Sculptra is an injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid that helps the skin rebuild collagen over time. It is approved for smile lines and fine lines and wrinkles in the cheeks, with results that can last up to two years. Paz Dermatology offers Sculptra at its Fresno and Visalia, California offices.
Your own collagen, rebuilt a little at a time
With age, skin loses collagen, and with it some of its firmness and lost volume. Sculptra works on the cause. Its tiny particles of poly-L-lactic acid help your skin gradually rebuild its structure, which smooths wrinkles from within.[1]
It’s approved for smile lines from nose to mouth and for fine lines on the cheeks.[1] Because the change happens slowly, it looks like better skin, not added filler, and results can last up to two years.[1]
What you can change
- Smile lines from nose to mouth
- Fine lines and wrinkles on the cheeks
- Lines that have deepened gradually with time
- Up to 2 yearsHow long Sculptra results can last.[1]
How a Sculptra plan works
- A plan, not a one-off Sculptra works best as a short series. We map the areas and set a schedule, usually two to three visits at least three to four weeks apart.[2]
- Each visit Your provider places Sculptra with a fine needle. It’s quick, and you can get back to your day.
- Massage at home Afterward, you’ll massage the area five minutes at a time, five times a day, for five days. It helps the product settle evenly.[2]
- Watch it build Results appear gradually as your collagen builds. In clinical study, most people still showed improvement at three months, one year and two years.[1]
- 94%Of people in the clinical study still showed improvement two years after treatment.[1]
Sculptra or a classic filler?
Both soften lines. They just get there differently, and some people use both.
| Sculptra | Hyaluronic acid filler | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Helps your skin rebuild collagen[1] | Adds volume where it’s placed |
| When you see it | Gradually, over months | Right away |
| Number of visits | Two to three, on average[2] | Usually one |
| How long it lasts | Up to two years[1] | Months to two years, by product |
| Best if you want | Subtle change nobody can pin down | A visible difference today |
If you’d like to see a change right away, a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvéderm may suit you better. Your consultation sorts out which fits.
Where Sculptra makes the biggest difference
| Area | What changes |
|---|---|
| Smile lines | Deep creases from nose to mouth soften over time.[1] |
| Cheeks | Fine lines and wrinkles smooth out as collagen rebuilds.[1] |
Providers also use Sculptra for marionette lines and chin wrinkles. Ask at your consultation whether one of these suits you.
- GradualResults build over months as your collagen does, so the change looks natural.
The Paz difference
Patience, planned well
Sculptra rewards a good plan: the right areas, the right number of visits, and time for your skin to respond. We set that plan with you and check in along the way, so the result arrives the way you hoped.
And because you’re in a dermatology practice, the whole face is part of the conversation. If another treatment suits you better, you’ll hear about it at your free consultation.
Is Sculptra right for you?
You’re likely a good fit if you:
- Want softer smile lines or smoother cheeks
- Prefer a gradual, natural-looking change
- Have a healthy immune system[1]
- Are happy to come in for a short series
After each visit
Most people get right back to their day. Swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and small lumps at the injection sites are the common side effects.[1]
For the first few days
- Massage five minutes, five times a day, for five days[2]
- Use a cold pack if you’re swollen
- Keep your follow-up visits in the series
Serious problems are rare. Like any injectable, Sculptra must stay out of blood vessels, which is why training matters.[1] Call us right away if an area turns pale, dusky or very painful.
Concerns treated
These are some of the most common concerns Sculptra helps with here. Pick one to see how we can help.
What treatment costs
Sculptra is planned as a series, so cost depends on the areas and how many visits you need. Your consultation is free, and you’ll know your full plan and its cost before anything happens. You’ll find our current offers on their own page.
Sculptra questions, answered
Results build gradually as your collagen rebuilds, over the months after your series.[1]
Up to two years. In clinical study, 94% of people still showed improvement at two years.[1]
Two to three on average, spaced at least three to four weeks apart. We’ll set the number with you based on the areas and how much change you want.[2]
It spreads the product evenly under the skin. The rule of thumb is five minutes, five times a day, for five days after each visit.[2]
It’s a collagen stimulator. Instead of filling the line directly, it helps your skin rebuild what’s under it.[1]
Yes. Many people pair Sculptra’s gradual rebuild with a hyaluronic acid filler for an area they want to change right away.
