There are several types of facial injectables used to soften signs of aging, and each works a little differently. While many fillers use hyaluronic acid to add volume, Sculptra relies on poly-L-lactic acid to gradually stimulate collagen production. It is another option for patients who want gradual, natural-looking results.
At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we offer Sculptra to help improve facial volume loss and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. It can also be used in other areas of the face and body. If you live in Torrance, CA, and you want a collagen-boosting approach, Sculptra may be the right choice.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable that helps restore volume by encouraging your body to rebuild its own collagen. Sculptra works to create a more natural structure beneath the skin. The active ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid, has been used in medical applications for decades. It is fully absorbed by the body and stimulates collagen growth as it breaks down. Most patients choose it when they want results that develop slowly and last longer than typical fillers.
How Sculptra Works
We inject Sculptra into the deeper layers of the skin, where it acts as a stimulant for collagen production. The particles trigger a controlled response that encourages your body to rebuild the skin’s internal support system. As collagen increases, the skin begins to look firmer and smoother, and deeper lines start to soften.
What We Can Treat With Sculptra
Volume Loss in Cheeks and Midface
Cheek volume tends to fade with age as fat pads shrink and collagen levels drop. When the midface loses structure, the skin can start to sag or appear deflated. We use Sculptra to help restore fullness in this area by triggering your body to rebuild collagen from within.
Chin and Jawline Definition
A softer jawline or recessed chin can change how the lower face appears, especially when skin starts to lose firmness. We can use Sculptra to reinforce the underlying structure and create better definition along the jawline. Some patients also benefit from adding subtle projection to the chin for improved balance.
Nasolabial Folds
Deep folds between the nose and mouth often become more noticeable with age. We inject Sculptra into the surrounding tissue to support the skin from underneath and smooth the transition between facial planes.
Marionette Lines
Lines that run from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin can make the face look tired. Using Sculptra, we focus on improving the skin’s foundation so those creases look less pronounced. As collagen builds, the lower face begins to appear smoother and more supported.
What Is a Sculptra BBL?
A Sculptra BBL is a nonsurgical way to enhance the shape and projection of the buttocks using collagen stimulation rather than fat transfer or implants. We inject Sculptra into strategic areas of the buttocks to encourage your body to build volume gradually. Some patients choose this option if they want subtle shaping without surgery or recovery time.
What Are the Benefits of Sculptra?
- It Offers Natural-Looking Results: Sculptra works gradually by encouraging your body to rebuild collagen, so changes appear slowly and blend well with your natural features.
- It Improves Skin Texture and Firmness: As collagen increases, the skin becomes smoother and more resilient. Patients often notice fewer fine lines and a firmer feel in treated areas.
- Results Are Long-Lasting: Because Sculptra stimulates your own tissue to grow, the effects can last longer than those of traditional fillers. You do not need frequent touch-ups to maintain the improvements.
Sculptra Considerations
Multiple Sessions Are Usually Recommended
Sculptra does not create immediate volume the way traditional fillers do, so we usually plan a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Each session builds on the last, gradually encouraging more collagen growth in the treated areas. Most patients need at least two or three appointments to see the full effect. We decide the number of sessions based on your treatment goals, facial structure, and how your body responds to the product.
Results Cannot Be Reversed
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, you cannot dissolve Sculptra with an enzyme. Once you receive a Sculptra treatment, your body begins forming collagen in response to the product. We can start with a modest amount and monitor your response before deciding how much more to use.
Results Are Subtle
Sculptra works beneath the surface, and the changes build slowly. You will not walk out of the office with an instant lift or dramatic plumpness. Instead, you will begin to notice a gradual shift in the way your skin looks and feels.
What Is the Difference Between Sculptra and Other Injectables?
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® add immediate volume by physically filling space beneath the skin. You can see the results right after the injection. Hyaluronic acid fillers are often used for areas like the lips, where immediate and precise volume is desired.
Botox®
Botox relaxes specific muscles to reduce movement that causes wrinkles, especially around the eyes and forehead. It does not add volume or stimulate collagen, so it serves a completely different purpose than Sculptra. Sculptra helps with structural support and skin quality, while Botox smooths expression lines caused by repeated movement.
Can Sculptra Be Combined With Other Injectables?
We may combine Sculptra face treatments with other injectables to address different aspects of facial aging. If you are interested in treating dynamic wrinkles, loss of volume, and skin quality and texture, we may recommend a treatment schedule with Botox, Sculptra, and other fillers. The timing of the injections will depend on the results you are looking for and other factors.
