Services Offered
Sculptra Injection
Increase Collagen Naturally with Sculptra
Sculptra Aesthetic is an FDA-approved cosmetic injectable that naturally activates new collagen production in the skin. The result is to rejuvenate and restore facial volume. It is a great treatment for men and women with moderate to severe lines and wrinkles around their face, temples, chest and buttocks. We provide Sculptra injections at our practice in Milford, Connecticut.
How Sculptra Works
Natural + Safe Rejuvanation
Sculptra is made with a biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid. PLLA has been proven safe, and used in medical products for more than 30 years. By using PLLA, the Sculptra injection can activate the skin’s natural regenerative process and replace your lost collagen.
Rebuild Your Natural Collagen
Sculptra is administered through a syringe. When injected into the appropriate dermal plane — where strands of collagen support your skin’s structure — PLLA microparticles will be gradually and naturally absorbed, stimulating collagen production and rebuilding your skin’s inner structure volume.
The Benefits of Sculptra Injections
Fight Collagen Loss
Collagen is the most common protein in the body and helps support your skin's structure. By age 45 the average person has lost 45% of their collagen, and will lose 1% more each year after that. We use Sculptra at our Milford center to fight this loss, and naturally activate the production of new collagen to treat deep lines, creases and folds caused by aging or illness.
Sculptra vs Dermal Fillers
Sculptra produces new collagen; dermal fillers don't. (Fillers use hyaluronic acid to quickly fill in wrinkles.) Both are injectables and improve facial volume, but Sculptra rebuilds the dermis, rather than just fill it in. Sculptra is a better, long-term solution than dermal fillers. However, it takes longer to work, so those wanting immediate results may prefer a filler. Dr. Guglin can help decide which treatment works best for your needs.
Long Lasting Results
Sculptra injections are one of the best options for a long lasting, more youthful appearance. Although results are gradual (occurring over a few weeks), they can last up to 2 years, and in some cases much longer. (Dermal fillers tend to last 6 to 12 months.) Many patients prefer the longer time Sculptra takes to work so they don’t suddenly look like they’ve “had work done.” Sculptra’s subtle, natural process ensures your face never looks stiff or artificial.
Sculptra FAQs
What to know
How many treatments will I need?
The number of injection appointments and number of injections per appointment vary from person to person, depending on the patient’s goals and how much collagen they’ve lost. (During your initial visit to our practice in Milford, we will review the best treatment plan for you.) On average, three injection appointments are needed over a period of a few months to achieve desired results. A typical appointment lasts less than 60 minutes.
After each appointment, results will appear gradually in the coming weeks as the skin produces more and more collagen over that time. Sculptra is administered during an in-office appointment that typically takes about 30 minutes.
How much does Sculptra cost?
The cost of Sculptra depends on several factors, including the number of treatment appointments required and the number of vials of Sculptra needed to achieve a patient’s desired results. Together we will review these factors and our team will provide the cost of treatment. Sculptra Aesthetic is not currently covered by health insurance in most instances. However, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made the decision to cover the cost of Sculptra for people living with HIV who are experiencing depress due to facial lipodystrophy syndrome.
At our age management center in Milford, Connecticut we offer financing plans, as well.
Is Sculptra safe?
A small prick can be felt from the Sculptra injection as the needle inserts through the skin, but we use a topical anesthetic or numbing agent, if desired, to eliminate the sensation. Immediately following a Sculptra injection, there may be some mild bruising and redness at the injection site. This typically subsides a few hours after the procedure. Although this is not experienced by everyone, and some patients undergo a treatment session on their lunch break with little to no adverse effects afterwards. Patients can resume normal activities after treatment, but we recommend avoiding exercise for a few hours.
How does Sculptra compare to other collagen treatments?
Sculptra addresses the underlying case of facial aging, not just the symptoms. Here is how it compares to other popular collagen enhancers.
- Collagen Creams - topical treatments that work as effective moisturizers and can briefly improve the skin’s appearance. However, they do not fully penetrate the dermis and do not strengthen or provide an increase in the body’s collagen strands.
- Collagen Supplements - ingestibles, like a pill or powder, that enter the digestive system where collagen proteins are broken down and absorbed into the body. The effectiveness, if any, of collagen supplements are inconclusive.
- Dermal Fillers - an injection that fills in lines, wrinkles and folds of the skin. Fillers do not have an effect on collagen. They provide immediate results in smoothing the skin, but don’t last as long as the results from Sculptra.
- Sculptra - an injection that stimulates production of new collagen in the skin. The best tested method to improve collagen within the dermis.