Sculptra® in Tucson, AZ

Lost volume occurs naturally during the aging process, particularly in the face as the cheeks become flat and hollow. To remedy this, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao offers Sculptra Aesthetic, a poly-L-lactic acid-based dermal filler that creates fuller and longer-lasting volume replacement in the mid-face. In addition to increasing the volume of the cheeks, Sculptra can decrease the appearance of shallow to deep lines and wrinkles, including the nasolabial folds (also known as smile or laugh lines) that go from the edges of the nose to the corners of the mouth. With its unique formula approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sculptra increases the natural production of collagen in your body. This means that even if you stop treatments, your skin will still be healthier and stronger compared to before. Schedule an appointment for a consultation at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ to discover the benefits of this injectable dermal filler.

Sculptra Aesthetic is a safe, effective, and long-lasting dermal filler that adds volume to the face and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and lines. The unique formula also stimulates collagen production, resulting in healthier, stronger skin even after your treatments are completed. Sculptra also provides natural-looking outcomes when compared to invasive procedures or plastic surgery. Dr. Rao understands the importance of achieving subtle, yet noticeable results that maintain a patient’s individuality.

Sculptra is great for patients who want to improve contour in their cheeks without implants or surgery. Some candidates may have naturally hollow cheeks while others could have full cheeks that deflated with age. Additionally, Sculptra injections can be used to improve shallow to deep facial lines and wrinkles, like the nasolabial folds, chin wrinkles, and marionette lines. Since Sculptra helps to prompt the body's natural production of collagen, many patients will notice a visible improvement in the appearance and health of their skin.

After a one-on-one consultation to develop your unique treatment plan, you will receive your Sculptra injections in one of our procedure rooms. The injector may apply numbing cream or local anesthetic before sterilizing and marking the sites to be injected. Once you are ready, the filler will be injected down to the deeper layers of the skin at the intended areas of the face. For best results, Dr. Arun Rao performs a series of four Sculptra injections each performed at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery about three weeks apart.

After your appointment, you may have mild to moderate redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection areas that should resolve naturally in several days. To encourage healing, you can apply cold packs to the injected areas. You should avoid UV exposure as much as possible after your appointment and use sun protection. Most patients will notice clear improvements immediately following their Sculptra treatment with final results seen after a few months as the natural production of collagen strengthens the skin. When performed as a series of injections over the course of 3 – 4 months, a patient's results can last up to two years.

How much does Sculptra cost?
Dermal fillers, like Sculptra, can range in price, depending on how much of the product is used to achieve your goals. Some patients may also need several treatments to achieve their optimal outcome. During your initial consultation, your injector will ask about your goals and develop a treatment plan for your specific budget.

How does Sculptra work?
The main ingredient in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), is a collagen stimulator. It can help to restore the skin’s strength and volume over time as more collagen is formed. The additional collagen can effectively plump lines, wrinkles, and folds.

Are Sculptra injections safe?
Along with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sculptra has been safely used around the world since 1999. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, but some patients experience slight pain, bruising, redness, and swelling. In some cases, a bump may develop when pressure is applied to the treated area. Call our office if you experience any concerns about side effects that are abnormal or last too long.

What is the best age to receive Sculptra?
A dermal filler, like Sculptra, can be a good choice if you want to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It is often used to fill chin wrinkles, lines surrounding the mouth, and the deeper lines between the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds). On average, patients start to get Sculptra anywhere from their early 30s to their late 50s; however, Sculptra can be safely used on most men and women who are over the age of 18.

How long do results last?
For longer-lasting results, some patients may need to schedule several Sculptra treatments. Compared to other dermal fillers, Sculptra lasts longer; the results usually last up to two years. Since collagen production continues to increase after Sculptra injections, results may take time to appear.

Boost the youthful volume and smoothness of your skin with nonsurgical Sculptra Aesthetic treatments at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ. At our office, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao will help you determine if Sculptra is appropriate for your concerns and needs. Contact our office to schedule your one-on-one consultation for Sculptra Aesthetic or one of our many other cosmetic services.