Patel Plastic Surgery Salt Lake City and St. George
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Plastic Surgery Salt Lake City
    • Plastic Surgery St. George
  • Conditions
    • Aging Of The Face
    • Aging of Lower Eyelids
    • Aging of the Forehead and Brows
    • Aging of Upper Eyelids
    • Aging of the Cheeks
    • Aging of the Neck
    • Aging of the Lips
    • Aging of the Mouth
    • Aging of the Chin
    • Aging of Eyelashes
    • Aging of the Hands
    • Aging Of Skin Colour
    • Aging Of Hair
    • Aging of the Jowls
    • Aging of Men
    • Aging of the Skin
    • Aging of Veins and Vessels
    • Scars
  • Cosmetic
    • Facelift
    • Browlifts
    • Lower Blepharoplasty
    • Upper Blepharoplasty
    • Midface Lift/Hammock Lift
    • Necklift
    • Cosmetic Surgery for Men
    • Lip Lines
    • Lips
    • Mouth
    • Neck Liposuction
    • Fat Transfer
    • Skin Resurfacing
    • Cheeks
    • J-PLASMA SKIN RESURFACING
    • J-PLAZTY FACE
    • Removal of Moles, Lesions, Tags, Cysts and Blemishes
    • Facial Implants
    • Otoplasty, Ear Pinning, or Bat-Ear Repair
    • Complications?
  • Reconstruction
    • Acquired Ptosis and Dermatochalasis
    • Congenital Ptosis
    • Ptosis in Myasthenia Gravis
    • Blepharophimosis Syndrome
    • Entropion
    • Ectropion
    • Thyroid Eye Disease
    • Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
    • Skin Tumors
    • Orbital Tumors
    • Blepharospasm
    • Pterygium
    • Anophthalmos and Microphthalmos
    • Enucleation and Evisceration
    • Exenteration
    • Symblepharon
    • Congenital Anomalies - Lid Disorders
    • Acne Rosacea
    • Trauma
    • Infections
  • Non Invasive
    • Photorejuvenation
    • Aerolase Laser
    • Botox
    • Radiesse
    • Restylane
    • Juvederm
    • Fractional Carbon Dioxide CO2 Laser
    • Fractional Resurfacing Lasers: Erbium lasers
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Kybella
    • Chemical Peels
    • XEOMIN ®
    • Voluma
    • LATISSE EYELASH TREATMENT
    • Leg Veins and Spider Vein Treatment
    • Sculptra
    • Neck and Chest Cosmetic Concerns
    • Dysport
    • Accent Radiofrequency
    • Microdermabrasion and Light Chemical Peels
    • Melasma
    • Laser Tattoo Removal
    • Color and Texture Issues – Brown Spots on Face, Redness
    • Scars and Acne
    • Permanent Cosmetic Makeup
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms & Downloads
    • Out Of State and Overseas Patients
    • Reviews
    • VIDEOS Patel Plastic Surgery
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Sculptra

what is sculptra aesthetic

Sculptra is an injectable liquid used to add volume to areas of the face to create a soft, natural, more youthful re-contouring of the face. It builds your own collagen while it gradually disappears. When done well, it doesn’t have that “over stuffed” look that is all too common when too much Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse are used in the cheeks. It is best for adding volume to:
  1. hollow cheeks
  2. softening bony cheekbones
  3. nasolabial and melolabial folds (nose to mouth/mouth to chin)
  4. hollow chin area
  5. defining the jawline
  6. hollow temples
  7. some body sites
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what is sculptra made of?

Sculptra (generic name is “poly-L-lactic acid” or PLLA) is a synthetic of lactic acid.  Lactic acid is made in our muscles after exercise.  Polylactic acid is lactic acid molecules stuck together in strings (a polymer).  It is made in a laboratory and contains no animal products and no human DNA.  It very gradually disappears by the action of your own cell enzymes.
​

is sculptra fda approved?

In 2009 Sculptra got its full FDA approval for cosmetic use in the United States. It has been used extensively in Europe for over ten years and is approved in Canada, Europe, and over 20 other countries.
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​how is sculptra different from juvederm and restylane (ha fillers)?

Sculptra adds volume to the face and fills grooves and hollows. This can give some lift and help with wrinkles because many wrinkles are created by loss of volume (think of a deflating balloon). Juvederm and Restylane (HAs), in general, fill specific wrinkles and lines. In the past few years longer lasting HAs have been added like Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane. These can also be used for cheek contouring and a “lift” effect. The choice between the HA fillers and Sculptra often comes down to the amount of volume replacement desired, your age, and maintenance issues.

