Sculptra Injections

The product is a suspension of a substance called polylactic acid. This is injected and acts as a stimulant to your collagen-producing cells. The product itself is gradually broken down and cleared as lactic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body.

This video demonstrates the mode of action:

Unlike other dermal fillers, Sculptra doesn’t add volume, but stimulates the skin to create its own new collagen. As well as smoothing lines and wrinkles it adds volume to the face – loss of volume and skin thickness is one of the key processes that contribute to the appearance of ageing. This makes Sculptra a very flexible treatment that can be used for any age group.

There is an initial effect from the suspension itself that lasts for a few days, but as the water dissipates this effect is lost. The main effects begin after the first few weeks, and then increase over the next few months with further treatments.

Typically the effects of a treatment follow after 6 to 8 weeks.

Sculptra is suitable for any age group: modest treatment in a younger person can give a valuable boost to natural features, while for the older age group lifting of the cheekbones and jaw line can make a major difference.

Yes, Sculptra can be used very effectively in both. The style of treatment is adjusted to respect the distinctive femininity/masculinity for each patient.

This is dependent on age and skin condition but will usually consist of 3 treatments.

The optimum is to have treatment every 4-6 weeks. This gap is to allow collagen to start building from the previous treatment before further injections are carried out.

At Mulberry House Clinic, treatment as well as the consultation is carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, an experienced non-surgical treatments practitioner with over 15 years’ experience.

After a course of treatment the benefits usually last for 18-24 months and sometimes two years or more. Top-up treatments can be given when needed to maintain the effect.

Sculptra is making a comeback thanks to a new gentle treatment technique. Previously, some patients did not like the discomfort and bruising, but a new minimally-invasive technique is in use at Mulberry House Clinic, which allows a complete and even treatment for beautiful results.

Proper aftercare is necessary in order to help get the best possible results. The following general guidelines will help you get the most from your treatment:

1. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, you can reduce swelling by applying a cold compress (e.g. cloth-wrapped ice pack or cold flannel) to the area for a few minutes at a time. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
2. Following treatment, massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days (or as recommended). This is advised to aid the even distribution of Sculptra.
3. Avoid excessive sunlight and UV lamp exposure until any initial swelling and redness have subsided.

Dr Tanqueray will give specific instructions in your consultation and prior to each treatment.

In addition, Sculptra have produced the following video to summarise what to expect in terms of aftercare:

We recommend no makeup for the rest of the day, but then you can return to your normal skincare and cosmetics routine.

The development of lumps under the skin was reported in some cases. However there is a very small risk of this. The combination of appropriate dilution of the product, correct treatment technique, and massaging the area as instructed makes this very unlikely. We have carried out a large number of Sculptra treatments at Mulberry House Clinic and our experience has been very reassuring.

We do not recommend any form of cosmetic injection for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sculptra is not suitable if you have known allergies to any of its ingredients. We also cannot carry out treatment if there is an active skin infection or inflammation, history or known risk of keloid formation of hypertrophic scarring.

Sculptra is best for the upper, mid and lower face as outlined above. It is not recommended for forehead lines or frown lines. BOTOX is likely to be a better solution in this area. Sculptra is also not suitable for use in the lips. Lip enhancement using hyaluronic acid fillers is recommended here.

In your first consultation, Dr John Tanqueray will seek to understand what result you are trying to achieve and then recommend the most appropriate procedures, also taking into account your medical history and his examination of your skin.