Sculptra

Sculptra belongs to the Collagen Biostimulator category.

The product contains PLLA-SCA particles which, when injected into the tissue layer, stimulate new collagen formation in that area.

As collagen gradually increases, skin may appear

• ✓Firmer
• ✓Tighter
• ✓Smoother
• ✓More elastic
• ✓Improved appearance of age-related volume loss
• ✓A stronger-looking skin structure

Results therefore develop gradually rather than changing facial contours immediately after injection.

PLLA stands for Poly-L-Lactic Acid.

It is a synthetic material that can break down in the body and has long been used in medicine.

For Sculptra, Galderma uses the term PLLA-SCA™ specifically for the formulation and PLLA particles used in Sculptra products.

After injection, these particles stimulate tissue repair and help the body produce more of its own collagen.

The PLLA then gradually breaks down naturally.

It may suit people beginning to notice concerns such as

• ✓Early skin laxity
• ✓Skin that feels less firm than before
• ✓Cheeks beginning to look flatter or lose volume
• ✓Reduced Skin Quality
• ✓A tired-looking face due to loss of skin structure
• ✓Certain lines and folds becoming more pronounced with age
• ✓A less firm jawline
• ✓A wish for gradual, natural-looking skin improvement

Sculptra’s main feature is stimulating Collagen.

In particular, Type I Collagen is one of the main types of collagen that contributes to skin strength and structure.

Galderma also reports studies finding changes in Collagen and Elastin after treatment with Sculptra.

Its effects therefore concern not only volume, but also

• ✓Firmness
• ✓Tightness
• ✓Elasticity
• ✓Skin Quality

This is one of the most important differences.

Sculptra therefore suits people seeking overall restoration of the skin’s structure, rather than immediately defining a specific feature.

The face may look fuller shortly after injection, but part of this comes from the water used to reconstitute the product.

This portion of the volume gradually decreases.

Sculptra’s actual results develop gradually through collagen formation.

Galderma states that changes can begin to appear at around 1 month, with gradual continued improvement over time.

Results should therefore not be judged from the face immediately after injection.

In general, changes may begin to be noticeable at approximately

3–4 weeks after treatment

Results then become more noticeable over the following months, as the body needs time to produce collagen.

Some people therefore feel their skin improves gradually, without a distinct day of change like the immediate volume added by Filler.

After following the planned course of treatment, improvements in

• ✓Firmness
• ✓Tightness
• ✓Skin Quality
• ✓Tissue volume

gradually develop over several months.

Galderma’s data found an increase in Type I Collagen from around month 3.

This is therefore a programme to consider for medium- to long-term results, rather than immediate change.

A typical plan is approximately

2–3 sessions

with intervals set according to the doctor’s treatment plan.

Galderma Thailand generally recommends intervals of approximately 4–8 weeks between sessions, depending on the protocol and the doctor’s assessment.

Some people may need fewer or more sessions depending on age, skin quality and the degree of change they want.

There is no single number of vials that suits everyone.

The doctor considers

• ✓Age
• ✓Facial size
• ✓Degree of volume loss
• ✓Laxity
• ✓Skin quality
• ✓Areas to be treated
• ✓Planned number of sessions

Another person’s vial count should therefore not be used as a standard for your own treatment.

Sculptra is unlike Filler that comes as 1 cc ready for injection straight from the box.

Sculptra comes as a dry powder.

Each 1 vial contains

PLLA 150 mg

Before use, the doctor mixes the product with Sterile Water for Injection according to the product instructions, and may add Lidocaine under an appropriate protocol.

There is therefore no fixed cc volume for “1 vial” as there is with HA Filler, because the reconstituted volume depends on the product instructions and preparation method used.

The original Sculptra vial does not contain Lidocaine mixed into the product powder.

However, the Instructions for Use allow Lidocaine to be added during preparation before injection to help reduce discomfort.

This differs from some HA Filler formulations that contain Lidocaine in the syringe from the factory.

Facial areas with documented use include

• ✓Cheeks
• ✓Midface
• ✓Areas of volume loss
• ✓Nasolabial folds
• ✓Marionette lines
• ✓Lateral cheeks
• ✓Jawline areas within a suitable plan

Current Sculptra information also places greater emphasis on improving Skin Quality and firmness around the cheeks and Jawline.

Sculptra is not a product for direct injection into the area around the eyes.

The Periorbital area has thin skin and delicate structures, so Sculptra should not be used there in the same way as under-eye Filler.

If you have under-eye hollows or concerns about the skin around the eyes, a product or method specifically suitable for that area should be assessed.

It is not suitable.

Sculptra should not be injected into the Vermilion or lip tissue.

For added volume or lip shaping, an HA Filler designed for the lips, such as Restylane Kysse, is better suited to the task.

If the jawline is becoming less defined due to loss of skin structure and laxity, Sculptra can support overall improvement through collagen restoration and increased skin firmness.

Galderma’s studies found improvement in Jawline Contour after cheek treatment in some participants.

However, it does not work like threads that provide a direct mechanical lift, or Filler that immediately defines the jawline.

Sculptra is not intended to make the face immediately fuller.

As collagen increases, tissue may gradually appear fuller and stronger, but changes occur little by little.

For a natural-looking approach, the doctor plans both vial count and placement to avoid adding more volume than desired.

Suitability is not determined by age alone.

People beginning to experience

• ✓Collagen Loss
• ✓Skin Laxity
• ✓Reduced volume
• ✓Skin beginning to thin
• ✓Reduced Skin Quality

can come in for an assessment.

Some people develop concerns relatively early, while others are older but still have a good skin structure. The actual facial condition should therefore be considered rather than age alone.

They therefore address different aspects.

Some people can plan both Sculptra and Skinbooster to address skin structure + hydration.

Both are associated with collagen stimulation, but their ingredients and mechanisms differ.

They therefore do not produce the same type of result.

Put simply

For immediately visible shape and volume → HA Filler

For gradual restoration of collagen and skin structure → Sculptra

Some people can plan both together, as they address different aspects of the concern.

Yes.

Galderma’s guidance uses the 5-5-5 principle.

5 minutes 5 times a day For 5 consecutive days

Massage the injection areas as instructed by the doctor to help distribute the product appropriately.

If the treating doctor provides different instructions, follow the doctor who knows the actual placement and technique used.

After injection, you may experience

• ✓Swelling
• ✓Redness
• ✓Pain or tightness
• ✓Needle marks
• ✓Bruising
• ✓Minor bleeding
• ✓Itching at the injection sites

Most symptoms gradually subside.

Another point to know is that Sculptra may cause lumps or nodules beneath the skin, including those that can be felt but not seen. In some cases, larger lumps or delayed inflammation may occur.

Treatment should therefore be performed by a doctor trained in the product’s use who understands the appropriate injection layer.

PLLA can gradually break down through the body’s natural processes.

However, Hyaluronidase cannot be injected to dissolve it as with HA Filler.

This is because Sculptra is not Hyaluronic Acid.

Choosing the right location, layer, amount and technique from the outset is therefore very important.

• ✓Brand: Sculptra®
• ✓Company: Galderma
• ✓Category: Collagen Biostimulator
• ✓Main ingredient: Poly-L-Lactic Acid, or PLLA-SCA™
• ✓PLLA: 150 mg / vial
• ✓Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose: 90 mg
• ✓Mannitol: 127.5 mg
• ✓Product format: Dry powder to be reconstituted before injection
• ✓Not an HA Filler
• ✓A product that the body can break down