If a small amount of filling is all that’s needed, then I generally recommend an HA. If more than 2-3 syringes of HA are needed, then Sculptra may be more cost effective over time (2-3 years). Only one maintenance treatment a year is typical with Sculptra, while 2 maintenance treatments per year are needed with Juvederm/Restylane. There are longer lasting HAs available in Europe and other parts of the world but these are not FDA approved in the USA.

Radiesse is another excellent filler which works very well when definition of the cheek or chin is required. Again, depending upon your age, the desired outcome and the degree to which augmentation is desired, the appropriate filler will be recommended.

Patients get confused by the huge array of commercial names and direct advertising by companies promoting their particular HA product. Remember: have your surgeon use the product he/she is most comfortable with and with full knowledge of the effects and possible side-effects. To that end, Restylane and Juvederm have had the best safety record over time. Adverse reactions to them are extremely rare outside of bruising or slight tenderness at the injection sites for a few days. See the section below on adverse reactions.

​Allergies to HAs are usually related to the protein load and other contaminants, so inferior products or companies who are less than compulsive in their formulation result in complications even though they are sometimes cheaper. For example, you can read about the recent problems with Evolence.

The best result may be with both Sculptra and HAs. Sculptra will re-volumize the cheek area, chin, and temples, and 1 syringe of Juvederm/Restylane 1-2/year will fill right around the lips where Sculptra is not suitable.

Sculptra lasts approximately 2 years once the series of treatments is completed. Generally one maintenance treatment a year is needed so you don’t completely return to your original volume. HAs last approximately 6 months on average depending on the person and product used. Sculptra stimulates your own cells to make more collagen which it why it lasts longer. Radiesse also stimulates more collagen. HAs are implanted gels (hyaluronic acid – a natural substance in skin) that gradually goes away.

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In men, a better option is to use Radiesse as full cheeks in men look unnatural. Improvement in nasolabial and melolabial folds with radiesse improve the three-dimensional structure of the male face

are there any site where sculptra should not be used?



​Sculptra should not be used in the frown lines, the forehead, around the eyes, around the mouth, or in the lips. There may be other areas that are prohibited in your particular situation. We will inform you.

is sculptra safe

Sculptra has been used in Europe since 1999. Since 2002 when the product was reformulated, it has had an excellent safety profile when treatments are done correctly. Dr. Vleggar in Geneva has treated a series of over 8,000 patients and had less than 20 complications, all of them temporary (lasting 1 year or less). Be aware that small, invisible bumps can occur (which means you can feel them but you cannot see them) and will gradually go away. The same applies to Radiesse. There are very rare cases reported of longer lasting nodules. Most of these were prior to 2003 when the product was reformulated with a smaller, smoother particle size.

The company does not now recommend treating the eye area because it is more prone to temporary bumps. They are more likely to be visible there because the skin is so thin. Around the eyelids (tear trough, malar groove, upper eyelid sulcus, etc), restylane works beautifully.

Sculptra is more difficult to inject than Botox or fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, so be sure your surgeon is experienced.  Also, be sure you follow all the recommendations regarding massage and any post-injection care.
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"Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love..."  D. Rock  63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes - Salt Lake City, UT

when is sculptra contraindicated?

Do not have Sculptra injections if you are allergic to lidocaine or are pregnant or nursing. Do not use Sculptra if you have lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. Ask us if you have other autoimmune diseases.
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how long will sculptra last?

It will last up to 2 years in most patients, but one treatment once a year is important for maintenance. It is not advisable to let the filler go from a nice full appearance to none at all. It takes 45-90 days after the treatment to see the full results. This is because you are building your own collagen.
​

how often do i need maintenance treatments with sculptra?

One maintenance treatment a year is common so you don’t completely return to your original facial volume. However, everyone is an individual and this cannot be predicted exactly.
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A combination of fractionated CO2 laser with restylane will give a nice improvement in the peri-orbital region where Sculptra is not suitable

how is sculptra ADMINISTERED to get the best result?

After the first injection, two more treatments may be necessary about 6 – 10 weeks apart: this gives the initial ideal response. The volume injected depends upon a number of factors, including your age, the degree of deflation, the desired result and how “aggressive” one wants to be. One size does not fit all: we will discuss options with you to allow you to choose the most cost-effective material and number of treatments. However, it is important to remember, that using small amounts will give minimal visual results. The cost of the various fillers must be balanced with the longevity of the fillers. Once the initial injections with Sculptra are completed, most patients will only need an injection once a year to maintain the correction.
"I had a excellent eye lift done by Dr. Patel. He knows what he is doing and is very pleasant. Dr.Patel was easy to get an appointment and he works with you. The office staff was very pleasant and made you feel calm."  D. Gull Highly recommended for eye lift surgery - Salt Lake City, UT

what does sculptra treatment feel like?
how much discomfort is there?

