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The Top 4 Things You Should Know About Sculptra

sculptra Sculptra Aesthetic, made by Galderma, is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that helps stimulate collagen to replace volume and correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. Sculptra Aesthetic has been on the market for years and is still actively used today. It is very different from all other products specifically because it is a bioactivator not a filler, but can have significant and lasting results if the correct patient is chosen for this treatment.

We put together the top 4 things an injector, and even potential patients should know about  Sculptra:

  1. Sculptra is a bioactivator, not a filler. With most dermal fillers on the market, patients leave the office after a treatment and already begin to see results. That is typically not the case with Sculptra. While the patient will see immediate fullness upon leaving the office, it will not stay that way. Sculptra must be diluted prior to use. The patient will reabsorb the diluent and the “fullness” in the treated area will disappear. The poly-L-lactic acid is left in the tissue to stimulate collagen over time. As we age, our bodies naturally stop producing as much collagen and we experience volume loss, which is one of the primary reasons for visible facial aging. Sculptra works with the body to help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume through collagen production. The patient may require several treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. Once correction is achieved, the results can last up to 2 years.
  2. Sculptra should only be used by experienced injectors. This product should not be used by a beginner injector. You must be thoroughly trained on the use of Sculptra to ensure the best outcome for your patient. Sculptra must be injected into the subcutaneous tissue and does have limitations as to where it can be placed. Furthermore, when Sculptra arrives, it comes in a powder-like form which must be diluted to 7-10ccs and prepared at least 24 hours prior to injecting (many injectors even prefer preparing several days prior to use). Every injector has their own dilution formula and requirements, but it is CRITICAL to understand how to properly prepare and inject this product to avoid any problems.
  3. Your patient must be fully aware of the process and the potential effects. As we mentioned, results are not immediate upon injection, and your patient must be aware that results can take time and will appear gradually over time as collagen is stimulated within the face. Often times, it may take several treatments to get the desired outcome, and results are very dependent on the patient’s ability to produce collagen. Therefore, a 30 or 40-year-old patient might have more success than a 60-year-old patient with this treatment. Patients must adhere to a strict aftercare regimen following treatment which involves massaging the treated areas of the face for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for the first 5 days following treatment. This helps ensure that the product is dispersed appropriately and decreases the chances of potential adverse events such as the formation of a nodule or granuloma.
  4. Sculptra should not be used in lips, tear troughs or superficial wrinkles. Because Sculptra is not a filler, and more of a medication, it should never be used in the lips, tear troughs or to treat fine lines because it may result in problems such as nodules under the skin. In fact, Sculptra was first released for the treatment of patients with HIV for lipodystrophy, or the hollowing of the face and sunken cheeks. The specific properties of Sculptra make it unique and can be a great treatment to help provide overall volumization to the face for the right patient.

If you are interested in learning more about Sculptra and offering Sculptra to your patients, check out one of our courses. We offer training for this product, as well as other dermal fillers. Sculptra can be a great product for the right patient, but you must be well trained on the process and your patient must be aware of how the process works.

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I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend both a Botulinum Toxin Type A training course and an actual “day in the office” with Jill Jones, RN,CPSN at the Atlanta Training Center. This was an invaluable learning experience and helped me to become a more confident Botulinum Toxin Type A injector and ultimately, grow my cosmetic practice. AAI instructors keep abreast of all the latest techniques and cover both the basics and advanced information on Botulinum Toxin Type A in their course, which would benefit both new and experienced injectors. I would highly recommend attending aesthetic instructional course as well as shadowing at the Atlanta Training Center.they are truly cosmetic artists!

AMANDA BRYANT, PA-C

I have taken three courses and have been thoroughly pleased with all of them.  The basic and advanced Botulinum Toxin Type A/ Filler course I attended with Jill not only gave me all of the basics I needed to build a successful injectable practice, but gave me the confidence that I would have a support system in the rare event that I had an additional question after the training course.  The sclerotherapy course with Terri Harper was also very beneficial.  In the two years I have been practicing sclero in my practice I have had to contact Terri two times with a question and she has answered within a matter of minutes and offered additional help in the case of further issues.  I could not be happier with the training and follow up support  I receive with AAI and the talented staff I have met along the way.  I would highly recommend these classes and this fantastic group of professionals to anyone.

CHRISSY THOMAS, RN

My instructor was very much hands-on which was a huge benefit. She answered questions, offered suggestions, and made me feel comfortable injecting my very first model with BoNTA and dermal fillers.

Barbara Calhoun, FNP