sculptra. This way, we treat both the static volume loss and the dynamic wrinkles. It’s perfectly safe to have Botox and Sculptra at the same time, since they work in different layers of the face. Additionally, you can combine Sculptra with hyaluronic acid fillers for specific areas. During our consultation I will take a holistic look at your face.. If I feel you’d benefit from combination therapy, I’ll suggest a treatment plan that might include Sculptra plus other injectables or skincare treatments. The end goal is that you look as natural as possible, and for all treatments to work in harmony with each other.
Q: Are there any side effects with Sculptra?
A: As with any injection, you can expect common side effects like temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection sites. These normally resolve in a few days. Sculptra does have a very specific potential side effect that is frequently discussed: the formation of small nodules or lumps under the skin. In the vast majority of cases, these nodules are tiny and not visible – you might only notice them if you press the area, and even those tend to fade over time. Larger lumps are rare and often linked to incorrect injection technique by the practitioner, or because the patient has not followed the post-treatment massage protocol. The injector’s understanding of facial anatomy, proper mixing and injection technique, and aftercare guidance is crucial. As a medically qualified doctor and trained Sculptra practitioner, I ensure correct injection technique and depth, and strongly encourage you to follow the massage protocol. Fortunately, it’s extremely uncommon to have issues when Sculptra injections are carried out correctly. Overall, Sculptra’s side effect profile is similar to other fillers, with the unique addition that you must be attentive to massaging after treatment.
If you are considering Sculptra, choose your clinic and practitioner wisely. It’s not just the product, but the hands holding the syringe that determine your results. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about their experience with Sculptra specifically. Any reputable practitioner will welcome your questions and give you honest answers to build your confidence.
Conclusion: Is Sculptra right for you?
Choosing the right cosmetic treatment to address signs of aging can be challenging. Sculptra offers a distinct approach by gently stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, resulting in subtle yet meaningful improvements in facial volume, firmness, and overall skin quality. If you’re seeking a long-lasting solution that delivers natural-looking results without the need for invasive surgery, Sculptra could be an excellent choice for you.
To find out if Sculptra is suitable for your individual needs, book a consultation with me at Dr Selina Clinics in East London clinic today.