At Central CosMedic, Dr Danielle Waxman offers Sculptra treatment for patients across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that gradually restores lost volume and firmness, for a natural-looking result that builds over time.
Rather than filling an area straight away, Sculptra works with your body to rebuild collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and supportive. This page explains how Sculptra works, who it may suit and what to expect from a course of treatment.
Sculptra is an injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a material that is compatible with the body and has been used in medicine for many years, including in dissolvable stitches. Once injected, it stimulates the skin to produce new collagen in the deeper layers.
From our mid-twenties, the body gradually makes less collagen. Over time this can lead to thinner skin, hollowing in the temples and cheeks, and a loss of firmness along the jawline. Sculptra helps to replace some of that lost collagen, so results look gradual and natural.
Hollow temples and flattened cheeks
Loss of volume and firmness along the jawline
Deeper lines and folds, such as nasolabial folds
Thinning, crepey skin and an overall loss of skin quality
Selected areas of the body, such as the buttocks and décolletage upper arms
Sculptra is only recommended after a consultation, and only if it suits your goals and your health.
Dr Waxman talks with you about the changes you have noticed, your medical history, any medicines you take and any previous treatments.
She assesses your facial structure and skin, and explains whether Sculptra, dermal fillers, another collagen stimulator or a skin booster may be the most suitable option.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the full cost of the course, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, you agree a plan together, including the number of sessions, the time between them and your aftercare.
Most people have a course of three sessions, around one month apart. Each session takes around 30 to 45 minutes, and numbing cream and a local anaesthetic are used to keep you comfortable. Afterwards, you will be asked to massage the treated area regularly for about a week, which helps the product spread evenly.
Any swelling straight after treatment settles within a few days, so the early result is not the final one. Changes usually start to show after six to eight weeks, with the full result at around six months. Results can last from 12 to 25 months, and a top-up treatment every 12 to 18 months can help to maintain them.
Common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness and discomfort at the injection sites. These usually settle within a few days. Massaging the area as advised helps to reduce the chance of small lumps forming.
Less commonly, small firm bumps called nodules can develop under the skin, sometimes months after treatment. Sculptra is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people under 18, or for some people taking blood-thinning medicines. Dr Waxman will review your health history and talk through the risks so you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns after treatment, contact the clinic.
SCULPTRA® is a poly-L-lactic acid implant liquid that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to increase volume of depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions. Class III Medical Device. Sculptra® may also be used for large volume restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss. Sculptra® has risks and benefits. Sculptra® treatment may result in injection site reactions and pain. Ask your healthcare professional to explain the range of possible side effects and tell them if any side effects concern you. Sculptra® should not be injected into skin that is inflamed or infected. Exposure to excessive sunlight or UV lamp exposure should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved. Sculptra® is not recommended for people taking blood thinning medicines and has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women or those aged under 18 years. Lasts for 12-25 months. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma Australia, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics.
Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips, or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you. For product information, check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.
