Dr. Hootan Daneshmand
Sculptra in Bakersfield, CA
Sculptra Injections
Are you insecure about wrinkles, a sunken-looking face, or flat buttocks? If so, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute wants to help. There are countless products and treatment plans on the market to improve those insecurities, one of them being Sculptra Aesthetic injections.
These injections are safe, non surgical, and can add volume to many parts of your body.
For more information on whether Sculptra is right for you, call us today at 949-359-8397 to make an appointment.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is one of many dermal fillers on the market that’s commonly used to improve facial volume and deep facial wrinkles, as well as create a youthful appearance. The number one ingredient in this dermal filler is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) which stimulates collagen production in the skin. While the cosmetic effects of many other fillers generally only last a few months, the youthful effects of PLLA injections can last for 2 years.
Sculptra History
Sculptra was originally created in 1999, but it wasn’t FDA approved for medical use until 2004. The injectable treatment wasn’t originally used for cosmetic purposes like it is now. These PLLA injections were mostly used to treat lipodystrophy, which is a common side effect of HIV medications. Lipodystrophy causes people to lose excess fat in certain parts of their body, including their faces, therefore speeding up the aging process. To combat the rapid fat loss, many HIV patients received PLLA injections to stimulate collagen production in their facial skin. Additionally, many HIV patients with lipodystrophy opted for a fat transfer.
It wasn’t until 2014 that the FDA approved Sculptra dermal fillers for purely aesthetic purposes. Several treatments of the collagen stimulator can certainly add volume to the face, therefore creating a more youthful appearance.
Sculptra vs. Other Dermal Fillers
These PLLA injections are a minimally invasive treatment that can temporarily slow the aging process, especially in the face. While Sculptra is technically a dermal filler, it acts much different in the body compared to other dermal fillers that are commonly used for nonsurgical nose jobs, bigger lips, wrinkle control, etc. Unlike those other dermal fillers, Sculptra has poly-L-lactic acid which stimulates the body’s collagen production. Additionally, the desired results of PLLA injections generally last much longer than other dermal filler results.
Areas Injected With Sculptra
The most common area of the body that’s injected with Sculptra is the face.
But many patients also receive the dermal filler in their:
- Buttocks for a non surgical butt lift
- Thighs to improve the appearance of cellulite
- Pectorals, triceps, and biceps to add volume
- Chest, knees, and elbow to improve wrinkles
Presently, the only areas of the body that aren’t recommended for PLLA treatment sessions are the lips and eyes.
Sculptra Butt Lift
Instead of undergoing an invasive surgery like a Brazilian butt lift procedure (BBL), many patients choose the non surgical butt lift route with Sculptra. It’s important to note that Sculptra injections are only FDA approved for the face, not the buttocks or any other area. So procedures like the Sculptra butt lift are considered “off label” procedures.
Because a butt lift requires many more vials of Sculptra than facial wrinkle treatment, for example, patients are more likely to experience more side effects.
Sculptra Butt Lift Side Effects
After a Sculptra butt lift, you may experience:
- Buttock asymmetry
- Lumps and bumps in the buttock region
- Bruising
- Redness
- Acne breakouts or bleeding around the injection
- Itchy rash
- Nodules
Anyone undergoing surgery or various procedures is at risk for infection. Common infection symptoms from dermal fillers include fever, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and green or yellow pus around injection sites. If you experience any of those symptoms, go to the ER immediately.
Sculptra Butt Lift Cost
Meanwhile, the Sculptra butt lift cost is much higher because patients generally need far more product to achieve noticeable results. A natural, small butt lift generally requires 4 vials, while major butt lifts require several more vials. So a patient undergoing a Sculptra butt lift could pay anywhere between $4,000 to $7,000.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sculptra Aesthetic?
Thinner patients who are looking to add volume to various body parts are generally good candidates for Sculptra Aesthetic treatments. Additionally, those whose confidence is suffering due to facial wrinkles or flat buttocks would certainly benefit from a few vials of Sculptra.
It’s important to have good overall health before undergoing a poly-L-lactic acid treatment, a non surgical butt lift, or any other procedures.
If you have any of the following conditions, you are not a good candidate for Sculptra:
- Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, vasculitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Frequent skin irritation, rashes, hives, redness, etc.
- Skin conditions like keloids or hypertrophic scarring because the skin is already overproducing collagen in certain areas
Additionally, if you frequently take anti-inflammatory medications, Aspirin, or blood thinners, make sure to discuss this with Dr. Daneshmand before your injections to ensure safety.
Sculptra: What to Expect
What to Expect During a Sculptra Procedure
A Sculptra procedure is very easy and quick. You will start the process by meeting board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute. He will then ask for your medical history, including your health conditions and allergies.
On the day of your Sculptra injection, Dr. Daneshmand will use a marker to outline the injection site. Then, he’ll clean the injection site and use a local anesthetic to make the procedure as painless as possible. Finally, he’ll inject Sculptra into the treatment area.
What to Expect After a Sculptra Procedure
A Sculptra patient will likely experience minor discomfort – such as swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the injection site – following their injection. These side effects will generally disappear over the course of a few days. Most patients resume their normal activities immediately following their injections. Additionally, final results will generally appear in a few weeks to a few months because it takes time for fresh collagen to develop in the skin.
A single treatment likely isn’t enough for dramatic results. Patients generally undergo several treatment sessions over the course of a year to achieve their desired results.
Sculptra Side Effects
Generally, you can expect very minor side effects following your injections, such as:
- Tenderness or pain
- Itchy rash
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Minor bleeding
You can use an ice pack on the treated area for 30 minutes at a time to minimize discomfort and swelling. Additionally, it’s important to massage the treated area multiple times a day for about five minutes and avoid tanning beds (or sun exposure) while you’re healing.
Average Sculptra Cost
While Sculptra is a much cheaper option for youth and beauty purposes compared to major surgeries, it’s still pricey because patients often have to pay by the vial. The average cost of these injections also depends on where you’re receiving the injection and the number of treatments you want/need for your desired results.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of 1 Sculptra vial was $853 in 2020. Meanwhile, the Sculptra Aesthetic site claims that the average cost of an entire treatment (spanning over several months or years depending on individual aesthetic desires) ranges between $1,500 to $3,500. It’s important to note that health insurance agencies don’t cover most cosmetic procedures because they’re generally elective. However, some health insurance agencies may cover this treatment for those who suffer from HIV and lipodystrophy.
Call Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today
At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, our mission is to make our patients feel as confident and safe in their bodies as possible. If adding volume to your face (or another body part) or getting rid of wrinkles with Sculptra treatments is what you need to feel beautiful and confident, then make an appointment with Dr. Daneshmand today. Give us a call at 949-359-8397 and we’ll certainly add you to our schedule.