It’s hard to decide which is the proper procedure for you because of so many wrinkle treatments on the market, isn’t it? Each treatment is designed to give you refreshing and youthful results. Some wrinkle-minimizing procedures work just for the face, while some work on different body areas.Among these wrinkle treatments, Sculptra is the most unique because it is made from poly-L

lactic acid. This wrinkle minimizing treatment fights wrinkles and sagging skin by stimulating the skin’s collagen production to help restore healthy skin. It is an alternative anti-aging treatment to injectable dermal fillers, skin creams, fat injections, and implants. To help you figure out whether this injectable treatment is for you, here are 12 things you need to know before getting one.

1. WHAT IS SCULPTRA USED FOR?

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler. It is used to fill wrinkles and reduce

hollow, sunken cheeks. It is a bio stimulatory filler which means that it stimulates a patient’s body to create collagen.

If done right, this Sculptra injectable will look incredibly natural. Other people won’t realize that you had taken this injectable filler since it builds slowly and steadily in your skin. This slower process means you must be patient because the results are not immediate.

2. CHOOSING A LICENSED PROVIDER

Like in any cosmetic procedure, experience, and skill matter. If you want to get a Sculptra process, choosing a more experienced provider will produce better results. The key to getting better results for your cosmetic procedure is knowing who will do the injections.

Always background check and inquire if the surgeon who will perform the procedure on your face has many experience and skills. You can opt to go to the office of an

experienced board-certified doctor. Don’t let providers who do not have a high level of experience with the product touch your skin.

3. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE CONSULTATION?

Finding an experienced and skillful provider to perform the cosmetic procedure is one of the

essential factors you need to consider. Aside from that, it is also vital if you’re comfortable with them. Going through multiple consultations is a good start in looking for the right doctor to perform the cosmetic treatment.

Experienced estheticians will usually discuss the pros and cons of the cosmetic treatment

versus another treatment that a patient can also choose. An excellent cosmetic surgeon would also create a treatment plan to know exactly where their provider will be injecting the product. During your consultation, they will also give you tips on making the treatment more successful.

4. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO GET A SCULPTRA TREATMENT?

Getting this cosmetic procedure is relatively simple. Getting a cosmetic filler simply means that you will experience mild discomfort. Your provider will apply a topical numbing agent to the area before the procedure.

After the numbing cream, your doctor will mark the areas where they will inject the filler. After the injections are completed, your doctor will massage your face for about five minutes. This is to distribute the product evenly in your face.

5. MILD DISCOMFORT

Most providers will use a local aesthetic before the injections. This is to help limit or eliminate the pain and discomfort that the patient will experience after the treatment. The side effects of this cosmetic filler are usually mild.

Its side effects are similar to HA filler injections, but these rarely happen. The most common side effects that patients will experience are swelling, bruising, and redness. Patients will also experience some bruising from the injection, but this will eventually fade.

6. RECOVERY TIME

After the cosmetic procedure, you will have to wait 24 hours before doing anything that will only prolong the recovery time. It is only normal if you got a bruise from the injection, and here are a few things that you need to do to minimize the bruising:

• Eliminate blood thinners: Avoid taking aspirin, red wine/alcoholic drinks, Vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo. If you are unsure if your vitamins have blood-thinning action, google your supplements.
• Ice before the procedure: This is to shrink blood vessels and reduce the risk of needlenicking and resultant bleeding.
• Apply powder: This is helpful to hide the bruised spots on your face.

7. DOWNTIME OF THE PROCEDURE

Patients who have undergone this cosmetic procedure will less likely experience any downtime after the procedure. This is one of the reasons why people would always choose this cosmetic treatment from others. You’ll be able to go ahead with your regular activities as soon as you’re done.

But then, you will also have to adjust your schedule. This is to allow some time for the swelling and bruising to go down.

8. THE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF THE COSMETIC PROCEDURE

The typical side effects of this cosmetic treatment include injection site reactions like

bruising, pain, swelling, and redness. Patients will also experience itching and heat sensations. These injection reactions tend to last for 3 to 17 days, on average. Treating these side effects may include antihistamines or anti-inflammatories.

Bumps may or may not appear on the skin after the first 6 to 12 months after the treatment. The doctor may treat these bumps with corticosteroid injections. The risk of infection and severe swelling is also a possible side effect that a patient will experience.

9. AVOIDING THE LUMPS

The process for avoiding these lumps starts before you have your cosmetic treatment. You need to find a skilled and experienced provider to administer this cosmetic filler and avoid lumps.

It’s crucial to choose an experienced provider who is aware of the best techniques. These experts understand the pros and cons of the procedure and know which areas they need to avoid when administering the treatment.

10.DISSOLVING THE LUMPS

If lumps develop after your procedure, frequently massaging the affected area may help disperse the product. Your provider will recommend the 5-5-5 massage rule. It means to massage the area at least five times a day; for five minutes. Do it every day on the first five days after the treatment.

Some providers will inject steroids like Kenalog directly at the lumps to help break them down quickly if the massage doesn’t work. Having your lumps surgically removed is your last option, but you can always wait for the filler to dissolve if you don’t want to remove them surgically.

11. THE RESULTS

The impact of this cosmetic filler is a gradual process. The results continue to improve over time as the treatment helps your body produce natural collagen. After the treatment, the effects will slowly dissipate because your body absorbs the liquid solution containing the product’s particles.

Patients must expect to look just like what they did before the treatment. After 24-48 hours, your skin will do the hard work of using polylactic acid to make collagen. It will take about four to eight weeks to see the results of their treatment.

12. IS SCULPTRA WORTH IT?

In terms of getting faster results, this cosmetic treatment is worth getting, but it also needs your commitment to achieve better results. You will have to undergo multiple treatments and follow-up treatments.

Patients who are willing to wait to see the changes in their faces will love the results. These results will only last for two or three years and require additional treatments if you want better results.

Getting a Sculptra is a good choice for those who want to improve their looks. It all depends on your desires and the expected outcomes that you want to achieve. Going over your goals and benefits of the treatment with your provider is a great way to check if your expectations and the results you want to achieve are aligned.

Just make sure that you book your appointment with clinics like Synergy Wellness because professionals in this field will surely cater to you.