Sculptra Aesthetic Pasadena
Conveniently located to serve Arcadia, CA
As we age, our faces lose the “chubby-cheek” appearance that “baby-fat” provides. In fact, many in their twenties and thirties may still have full faces due not to weight gain or obesity, but rather youth. Over time, as we lose this full-faced appearance, we can take on a gaunt look, which naturally looks older and more melancholy. Imagine any 90-year-old you have seen, and recall the gaunt appearance that person has in his or her face. In addition to a global loss of volume, the skin itself has become thin and loose, leading to contour deficiencies that appear as dark shadows in the face.
Sculptra® Aesthetic is used as a treatment regimen divided into up to 4 sessions scheduled 3-4 weeks apart to rejuvenate the face by restoring lost volume and replacing lost collagen. This provides a natural look that is long-lasting (up to two years) which is subtle but significant. At the Chow Center, it is frequently used as part of the Liquid Facelift, together with Botox®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse®.
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid and can help correct facial hollows, wrinkles, and folds. The active ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians and surgeons for several decades.
To learn more about what Sculptra® Aesthetic can do for you, simply call (626) 447-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chow. You may also click one of the links below for more information.
How to Prepare for Sculptra
In recent years, the popularity of nonsurgical treatments has surged. Sculptra® Aesthetic is a unique filler that provides treatment to large areas that lack volume, such as the hollows that can occur below the cheekbones and in the temples. Unlike other fillers, Sculptra does not provide instant results. In fact, a few days after the treatment, the face appears largely as it did prior to the treatment. Over the next month, however, your body will build collagen in the treated areas, filling up unsightly lines, wrinkles, and depressions in a way that appears natural and aesthetic. Dr. Chow recommends at least three treatments, each spaced approximately 3-4 weeks apart, in order to obtain optimal results.
Before the Procedure
Unlike some of the other fillers, you should plan ahead slightly prior to receiving this treatment. Your Sculptra® will be pre-mixed for you. There is a potential for bruising after each treatment, and so patients frequently choose to have this procedure done on a day off or at the end of the day. Naturally, there are a few suggestions to improve your results and minimize your chances of bruising.
One of the best things you can do to minimize the possibility of a small injection site bruise is to avoid any aspirin or aspirin-containing products. This will include similar medications, including ibuprofen, Alleve®, Motrin®, and most over the counter analgesic pain medications other than acetominophen (Tylenol®). If you take prescription medications that thin your blood, including (but not limited to) Coumadin® (warfarin) and Plavix®, you should be aware that you are more likely to have bruising from your injections. If you smoke, your likelihood of bruising is also increased. If you bruise easily, you may choose to take a natural supplement called Arnica Montanna. This has been associated with a decreased incidence of bruising.
If you wear makeup on a daily basis, you should plan to have some with you so that you can touch up any makeup that is wiped away from your face in order to clean that area for the procedure. If you exercise on a daily basis, you may choose to work out prior to your treatment at the Chow Center, since additional swelling may occur with strenuous physical activity immediately following Sculptra® administration.
The Procedure
In general, the administration of Sculptra® Aesthetic takes less than fifteen minutes. Prior to injection, most patients have a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) applied to the areas to be treated. This will then be removed, and ice applied to each area. Alcohol or an antiseptic such as betadine will be used to clean the skin just prior to injection. All Sculptra® is administered by Dr. Chow, a board-certified surgeon who is fellowship trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Frequently, patients choose to have Sculptra as part of the Liquid Facelift, along with Botox®, Juvederm®, and/or Radiesse®.
Recovery Info
After the Procedure
Generally, you will be able to leave the office within minutes of your treatment. Many patients choose to return to work, go shopping, have lunch, attend social engagements (dinners, lunches, parties, etc.), or are on the way home. If you wear makeup, you can reapply or touch up makeup before you leave the Chow Center.
You will be provided with an ice pack that can be reused. When you get home, you can alternate this ice pack with a cloth-wrapped ice pack to treated areas for a few minutes at a time during the first 24 hours after treatment. This will help to reduce any swelling that may occur.
You should also massage treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. In addition, protect your skin from too much sun (wear sunblock!) and avoid spending extended periods of time in the sun the first few days after treatment.
You should also schedule all 3-4 treatment sessions of your regimen in advance in order to obtain optimal results. Most patients see their results last for up to two years, although Dr. Chow has seen results last up to 3 years.
How Much Does Sculptra Cost?
The cost of a Sculptra Aesthetic will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic in Pasadena, contact us and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chow.
FAQ
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What is Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Sculptra® is an injectable treatment regimen that provides substantial volume to volume deficient areas, rejuvenating your face in a subtle but significant manner over time. It is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which has been shown to be well tolerated and has been used for many years by physicians and surgeons.
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How does Sculptra® work?
Sculptra works over time to induce collagen production, replacing collagen that has been lost.
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Where is Sculptra® used?
At the Chow Center, Sculptra® is most frequently used for deep hollows in the cheeks and temples, as well as for deep folds around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds, marionette lines), and on either side of the chin to smooth the jawline
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How many treatment sessions will I need?
After meeting with you, discussing your individual aesthetic goals, and performing a detailed examination of your face, Dr. Chow will recommend a treatment regimen specific to your cosmetic concerns. Most patients need three to four treatments, usually with one vial used each time.
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Is Sculptra® safe?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States and has been used internationally since 1999. Before then, the active ingredient in Sculptra® was used in absorbable sutures for many years.
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What are the common side effects of Sculptra®?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection site immediately after treatment. In order to learn more, simply contact your qualified facial plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation.
Related Links
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