What to Expect Before Your Treatment
We begin with a consultation to talk through your goals and decide where Sculptra will give you the best results. You will not need to do much to prepare, but we may recommend avoiding alcohol and certain supplements that can increase bruising. If we are treating a larger area like the buttocks, we may ask you to adjust your activity level after the session. Most treatments are straightforward and do not require time off work.
What Are Sculptra Injections Like?
Sculptra injections feel similar to other fillers, but we usually use a different technique because we are working in deeper layers of the skin. The PLLA particles are mixed with saline and lidocaine to improve comfort and make it easier to distribute evenly. We take our time to place the product carefully so it stimulates collagen in the right areas. Most appointments take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment zone.
What to Expect After Your Treatment
You may notice some swelling or soreness in the area for a day or two. Right after the injection, the area usually looks fuller due to the water and lidocaine mixed with the product. That initial volume will go down as your body absorbs the liquid, leaving behind the Sculptra particles that trigger collagen production. You might not see changes right away, but the treated area will gradually become firmer and more lifted as your body responds.
Post-Treatment Instructions for the Best Results
What to Avoid
Skip intense exercise, saunas, and alcohol for the first 24 hours after treatment. These can increase swelling or interfere with how the product settles. Do not apply makeup to the treated area on the day of the injection. Let the skin breathe and avoid anything that could introduce bacteria or cause irritation. Sleeping on your back for the first couple of nights can also help keep the product in place.
The 5-5-5 Rule
After a Sculptra filler treatment, follow the 5-5-5 rule: massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. Massage helps distribute the particles evenly and supports the collagen-building process. Use firm, gentle pressure with clean hands or a clean tool like a roller. We will walk through the massage technique with you before you leave our office. If we treated a larger area like the buttocks, we may have you adjust the technique but keep the same frequency.
Managing Swelling
Swelling is common and usually fades within a couple of days. Apply cold packs gently in the first 24 hours, using a clean cloth as a barrier to avoid direct contact with the skin. Keep your head elevated and limit salty foods, which can make swelling linger. If the area feels tender, stick with light activity until it settles.
Ideal Candidates for Sculptra Injections
Sculptra works best for patients who have mild to moderate volume loss or structural changes due to collagen breakdown. It is also a good option for those who prefer results that build slowly and last longer than traditional fillers. Patients must be willing to follow the massage and appointment schedule to support proper product integration. If you have an active infection in the treatment area or other contraindications, we may recommend a different option or treatment schedule.
FAQs About Sculptra
How Long Will My Sculptra Results Last?
Most patients see results that hold for about two years once the full series is complete. Your body gradually absorbs the product, but the collagen it builds can maintain volume and structure well beyond the final treatment. Touch-up sessions help extend the outcome if desired.
How Soon Will I See My Sculptra Results?
Some patients notice subtle improvements within a few weeks, but most of the visible changes appear gradually after the second or third session. Each appointment builds on the last, and the full effect often develops a few months after your final treatment. The timeline depends on your response and where we place the product.
How Many Vials Will I Need?
We typically use around two vials per appointment for facial volumization, but this amount may vary depending on your facial structure and treatment goals. Most patients complete a series of two to three appointments spaced a few weeks apart. Larger treatment areas or more advanced volume loss may require additional product. We always evaluate your response along the way and adjust the plan as needed.
Why Choose Our Practice for Sculptra Injections?
Dr. Christopher Verbin brings decades of surgical experience and a strong foundation in both general and plastic surgery to every treatment. As a South Bay native with a background in art and restoration, he approaches facial aesthetics with both technical precision and a refined eye for detail. He has performed over 10,000 surgical procedures and trained at respected institutions, including USC, UCLA, and George Washington University. When you receive Sculptra injections here, you benefit from a deep understanding of anatomy and a commitment to natural-looking results. We take time to assess your features and use Sculptra to support your structure, not just fill lines.
Refresh Your Look Without Surgery in Torrance, CA
Sculptra gradually rebuilds the skin’s support structure and is a good option for patients who want subtle, long-lasting improvement. It can treat facial volume loss, improve skin firmness, and enhance contours without surgery. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we use Sculptra to help patients across Torrance, CA, and the surrounding South Bay cities get results that develop naturally. To schedule a consultation or ask questions, contact us through our website or call (310) 539-6500.
