Sculptra Builds Back Your Own Collagen
As we age, we lose collagen and volume, and the face starts to look hollow, flat or tired. Sculptra helps your skin rebuild that collagen slowly over a few months, so the change looks like you on a good year. Jennifer uses it for cheeks, smile lines and overall skin quality.
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What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid, a material that is absorbed by the body and stimulates your skin to make its own collagen. It's FDA approved for smile lines and the lines around the mouth and chin, and in 2023 for cheek wrinkles. Results build gradually over a few months and can last up to 2 years. Most people need 2 to 3 sessions spaced at least 3 to 4 weeks apart. At the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, MD, Sculptra is done by Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP.
Why Does Sculptra Take Its Time?
Filler adds volume the day you get it. Sculptra works differently. It gives your skin a signal to start making collagen, and your body does the rest over the next few months.
You'll look a little fuller right after treatment, but that's mostly water and it settles in a few days. The results you keep show up gradually after that, which is why people notice you look rested and can't quite say why.
How Does Sculptra Compare to Filler?
Sculptra
- How It Works
- Helps your skin build its own collagen
- When You See It
- Gradually, over a few months
- How Long It Lasts
- Up to 2 years in clinical studies
- Sessions
- Usually 2 to 3
- Best For
- Overall volume loss, hollow cheeks and skin quality
Dermal Filler
- How It Works
- A gel that adds volume where it's placed
- When You See It
- Right away
- How Long It Lasts
- About 6 months to 2 years, depending on product and area
- Sessions
- Usually 1
- Best For
- Lips, under the eyes and specific lines or spots
Plenty of people use both. Sculptra rebuilds the foundation, and filler fine-tunes specific spots. Jennifer will tell you what fits your face.
What Does Sculptra Treat?
Fine lines and creping on the cheeks, plus lost fullness
The folds that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth
The lines that frame the mouth and pull it down
Dimpling and lines across the chin
Firmer, thicker-feeling skin with more glow
Jennifer will tell you if Sculptra makes sense for areas like the temples or jawline
How Long Until You See Full Results?
Start the Build
Jennifer maps out your face and places Sculptra in the areas that have lost the most support.
Session 2
Your skin has started responding. Jennifer adds more where it's needed.
Session 3
Some people need a third session to get where they want to be.
Full Results
Collagen keeps building after your last session, and results can last up to 2 years.
What Should You Expect on Treatment Day?
- Your skin is cleaned and numbed so you're comfortable.
- Jennifer injects Sculptra in small amounts across the treatment area.
- You may have some swelling, tenderness or bruising for a few days.
- Most people go back to their normal day right after.
The 5-5-5 Massage Rule
Massaging the area helps Sculptra spread evenly. Here's the rule to follow at home.
Who Should Wait?
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a history of keloids or raised scars.
- You have active acne, a cold sore, a rash or an infection where you'd be treated.
- You're allergic to any of Sculptra's ingredients.
About Side Effects
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are the most common, and they pass in a few days. Small bumps under the skin can happen, which is why the massage step matters. Choosing an experienced injector lowers the risk.
Who Is Jennifer Gularson?
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP has over 20 years of aesthetic experience and is a certified functional medicine practitioner. With Sculptra, she plans the whole series up front, so every session builds toward a result that still looks like you.
What Do People Ask About Sculptra?
When Will I See Results From Sculptra?
Many people notice a difference within about a month, and results keep building for a few months after the last session.
How Long Does Sculptra Last?
Results lasted up to 2 years in clinical studies.
Is Sculptra a Filler?
Not in the usual sense. Filler adds volume right away. Sculptra helps your skin make its own collagen, so the change happens gradually.
How Many Sculptra Sessions Will I Need?
Most people need 2 to 3 sessions spaced at least 3 to 4 weeks apart. Jennifer will plan the number with you at your consult.
Does Sculptra Hurt?
The area is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and some pinching, and it can be tender for a few days.
Can I Combine Sculptra With Botox or Filler?
Yes. Many people do, since Sculptra rebuilds overall support, Botox softens lines from movement and filler adds volume to specific spots.
Request an Appointment
Tell us what you'd like to change, and our team will reach out to schedule your Sculptra consult with Jennifer.
Let's Plan Your Sculptra Series
Book a consult with Jennifer in Rockville, MD.
Not ready to book? Start with a free 15-minute call