There is little discomfort with the injections because Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic. We also apply a topical numbing cream about 45 minutes before the treatment and also use a Zimmer cooler: this makes your injections much more pleasant.
​

what will i look like immediately after sculptra treatment?

You can put on makeup immediately and go back to normal activities. It’s best not to exercise vigorously for one to two days. There is almost undetectable fullness (from the water in the product) for about two days after a treatment. A little bruising is normal, but it’s usually minimal. You may have mild to moderate swelling at the injection sites which could last up to a week.

To avoid bruising don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxyn) or any other drug which increases bleeding for 1 week prior to your treatment unless required by your doctor.
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Restylane is perfect for giving lips shape and giving them back their youthful curves

is sculptra compatible with other procedures like Laser, botox etc?

Generally yes, but there are a couple of exceptions. There are anecdotal reports of Sculptra bumps after Thermage (radiofrequency treatment) and some Fraxel treatments. This is probably due to the deeper collagen stimulation of these technologies. The combination of Sculptra with these could produce too much collagen in the form of bumps. Have your radiofrequency treatment before your Sculptra treatments. Having other fillers or botox at the same time is perfectly fine.

can i have anything done besides sculptra?

Other injectable materials like Radiesse, Voluma and Juvederm can be used. Each has advantages and different longevities. The other option is a surgical midface lift which is usually combined with other procedures like browlifts and blepharoplasty. Fat grafts are generally used in combination with surgery and, on occasion, cheek implants may be indicated. Permanent fillers like Silicone, Artefill or Artecoll are best avoided as any
undesireable outcomes will be permanent.


does sculptra have any side effects?

Small, temporary bumps may develop: these are palpable but rarely visible and disappear within a week or so. Rarely, if a bump persists, the product needs to be broken down with an injection with Kenalog. If the product is not properly prepared, or injections are administered in areas where they are not recommended (around eyes and lips, for example), lumps can appear. Ensure your surgeon knows the product and is experienced.

After the treatment, some common injection-related reactions might occur, such as swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching, and discoloration at the injection site. Occasionally, a treatment can trigger an acne flare. These side effects resolve naturally within 1 to 14 days after the treatment.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin might cause bleeding or increased bruising at the injection site. If you’ve previously had facial herpes simplex at the injection site, the injection might provoke an outbreak. Talk to your doctor about this before the treatment.
Picture
Radiesse in nasolabial folds and cheeks can be used very effectively

I am a runner with low body fat. My cheeks have become hollow. Would Sculptra help with this?

Yes, it would be perfect for you to replace some of the volume in your face you’ve lost through your exercise program. And, if you’re under 45, it’s likely that 2-3 vials total over 6 months might be enough. The Sculptra would slowly build enough collagen in that area to give your face a more rounded contour.

I am 65 years old and would like to get a facelift but my heart problems preclude me from having a  facelift. Can I get a
​similar effect with Sculptra?

No, not exactly but you could probably get an almost facelift-like effect depending on the quality of your skin (how much sun damage), your facial shape, and your weight. Plan on needing 5-8 vials though over a period of about 6-9 months. It’s better to go slowly. If you combine it with 1 Thermage before you start the Sculptra and 1 Thermage 6 months after you finish, you could get a very nice result. It takes patience though to go this route.

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Locations: 
​Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
​65 Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
(801) 585-6641

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
1054 E Riverside Dr Suite 201
Saint George, UT 84790
(435) 215-0014

Let Us answer your questions

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Conditions

Aging Of The Face
Aging of Lower Eyelids
Aging of the Forehead and Brows
Aging of Eyelashes
Aging of the Cheeks
Aging of the Neck
Aging of the Lips
Aging of the Mouth
Aging of the Chin
Aging of Eyelashes
Aging of the Hands
Aging Of Skin Colour
Aging Of Hair
​Aging of the Jowls
Aging of Men
Aging of the Skin
Aging of Veins and Vessels
Scars

Cosmetic

Facelift
Browlifts
Lower Blepharoplasty/Hammock Lift
Upper Blepharoplasty
Midface Lift/Hammock Lift
Necklift
Lips
Mouth
Neck Liposuction
Fat Transfer
Skin Resurfacing
Cheeks
J-PLASMA SKIN RESURFACING
J-PLAZTY FACE
Removal of Moles, Lesions, Tags, Cysts and Blemishes
Facial Implants
Otoplasty, Ear Pinning, or Bat-Ear Repair
​Complications?

