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Is Sculptra Treatment Suitable for Me?Sculptra Treatment is Anti Aging facial filler, used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to improve facial volume, particularly in those clients with lipoatrophy, (facial fat loss) most often associated with HIV and AIDS. Marketed under the trade name of New-Fill since, 1999, Sculptra works by helping to replace lost facial Collagen. Its chief ingredient is Polylactic Acid, (also known as Poly-L-lactic acid). Polylactic Acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable, Synthetic Acid, derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcanes. How Does Sculptra Treatment Work? Sculptra works by helping to replace lost facial Collagen within the deeper dermal layers of the skin. Collagen is a support framework for other facial tissues and gives skin its structure: So, as facial Collagen is replaced by Sculptra, it allows facial features to become fuller, with lines and wrinkles becoming less pronounced. Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin as microscopic crystals of Polylactic acid, suspended in sterile water; very thin gauge needles are used. The microscopic crystals work by causing the injected area of skin to become mildly inflamed. The inflammation reaction causes new collagen to form: white blood cells surround the Polylactic Acid crystals, encouraging Fibroblast cells to accumulate. Collagen is produced by Fibroblast cells, so Collagen production increases over time. So the effects of 1 treatment, promoting a fuller, more youthful look, usually maximise after 4 to 6 weeks. So the full benefits of this treatment are seen over time. The Procedure The client would receive treatment injections in their Qualified Practitioner’s Office. Prior to treatment, your Practitioner may apply topical anaesthetic cream to minimize discomfort. Sculptra Filler is injected under the skin in small amounts using a very fine needle. On average, three injection sessions are needed over a period of a few months. Your Practitioner may also massage the treated area to allow even distribution of the product. Each treatment session should normally last around 30 minutes. The number of injection sessions and the number of injections per session may vary from person to person. As with most injections, side effects, though minimal, might occur. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, bruising and pain around the treated area. Your Practitioner may use ice packs immediately following treatment to minimize any swelling. How Much Do Treatments Cost? The cost of treatment depends on: i) The area(s) to be injected ii) The amount of Filler used iii) The number of treatments a client will have. Advantages / Disadvantages Advantages include: i) Sculptra Treatment increases facial skin thickness and improves facial volume. ii) A full treatment can last up to 2 years. iii) Results are subtle, improving over time. iv) Polylactic acid is biodegradable and biocompatible. As the Polylactic acid is biologically inert, there is no risk of patients developing an allergic reaction to treatments. v) Treatments can help patients with Facial Lipoatrophy show considerable improvement. vi) Sculptra does not contain human, animal or bacterial components. Disadvantages include: i) Sculptra treatment should not be used by anyone allergic to any of its ingredients, or who have a history of Keloid formation or Hypertrophic Scarring. ii) The effects of 1 treatment may take several weeks to manifest. Therefore a full treatment regime can be a lengthy process.
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