About Sculptra

Sculptra (injectable poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA) is one of the most unique and high-value injectables in the aesthetic market. Manufactured by Galderma (the same company behind Dysport and Restylane), it is distinct because it is not a filler in the traditional sense—it is a biostimulator.During your consult with Dr. Michele Ware you will have the blueprint for the best outcome for your needs.

How it Works

1. What is it?

Sculptra is made of synthetic, biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid (the same material used in dissolvable stitches).

Unlike Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers (like Juvéderm or Versa), which physically fill a space with gel to create immediate volume, Sculptra works by causing a controlled inflammatory response that stimulates the body to produce its own collagen.

The Analogy:

HA Filler: Like laying down sod. You get instant grass (volume), but it sits on top of the soil.

Sculptra: Like spreading fertilizer/seeds. You don’t see grass immediately, but over time, the ground grows its own thick, healthy grass (collagen).

2. The “Long Game” (Results & Longevity)

Sculptra requires patience. It is often sold to patients who want discreet, gradual results so “no one knows they had work done.”

Timeline: Patients usually see results emerge 6 to 12 weeks after the first treatment.

Longevity: Because it rebuilds the skin’s structural foundation, results last 2 to 3 years (significantly longer than the 6–12 months of HA fillers).

The “Sculptra Glow”: Beyond volume, Sculptra improves overall skin texture and radiance.

3. The Protocol (Dosing)

Sculptra is not a “one-and-done” treatment. It requires a series of treatments.

Vials: The product comes as a powder that must be reconstituted with sterile water and lidocaine 24–48 hours before injection.

Sessions: Most patients require 2 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

The “Rule of Decades”: A common rule of thumb for providers is “one vial per decade of life.” (e.g., A 40-year-old patient might need 4 vials total across their treatment plan).

4. Target Areas

Sculptra is structurally structural. It is placed deep (on the bone or in the subcutaneous plane).

Face: Temples, mid-cheek, lateral cheek, jawline, and chin.

The “No-Go” Zones: It is generally never injected into the lips or directly under the eyes (tear troughs) because the muscle movement there can cause the product to clump and form nodules.

Body (Off-Label): Sculptra is incredibly popular for body contouring, specifically:

Non-Surgical BBL (Butt Lift): Adding volume to the buttocks and filling “hip dips.”

Cellulite: Thickening the skin to hide dimples.

Knees & Elbows: Treating crepey skin.

5. The “5-5-5” Rule (Aftercare)

This is the most critical part of the patient instructions. To prevent the particles from clumping together and forming visible bumps (granulomas), the patient must massage the treated area.

The Rule: Massage the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.

6. Safety & Reversibility

This is the biggest risk factor compared to HA fillers.

Not Reversible: Unlike Versa or Juvéderm, Sculptra cannot be dissolved. If a patient doesn’t like the result or develops a nodule, they usually have to wait for it to metabolize naturally or use steroid injections to shrink it. This makes provider skill level paramount.