Reconstruction

​Entropion
Acquired Ptosis
Ectropion
Congenital Ptosis
Blepharospasm
Anophthalmos and Microphthalmos
Thyroid Eye Disease
Enucleation and Evisceration
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Symblepharon
Congenital Anomalies - Lid Disorders
Acne Rosacea
Trauma
Infections
Skin Tumors
Orbital Tumors

Non- Invasive

 Photorejuvenation
Aerolase Laser
Botox
Laser Hair Removal
Kybella
Juvederm
Chemical Peels
Fractional Carbon Dioxide CO2 Laser
XEOMIN ®
Voluma
Latisse Eyelash Treatment
Leg Veins and Spider Vein Treatment
Sculptra
Neck and Chest Cosmetic Concerns
Restylane
Dysport
Accent Radiofrequency
Microdermabrasion and Light Chemical Peels
Melasma
Fractional Resurfacing Lasers: Erbium lasers
Color and Texture Issues – Brown Spots on Face, Redness
Laser Tattoo Removal
Radiesse
Acne
​Permanent Cosmetic Makeup

VIDEOS

links
​
www.hammocklift.com

WWW.PATELFACELIFT.COM

www.englishsurgeon.com

www.drbhupendrapatel.com
​
bckpatel.info

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Patel Plastic Surgery  .  Copyright 2022 . All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Plastic Surgery Salt Lake City
    • Plastic Surgery St. George
  • Conditions
    • Aging Of The Face
    • Aging of Lower Eyelids
    • Aging of the Forehead and Brows
    • Aging of Upper Eyelids
    • Aging of the Cheeks
    • Aging of the Neck
    • Aging of the Lips
    • Aging of the Mouth
    • Aging of the Chin
    • Aging of Eyelashes
    • Aging of the Hands
    • Aging Of Skin Colour
    • Aging Of Hair
    • Aging of the Jowls
    • Aging of Men
    • Aging of the Skin
    • Aging of Veins and Vessels
    • Scars
  • Cosmetic
    • Facelift
    • Browlifts
    • Lower Blepharoplasty
    • Upper Blepharoplasty
    • Midface Lift/Hammock Lift
    • Necklift
    • Cosmetic Surgery for Men
    • Lip Lines
    • Lips
    • Mouth
    • Neck Liposuction
    • Fat Transfer
    • Skin Resurfacing
    • Cheeks
    • J-PLASMA SKIN RESURFACING
    • J-PLAZTY FACE
    • Removal of Moles, Lesions, Tags, Cysts and Blemishes
    • Facial Implants
    • Otoplasty, Ear Pinning, or Bat-Ear Repair
    • Complications?
  • Reconstruction
    • Acquired Ptosis and Dermatochalasis
    • Congenital Ptosis
    • Ptosis in Myasthenia Gravis
    • Blepharophimosis Syndrome
    • Entropion
    • Ectropion
    • Thyroid Eye Disease
    • Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
    • Skin Tumors
    • Orbital Tumors
    • Blepharospasm
    • Pterygium
    • Anophthalmos and Microphthalmos
    • Enucleation and Evisceration
    • Exenteration
    • Symblepharon
    • Congenital Anomalies - Lid Disorders
    • Acne Rosacea
    • Trauma
    • Infections
  • Non Invasive
    • Photorejuvenation
    • Aerolase Laser
    • Botox
    • Radiesse
    • Restylane
    • Juvederm
    • Fractional Carbon Dioxide CO2 Laser
    • Fractional Resurfacing Lasers: Erbium lasers
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Kybella
    • Chemical Peels
    • XEOMIN ®
    • Voluma
    • LATISSE EYELASH TREATMENT
    • Leg Veins and Spider Vein Treatment
    • Sculptra
    • Neck and Chest Cosmetic Concerns
    • Dysport
    • Accent Radiofrequency
    • Microdermabrasion and Light Chemical Peels
    • Melasma
    • Laser Tattoo Removal
    • Color and Texture Issues – Brown Spots on Face, Redness
    • Scars and Acne
    • Permanent Cosmetic Makeup
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms & Downloads
    • Out Of State and Overseas Patients
    • Reviews
    • VIDEOS Patel Plastic Surgery
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact