Sculptra® in Austin, TX

If you have unwanted facial fat loss (lipoatrophy), this can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center can treat your lost facial volume with injections of Sculptra. This injectable can last up to 2 years and creates a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. Many people call this type of injectable a "liquid facelift," as it is an enduring filler approved by the Food and Drug Administration for restoring volume and easing the signs of facial fat loss. Sculptra is a facial filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic, biocompatible substance that does not harm the body. We have 2 locations in the Austin, TX area for our board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ned Snyder IV to provide Sculptra consultations and injections. Find out more by calling and scheduling your appointment today.

During a Sculptra treatment session, the injection sites are marked, and the filler is injected directly into the problematic areas. The product is delivered through a fine needle, and multiple layers are injected gradually until the desired contour has been achieved. The treatment can be made comfortable as a numbing cream is usually applied first to reduce any discomfort from the needle. A Sculptra treatment session lasts around 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated and the extent of the cosmetic issues. On average, 2 – 3 injections spaced a few weeks apart are recommended for optimal results.

Sculptra is a nonsurgical treatment and does not require any downtime for patients. After treatment, patients will be slightly red and swollen where the injections occurred, but this goes away within a few hours. Patients can resume their normal routine right after treatment, but should refrain from any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. It is advised to not apply any pressure to the face and to sleep upright the first evening following treatment. The results are evident immediately after treatment, but it could take several weeks for the optimal results to become visible.

Sculptra is synthetic based and approved by the FDA. It has been tested extensively and has been proven to be safe and effective for cosmetic use. It utilizes processed poly-L-lactic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in humans, so rejection to the product is rare. Temporary side effects include mild swelling and bruising, and possible pain and redness around the injection sites. 

There are a number of injectable dermal fillers available on the market today. Each has a specific benefit to resolve facial wrinkles. There are also muscle relaxers, such as BOTOX, that patients can consider. While the results may appear similar, the difference lies in the approach each treatment takes to produce a smooth, wrinkle-free result. Dr. Snyder will be able to recommend the best approach once the facial condition is evaluated during the initial consultation.

As wrinkles and creases are typical with aging candidates, anyone who needs volume may be a candidate for a Sculptra treatment. Statistics show that the most common age groups who seek this treatment are those between 30 – 55 years old. The younger age group may seek treatment due to premature skin aging caused by personal habits or environmental factors such as extreme sun exposure.

The advantage of Sculptra over other dermal fillers is that the results typically last up to 2 years. Naturally-derived dermal fillers only last 6 months – 1 year. The treatment may be repeated as soon as necessary.

Sculptra is commonly injected into the subdermal layer into the chin, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. It may also be used in the mid-face section for augmentation. It is a common filler that Dr. Snyder uses to achieve a "liquid facelift."