https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB0V1_QW1Dc (SCULPTRA)

What is Sculptra®?

Sculptra ® is poly-L-lactic acid, which has been used safely in medicine and surgery for over 30 years. It encourages the stimulation of collagen (a natural protein in the body) to

correct the effects of facial lipoatrophy. Sculptra® is biodegradable, meaning it is broken down and eliminated by the body.

 

How does Sculptra® work?

Sculptra® is injected directly below the skin on your face with a blunt needle also known as a cannula or with a sharp needle. It has both an immediate and a delayed effect.

It immediately restores the normal appearance of the face by restoring volume. This is followed by a period, usually between one to six weeks, where there will be some loss of the initial treatment volume. Do not worry, your collagen production will increase over time and your face wrinkles both deep and superficial decrease. This usually takes place between 5-6 weeks after each treatment and can continue for up to nine months.

 

Is there a reason I can’t have Sculptra®?

Sculptra cannot be done in individuals with autoimmune disorders (the immune system is acting against one or many of your body organs/tissues) for eg.scleroderma, active

rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

 

Why I cant have Sculptra if I have immunity problems?

Sculptra works by stimulating your own body to produce collagen. If you have immune problems you might overreact to Sculptra increasing the chances of nodules or granulomas that can be felt on the skin,

 

Are the results Guaranteed?

Sculptra is a product that has been tested on clinical trials to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It was FDA approved for use in patients with HIV to replace volume on the face in 2005. It was FDA approved for cosmetic purposes in 2010.

 

Will it hurt?

The injections can vary from being momentarily uncomfortable to painful. To reduce discomfort, a local anaesthetic with a numbing effect will be injected with Sculptra®. Ice packs or a local anaesthetic cream can also be applied to the face before the injection. For more information about the local anaesthetic, please read our leaflet Having an anaesthetic.

 

What are the risks?

• You may experience swelling, discomfort, bruising or redness around the injection site. These usually disappear within 2-6 days.

• Occasionally SMALL LUMPS (8-10%) under the skin may appear and spontaneously disappear. If they do not spontaneously disappear they may need to be massaged or injected

with steroids.

• Allergic reactions are rare but can happen which can lead to prolonged redness, itching, swelling or hardening around the injection site. Please tell the person treating you if you

have any allergies.

• As with any injection there is a risk of infection.

• As with all skin injections when injecting certain areas of the face there is a rare (less than one in 100) risk of blindness or damage to sight. This risk will be thoroughly discussed

with you by the person treating you.

• If you are taking antiplatelet medicines (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor) or any anticoagulant medicines (such as warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenindione, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban or edoxaban) please tell the person treating you as there is an increased risk of bleeding at the injection site.

• Whilst you are in the treatment phase you should avoid the use of any vitamin A creams or gels on your skin (e.g Retin A, retinoids or retinol) to reduce the risk of sensitivity.

• The safety of Sculptra® for use when pregnant or breastfeeding, or in patients aged under 18, has not been established. If you think you may be pregnant or you are breastfeeding, please tell the person who is treating you.

 

Always tell the person treating you if you have any of the side effects listed. If these side effects are severe, do not wait, contact your GP or attend an Emergency Department

immediately. Please contact a doctor if you have pain, redness or a fever that does not respond to paracetamol.

 

We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This states that you agree to have the

treatment and you understand what it involves.

 

If you would like more information about our consent process, please speak to a member of staff caring for you.

 

How long does a Sculptra take?

The initial visit can last an hour, as this includes photography, clinical assessment and treatment. It is helpful as a reference for us for you to bring a photograph of your face before any changes you may have noticed. Further sessions should be slightly shorter than 60 minutes.

 

How long will the effects of Sculptra® last?

How long the effects of Sculptra® last depend on various factors including skin structure, degree of facial fat loss, lifestyle and the ageing process. Generally, the improvements from Sculptra® last between 12-24 months. What happens after my treatment has finished?

 

Generally, a complete course of treatment is made up of four sessions, spaced approximately four to six weeks apart. The need for repeat treatments varies from person to person. However, when you feel that the result of the treatment has disappeared by approximately 50 per cent you should see us for follow up and top up if necessary.

Please speak to your clinician before all of the Sculptra® effects has been lost.

 

Is there any advice I should follow after treatment?

• Due to the local anaesthetic used your face and mouth may be numb for a short while after treatment so please take care when eating or drinking hot substances.

• Do not touch the treated area unnecessarily for up to 12 hours after treatment.

• Keep the treated area clean and dry.

• Do not apply any creams other than those specified by the practitioner.

• Do not apply to make up for 12 hours after treatment – if you do need to apply makeup pls do not use powder.

• Tenderness, discomfort, swelling and/or bruising may occur but will disappear within two to six days after treatment. An ice pack can be applied for a few minutes at a time

during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling. Avoid placing ice directly onto your skin; wrap in a clean cloth first.

• Massage the treated areas as directed by your practitioner, or until your next appointment, twice a day for five minutes. When massaging use an appropriate fragrance-free

cream to reduce friction.

• Avoid excessive sun and exposure to UV light during the treatment period and use sun protection of SPF30 or higher if you are outside.

• Drink plenty of water daily to maintain skin hydration

• Remember it can take weeks or months before you notice an improvement after treatment.

 

To minimise the risk of side effects, it is important to correctly follow the aftercare advice given in this information sheet and by your healthcare professional.