Sculptra

Austin, TX

 

 

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Sculptra Before & Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Sculptra at Buckingham Center in Austin, TX

Since its FDA approval in 2004, the results that the dermal filler Sculptra® provides have continued to improve. This dermal filler is frequently compared to some of the other facial rejuvenation treatments (e.g., Restylane® and BOTOX® Cosmetic). However, Sculptra® is unique. At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, experienced injection specialists help men and women appear more youthful by administering this revolutionary dermal filler to targeted areas of the face.

What Is a Sculptra® Treatment in Austin, Texas?

Sculptra® is a dermal filler that consists of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This injectable is classified as an Aesthetic Surgery Product and, therefore, is only available with a prescription. The PLLA in this dermal filler stimulates the body’s cells to create more collagen.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that provides strength, support and structure to the skin, bones, connective tissues and cartilage. Once collagen production increases in the areas where the expert injector administers Sculptra®, they look fuller, smoother and more youthful.

What Causes Volume Loss in the Face?

It is natural for the skin to lose some of its firmness and elasticity with age. These changes result from a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. In addition, gravity and sun damage negatively affect skin health. Furthermore, as time passes, there are areas of the face where volume loss becomes evident (e.g., the mid-face). These are the areas that can benefit from Sculptra® treatments. Men and women in and around Austin, Texas, can receive their PLLA dermal filler injections at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

How Does This Decrease in Collagen Production Affect the Skin?

As a natural part of the aging process, the body’s production of collagen decreases. This reduction in collagen causes the skin to lose the fullness and resilience that is present during youth. Nonetheless, men and women can address this loss of collagen with Sculptra® dermal filler injections. As time passes, the amount of collagen in the skin increases, which results in fuller, more youthful-looking facial features.

Which Issues Can Poly-L-lactic Acid Dermal Filler Injections in Austin, Texas, Address?

Medical professionals at the Buckingham Center use this PLLA dermal filler to address contour deficiencies, creases and deep lines in the face.

Areas where expert injectors administer Sculptra® to increase volume in the face include the:

  • Nasolabial folds, also known as smile lines.
  • Temples
  • Cheeks
  • Marionette lines, which are frequently referred to as laugh lines.

After a Sculptra® treatment, the body’s collagen production increases. This increase leads to a patient having improved skin tone and texture, he or she appears more youthful. In addition, volume increases in the hollow areas of the face that injection specialists treat with this poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler.

Once these changes take place, many patients state that their self-confidence level is higher and that this increase in self-esteem has improved their quality of life.

How Does Sculptra® Work?

Sculptra® is created using a biodegradable, biocompatible, synthetic material that the body gradually absorbs. This material is poly-L-lactic acid. As the body absorbs the PLLA microparticles, collagen levels in the skin begin to rise. This increase in collagen production begins to restore the deep, underlying skin structure in the areas where the expert injector administers this poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler. Thus, diminishing the lines and wrinkles associated with aging.

Sculptra® Treatments in Austin, Texas, Offer Men and Women a Variety of Benefits

When used for facial rejuvenation purposes, this poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler offers men and women several benefits.

Sculptra Before & Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

The top three facial rejuvenation benefits PLLA dermal filler treatments provide are:

1. These treatments are minimally invasive procedures.
2. Sculptra® recovery following a treatment in Austin, Texas, is relatively quick.
3. The rejuvenation results achieved with this poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler last longer than other treatments of its kind.

Sculptra® Treatments Are Minimally Invasive

Since the expert injector administers this dermal filler beneath the skin, and the patient does not require the use of a major anesthesia or a substantial amount of downtime, Sculptra® treatments are considered minimally invasive procedures. These treatments are ideal for patients who are unable or prefer not to have a more invasive facial rejuvenation procedure (e.g., a facelift).

Downtime After a PLLA Dermal Filler Treatment Is Minimal

Because this dermal filler treatment consists of targeted injections, most patients can return to their normal routine immediately. This is relatively short when one considers that the length of recovery for a traditional facelift can last up to two weeks.

Sculptra® Treatments Offer Patients Long-lasting Rejuvenation Results

Upon comparing the longevity of the results achieved with neuromodulators like Dysport® and Botox® Cosmetic, and dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®, Sculptra® offers the longest lasting results. As such, patients who receive poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler injections can return to the Buckingham Center less frequently for touch-ups. When administered correctly, a patient’s Sculptra® results can last up to two years.

How Often Does a Patient Need To Have PLLA Dermal Filler Injections?

Regularly scheduled maintenance appointments help to keep the patient’s collagen levels higher. Thus, preventing the up and down cycles associated with waiting until the previous session’s results have diminished before returning for the next Sculptra® treatment session. For this reason, to retain their results, some patients choose to have their poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler treatments annually.

Other Facial Rejuvenation Options

There are several other minimally invasive facial rejuvenation options available. The option that is best suited for a patient depends on his or her preferences, candidacy for a treatment and potential outcome.

How Does Sculptra® Compare To the Other Non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation Treatment Options Available in Austin, Texas?

This PLLA dermal filler offers patients an effective, non-surgical option for addressing the signs of aging with long-lasting results. Nonetheless, there are other non-surgical treatments available for facial rejuvenation.

Other non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments include:

  • Collagen supplements – upon ingesting one of these supplements, the digestive system breaks the collagen proteins down. Currently, the effectiveness of collagen supplements is inconclusive.
  • Collagen creams – these creams are unable to fully penetrate into the skin. Therefore, they do not reach the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin that produces collagen. However, these creams can be beneficial. Although topical treatments are ineffective for increasing collagen production, they do help moisturize the epidermis, briefly improving its appearance.
  • Dermal fillers – after the expert injector administers a filler into a specific line, wrinkle or fold, its visibility diminishes. This is an immediate change. However, these results are short-lived.
  • Neurotoxins – a neurotoxin (e.g., BOTOX® Cosmetic) reduces the visibility of wrinkles resulting from muscle movements. It accomplishes this by interrupting the signals from the brain that tell the muscle to move. One area that is frequently addressed with neurotoxins is the frown lines above the nose, just between the eyebrows. The results of neurotoxin injections usually last three to four months.

What Makes Sculptra® in Austin, Texas, Different From the Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments?

This poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler is designed to address one of the underlying causes of aging in the face, the decrease in collagen production, not just the symptoms.

How Many Sculptra® Treatment Sessions in Austin, Texas, Does a Patient Need?

Initially, most patients will need three dermal filler treatment sessions, with each session spaced about a month apart.

How Many Injections Do Patients Receive During Their Dermal Filler Treatment Session?

Each patient is unique. Therefore, the number of injections and the amount of PLLA dermal filler required varies from one patient to the next. As experienced injector specialists, the professionals at the Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, create each patient a customized poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler treatment plan.

Who Should Consider Having Sculptra® Treatments at the Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas?

This dermal filler gradually increases collagen production. Therefore, men and women in the Austin, Texas, area who would like to appear more youthful may be good candidates for facial rejuvenation treatments with this PLLA dermal filler.

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Receive Poly-L-lactic Acid Dermal Filler Treatments?

Individuals with a weakened immune system and those who have experienced an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients included in the PLLA dermal filler are not good candidates for this facial rejuvenation treatment. In addition, people who tend to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars should consider another facial rejuvenation treatment option. Moreover, the safety of Sculptra® treatments has not been established for use in individuals under the age of 18 or for women who are pregnant, lactating or breastfeeding.

Who Administers Dermal Filler Injections?

Due to the poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler’s unique injection requirements, individuals should only receive injections from a trained, highly experienced injector specialist. An inexperienced injector may administer too much of the dermal filler, which could result in overcorrection.

An Initial Consultation for Facial Rejuvenation Treatment in Austin, Texas

During the initial consultation, the patient should inform the expert injector what he or she would like to accomplish. This allows the injection specialist to tailor a treatment plan that will meet the patient’s aesthetic needs.

At this appointment, potential patients need to provide information about their medical history.

This information must include:

  • The medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that he or she takes.
  • Previous surgical procedures, including elective procedures (e.g., facelift, neck lift).
  • Medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
  • Allergies to medications and latex.

Some people find it helpful to create a list of questions to bring to their initial consultation.

Can Sculptra® Be Combined With Any Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments?

Yes, these dermal filler injections can be combined with other rejuvenation treatments.

When it comes to plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures, there is no one size fits all solution. At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, in Austin, Texas, we know that every patient is unique, which is why personalized treatment plans are essential.

A Sculptra® Treatment Session in Austin, Texas

Using a very small needle, the injection specialist administers the filler into the target areas. The number of injections a patient receives depends on which area of the face he or she is having treated. These injections are relatively painless and side effects are usually minor (e.g., inflammation and bruising).

The Key To Obtaining the Desired Result

Choosing an experienced injector is the key to obtaining the desired result. An experienced injector knows that to be effective, the poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler must be injected into the dermis. The dermis is where there are strands of collagen supporting the structure of the skin.

Once the treated areas of the face begin producing more collagen, the patient’s face appears more youthful.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Injection Specialist

Injectors must not inject this dermal filler into the red area of the lip (i.e., vermilion) or into the periorbital portion of the eye. Furthermore, injecting a PLLA dermal filler into areas of the face that have cysts, skin sores, rashes, pimples, an infection or hives should be avoided, as this could be problematic.

Are There Any Side Effects After a Treatment With Sculptra® in Austin, Texas?

Following treatment with this PLLA dermal filler, a patient may experience some of the common side effects.

Common side effects:

  • Inflammation
  • Itching
  • Bleeding
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Lumps

Less common side effects following dermal filler injections are:

  • Small lumps beneath the skin that are noticeable while pressing on the treated area.
  • Patients may develop larger lumps, with or without swelling or bruising. Sometimes, the onset of these larger lumps is delayed.

While Rare, There Are More Serious Side Effects To Consider

Although more serious side effects are always possible, having an untrained or inexperienced injector administers dermal filler increases the likelihood of complications. More serious complications include injecting the PLLA dermal filler into a blood vessel. This mishap could cause the patient to experience vascular occlusion (i.e., blockage in the affected artery), embolic phenomena (i.e., a stroke) or infarction (i.e., tissue death).

How Much Does a Sculptra® Treatment in Austin, Texas, Cost?

The cost of a patient’s treatment depends on his or her specific facial rejuvenation needs. To determine how much a poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler treatment will cost, he or she should schedule an initial consultation at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. During this consultation, an injector specialist can find out what the individual would like to accomplish, examine his or her face and then offer the individual treatment recommendations.

If you are in the Austin, Texas, area and would like to address the loss of collagen in your face with Sculptra®, consider contacting the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment with an experienced injection specialist. To schedule an appointment, please call (512) 401-2500. The Buckingham Center is located at 6420 Bee Caves Road, Suite 100 in Austin, Texas.

 

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