Sculptra
Sculptra is an injectable facial filler capable of returning fullness to the face and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Sculptra is administered in higher volumes than most dermal fillers and can fill a greater area for the restoration of lost facial fat.
In a release by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), president Peter B. Fodor stated that "for cosmetic patients, the benefits of Sculptra in achieving long-lasting restoration of facial volume have yet to be confirmed by clinical trials in the U.S. however, the product is approved in Europe, where physicians have been using it as a wrinkle-filler for five years with reportedly good results."
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a synthetic material known as poly-L-lactic acid. This acid is completely biocompatible with the human body, and is able to be reabsorbed safely. Sculptra promotes the formation of new collagen to fill any facial depressions. The body will absorb the poly-L-lactic acid; however the collagen produced as a reaction to Sculptra will remain to fill the area. Sculptra is not a permanent solution although it is one of the longest lasting dermal fillers. Your own collagen, produced as a result of the Sculptra, will eventually diminish naturally over time, approximately nine months to two years.
What to Expect
Dr. Franco is a Physician specializing in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Dr. Franco, not a nurse or physician’s assistant, performs all injections. Each patient’s case is unique and a customized procedure plan is determined during a complimentary consultation with the doctor. The nature of Sculptra requires some preparation prior to the procedure so an appointment will be scheduled after a consultation with Dr. Franco.
Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the areas of depression with a large volume of sterile water to facilitate the process. A topical anesthetic is applied prior to the injections to prevent any pain. After the swelling caused by the injection goes down and the water used in Sculptra is absorbed by the body, your face will appear almost as it did before treatment. Sculptra gradually corrects skin depression; it will take a weeks before you notice results. However the difference you see is your own collagen being produced to fill the area.
After injections, most patients feel comfortable returning immediately to work and their daily routines. The most common side effects associated with Sculptra include redness, discomfort, bleeding, bruising and bumps under the skin, and occur at the site of injection. Any noticeable side effects are usually gone in 1-14 days. If irritation or soreness persists you should consult Dr. Franco.
Pricing
The initial consultation is complimentary.
Sculptra is priced at $200* per cc. A non-refundable pre-payment is required to schedule an appointment. The first pre-payment is $500*. This is necessary due to the preparation required and the short window of time that Sculptra can be used once prepared. This deposit would be applied as a credit towards the amount of Sculptra needed. An appointment must be cancelled with at least a one week notice.
* There is now a fee increase of $5.00 plus 4% added to each transaction. This is Dr. Franco's first price increase in 14 years.