Sculptra®

For more information on Botox Cosmetic^® and other treatments visit our

Patient Education Center.

Dr. Van Dam offers soft tissue enhancement with Sculptra®, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2004.

What is Sculptra®?

Sculptra® is an injectable soft tissue filler material that restores volume where there is a loss or lack of facial fat. Sculptra® consists of tiny particles made from a substance widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue implants (poly-L-lactic acid). When injected under the skin, Sculptra® promotes formation of your own collagen over a 6 month period. After the new collagen restores fullness to the treated areas the Sculptra® material dissolves-and newly formed collagen remains for 18-40 months.

What advantages does Sculptra® offer?

Sculptra® lasts longer than most filler substances; clinical studies demonstrate that effects last may last two to three years. The improvement with Sculptra® is gradual although some patients may see results within 4 to 6 weeks after their first treatment. Sculptra® is repeated at 6 to 8 weeks intervals until the cosmetic objective is achieved (usually three, but occasionally more treatment sessions). This gradual improvement allows for subtle refinement and exceptional control over the final result.

Is Sculptra® safe?

Sculptra® has minimal side effects. The most common are bruising and some degree of swelling after the injection. A local anesthetic is used to numb the areas to be treated, making the actual injection process nearly painless. The areas treated are gently massaged several times per day to evenly distribute the Sculptra® material. Pre-treatment skin testing is not necessary.