Sculptra® Aesthetic was made for people who want real results without having the "filler look." It works by stimulating collagen beneath the surface of your skin, gradually rebuilding volume and softening features without making your face look drastically different.
Dr. Hayley Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for artistry at Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center in Henderson, Nevada. She leads a skilled medical team who are just as committed as she is to giving you beautiful results. With decades of experience and countless accolades, Dr. Brown brings an expert eye to every aspect of Sculptra and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
What Is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable treatment that stimulates your body’s own collagen production to restore volume and improve skin thickness. It’s typically used in areas where fat loss has led to hollowness, folds, or a sunken appearance.
Unlike traditional fillers that offer instant volume, Sculptra works gradually over a series of treatments. Most patients need at least three sessions spaced about eight weeks apart to see full results.
Benefits of Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra is an excellent choice for people who want to see some difference without the sudden change. Here are some of the benefits that make it worth trying:
- Encourages your body’s natural collagen production
- Subtle improvements that build over time
- Long-lasting results – up to two years for many people
- Restores volume without looking obvious or “filled”
- Great for treating facial hollows and age-related volume loss
What to Expect From the Procedure
Sculptra treatments are done right in the office, and we’ll start by applying a numbing cream to keep you comfortable. The injections are placed in small amounts using a fine needle, and most people find the process easy to tolerate.
How many injections or vials you’ll need depends on your treatment plan, which we’ll go over with you in advance so there are no surprises.
Candidates for Sculptra
You may be a good candidate for Sculptra if you:
- Have a lean face with noticeable hollowness
- Want gradual, natural-looking results rather than instant volume
- Prefer a non-surgical alternative to fat grafting or implants
- Are in good overall health with no active skin infections
- Have realistic expectations about the gradual treatment timeline
Sculptra can be particularly beneficial if you don’t have enough fat for a transfer procedure or want a more predictable, adjustable option for restoring facial volume.
Sculptra Treatment Areas
Sculptra is primarily used for facial rejuvenation. Common treatment areas include:
- Smile lines around the nose (nasolabial folds)
- Lines around the mouth (marionette lines)
- Hollow or sunken cheeks
- Jawline definition in the lower face
- Volume loss in the temples
Is Sculptra the Right Dermal Filler for Me?
We understand that it can be difficult to know which dermal filler to choose. Our goal for your consultation is to help you determine the best path forward.
Your provider will sit with you to gain clarity about your concerns and objectives. They can discuss how various dermal fillers work and make recommendations that are appropriate for you.
Sculptra may be discussed as an option if you are in good health and want to achieve results on a more gradual basis. If that sounds like you, Sculptra may be your ideal injectable treatment.
Why Choose Desert Hills Plastic Surgery?
At Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, you’ll never be just another patient on the schedule. Our team genuinely takes the time to understand your goals and guide you with care, honesty, and expertise. We know that the best aesthetic results look effortless, not flashy.
Dr. Hayley Brown leads the practice with more than 20 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetics. She’s board-certified, fellowship-trained, and consistently named a “Top Doctor” in Las Vegas and beyond. Her passion for plastic surgery goes beyond technical skill. She takes pride in helping people look more like themselves, not someone else. Overall, her approach is thoughtful and precise, and her reputation speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Sculptra Results Last?
In most situations, Sculptra results last about two years. With repeat treatment scheduled every other year, or possibly every year or so, Sculptra can continue promoting the collagen production that is needed to mitigate the signs of aging.
How Many Sculptra Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients need three to four sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart, to see full results. Your provider will tailor your treatment plan based on how your body responds and the level of correction needed. Some people may require more or fewer sessions or vials depending on their goals and collagen production rate.
It’s important to complete the full course of treatments to get the best outcome. A single session or limiting treatment due to budget usually doesn’t produce meaningful or lasting results. In that scenario, we may recommend a different option.
Can I Combine Sculptra With Facial Surgery?
Sculptra is a great adjunct to a facelift or brow lift, preferably after you have surgery. Patients who have Sculptra or any of the other stimulatory fillers first may have more inflammatory tissue in the face, which can make surgery more difficult.
What Are the Ingredients in Sculptra, and Are They Hypoallergenic?
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible, biodegradable substance used safely in medical products for years. It’s mixed with sterile water and lidocaine for injection. Allergic reactions are rare, but those with lidocaine sensitivities should let their provider know.
How Does Sculptra Compare to Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer can create natural-looking volume, but it’s unpredictable and more invasive. Results may change with weight fluctuations, and overcorrection is hard to fix. Sculptra, on the other hand, builds volume gradually and fades over time, making it easier to adjust as your face changes.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Mild side effects like redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site are common and usually go away within a few days. Some patients may experience temporary jaw soreness or a headache after injections near the temples.
In rare cases, small, painless bumps can form under the skin weeks or months later, but they often resolve on their own. Serious complications are uncommon when Sculptra is injected properly by an experienced medical professional.
To minimize risks, Sculptra should always be administered by a qualified provider with thorough knowledge of facial anatomy.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Sculptra Aesthetic?
While Sculptra is safe for many patients, it’s not suitable for everyone. If any of the following apply to you, your provider may recommend another treatment option instead:
- History of severe allergies or sensitivity to lidocaine
- Recurrent skin infections, MRSA, or known staph carrier
- Moderate to severe skin laxity or deep wrinkles that are better suited for surgery
- Bleeding disorders or the use of blood thinners
- Active cold sores, pimples, rashes, or other skin issues
- Prone to cold sores (antiviral medication may be advised before treatment)
- Under 18 years old
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Weakened immune system or use of immunosuppressive medications
- History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Diagnosed with collagen disorders
- Previous silicone injections or foreign body presence in the area
Get in Touch to Explore Sculptra Options
To learn more about treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic at our Las Vegas office, please contact Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center online or call 702-712-4147 today.
