Sculptra may be one of my favorite treatments to receive and to perform! Why? Sculptra results have a very natural look and are long lasting. After many training sessions I have complied some of the best pearls for aesthetic practitioners.
Sculptra is a biodegradable and biocompatible injectable made with poly-l-lactic-acid (PLLA) and can trigger your body’s own collagen production. Benefits of this treatment include improved skin tightness, skin brightness, reduced fine lines and wrinkles in cheeks, and restores skin volume.
From my experience, most practitioners fail at providing a detailed consultation. Sculptra is best for the patient, patient. Sculptra results typically notice subtle improvements in their skins appearance within 8-12 weeks of their first treatment session, Patients need to be educated Sculptra requires a series of treatments (generally 3), 1-2 vials each time. Also, Sculptra results can vary based on several factors including age, skin condition, and lifestyle.
The next four tips are from my own experience:
1. Setting Realistic Expectations
I prepare patients to expect no visible results at the 8-week follow-up, setting realistic expectations is key at this stage. It’s important for patients to understand that they may not see visible volume restoration or the results at this early stage.
2. My Got to Method
You don’t need fancy equipment when mixing Sculptra. From my experience, there’s no need for special tricks. I’ve used bottle shakers, heat packs, and even reconstituted vials in advance, but I haven’t noticed any difference in terms of clogging with any of these methods. My preferred method for reconstitution follows the "rule of threes": First, add 3ml of BSSW, shake, then add another 3ml of BSSW and shake again. After that, add 2ml of BSSW and 1ml of 2% lidocaine, shake, and let the vial sit upside down while you prep the patient
3. Technique Matters
Be familiar with using cannula and needle. I am comfortable using both, and the choice between the two depends on factors such as the patient’s goals, the area being treated, skin quality, and any previous aesthetic procedures that may have affected collagen thickness. For patients with acne scars, I typically prefer using a needle to subcise the area first before injecting the product. For treating the temples, I always opt for a cannula and use a fanning technique, as it is safer than the one-up, one-over method.
4. Understanding the Patient’s Timeline
Sculptra does not replace HA fillers. During the consult if the patient is looking for quick, visible volume and wrinkle reduction, HA fillers are the better choice. However, if they are aiming for long-term, natural-looking improvement in skin thickness and volume, Sculptra might be a good option, but it won't give the same immediate results that HA fillers can. Having this discussion during the consult helps the patient understand that while both options have their benefits, they are suited for different goals.
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