Here are a few of the most common questions and answers regarding the use of Sculptra®. If you have other questions or concerns about treatment, please consult your specialist or feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the first—and original—injectable collagen stimulator containing microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA), Sculptra helps restore facial skin structure, which may provide long-lasting skin improvement.1-4
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
- Bergeret-Galley C. Comparison of resorbable soft tissue fillers. Aesthetic Surg J. 2004;24(1):33-46.
- Goldberg D, Guana A, Volk A, Daro-Kaftan E. Single-arm study for the characterization of human tissue response to injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatol Surg. 2013;39(6):915-922.
- Fitzgerald R, Bass LM, Goldberg DJ, Graivier MH, Lorenc ZP. Physiochemical characteristics of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Aesthet Surg J. 2018;38(suppl 1):S13-S17.
On average, you will have 2 to 3 treatment sessions over the course of a few months. The number of injections at each session will vary based on the treatment plan determined by you and your aesthetic professional.1
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
Most clinical study participants saw results as soon as 1 month, with sustained results for up to 2 years. Work with your aesthetics professional on a treatment plan. Typical treatment is 3 sessions spaced at least 3 to 4 weeks apart.1-3
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
- Data on file. 43USSA1812EXT Clinical study report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2022.
- Data on file. 43USSA1812 Clinical study report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2022.
Massage the treated area to evenly distribute Sculptra. A good rule of thumb is 5-5-5: Massage the injected area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days in a row.1
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
Sculptra is used to correct shallow-to-deep wrinkles and folds on the face.1 Administered with the appropriate injection technique from a trained specialist, Sculptra is clinically approved for:
- Cheek wrinkles
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), also called “smile lines”
- Lines framing the mouth (marionette lines)
- Chin wrinkles
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
If there are no complications, you may apply makeup several hours after treatment.1 Be sure to consult your doctor after treatment.
For further aftercare instructions, please visit our aftercare information.
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
Sculptra is FDA-approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.
Since Sculptra does not contain any human or animal components, no allergy testing is needed prior to treatments.
Side effects reported include injection site pain, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching and lumps, bleeding, and swelling. Small bumps under the skin can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported.
The types and duration of side effects may vary. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor. Please read our complete Important Safety Information.
Specialists who have been trained to inject Sculptra and are licensed to practice within the state may administer treatment. This can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other trained personnel.
Galderma offers an extensive training program, because we believe that proper injection technique and aftercare are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes.
Training sessions are led by experienced Sculptra specialists around the country, offering a unique opportunity for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons to learn from their peers in a hands-on forum.
The training program undergoes continuous observation and refinement to help optimize patient outcomes.
We can help find a trained specialist near you.
There are several factors that figure into how much treatment will cost, including:
- Number of treatment sessions needed
- Number of Sculptra vials used per session
- Degree of necessary correction determined by you and your specialist
- Specialist fees
- Discounts and special offers
- Geographic market
Since injection costs will vary from person to person, the best way to determine projected costs is to consult your doctor. Average total treatment package costs can range from $800 to $3,500.
Comparing the cost of facial rejuvenation options can be challenging, because so much depends on desired results, the amount of product your doctor recommends, your response to treatment, and the amount of time results last.
A facial filler treatment that lasts 3 to 6 months may cost less up-front than one that lasts much longer, but it will generally require additional treatment sessions to maintain the effect for the same duration as one longer-lasting treatment. You may want to consider the total cost over time.
Coupon or rebate programs through Galderma and/or a specialist may be available from time to time. It’s a good idea to ask your specialist if there’s a discount program available at the time of consultation. We highly recommend joining ASPIRE Galderma Rewards, our loyalty program that rewards you with special points, offers, and rewards for every Galderma aesthetic treatment you receive—not just Sculptra.
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@SculptraUSA
Actual patients. Individual results may vary.
Please see full Important Safety Information
for Sculptra, for frown lines between the brows, including Distant Spread of Toxin Effect Boxed Warning at bottom of page.Important Safety Information:
Sculptra® (injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA)) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek region, and other facial wrinkles.
Important Safety Information
Indication: Sculptra® (injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA)) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek region, and other facial wrinkles.
Sculptra should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant, lactating, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.
Sculptra has unique injection requirements and should only be used by a trained healthcare practitioner. Contour deficiencies should not be overcorrected because they are expected to gradually improve after treatment.
Sculptra should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction or embolic phenomena. Use at the site of skin sores, cysts, pimples, rashes, hives or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Sculptra should not be injected into the red area (vermillion) of the lip or in the peri-orbital area.
The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and lumps. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported.
Sculptra is available only through a licensed practitioner. View the complete Instructions for Use.