Sculptra is an injectable that has been around since the early 2000s. Its first use began in 1999 and it was officially approved by the FDA in 2004. While it is now used for facial treatments or to lift the buttocks, it was first used to treat lipoatrophy in people infected with HIV. Lipoatrophy primarily causes fat loss on the face, giving the cheeks a sunken appearance and causing deep indentations in facial features.
After being approved for medical use in 2004, Sculptra Aesthetic was approved by the FDA in 2014 to treat cosmetic imperfections such as wrinkles or buttocks. The primary ingredient in SCULPTRA is a compound known as poly-L-lactic acid, also known as PLLA. Simply put, it's a collagen stimulant that can deliver astonishing long-lasting results, lasting up to two to four years.
Quick overview:
• Safety: The procedure is completely safe and has as few side effects as possible.
• Cost: The cost is much lower than surgery. Ask your doctor for the exact costs.
• Convenience: This procedure is extremely comfortable with little aftercare and is usually performed quickly.
How does a Sculptra Butt Lift work?
Sculptra Sculptra uses a formula that works a little differently than other similar fillers. While other fillers add volume directly by using hyaluronic acid, Sculptra uses a poly-L-lactic acid formula that is injected into the dermal layers. This formula then increases natural collagen production to give you the desired result.
Collagen is a protein-based compound that sculpts and shapes the skin. Using Sculptra injections, the area around the buttocks is filled with a curved shape, created to match the natural shape of the buttocks and perfectly complementing your body type and structure. This approach is crucial because it gives you the shape that suits your body.
This natural collagen formation process can take up to several months. Therefore, multiple sessions are sometimes necessary to achieve the ultimate optimal shape and volume of a buttock augmentation. A large majority of people who use Sculptra are very satisfied with the results they achieve.
How is Sculptra injected?
Before your treatment, consult your doctor for a more detailed explanation of the procedure. The treatment is performed while you lie flat on your stomach, and the doctor performing the procedure will clean the injection site with alcohol to completely sterilize it and eliminate any risk of infection.
You may also choose to have a numbing agent applied to the insertion area, which will help to neutralize any discomfort you may feel when your Sculptra is inserted into your buttocks. This should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure to determine if it is feasible and advisable.
All equipment used to apply Sculptra is fully sterilized, so there is no risk of infection or complications. The injection process itself takes only a few seconds and is usually painless and causes no significant discomfort.
Possible side effects
You should be aware that there may be some minor side effects after the procedure, but no major side effects have been observed with Sculptra. The procedure is extremely safe, but you should be aware that the following can occur:
• Minimal bruising or some redness
• Asymmetric results
• Small lumps or bumps that will flatten out over time
• Small bleeding at the injection site
• Small rash at the injection site
• Itch
These side effects are all minimal and should not be a cause for concern.
What Happens After a Sculptra Butt Lift?
Aftercare for a Sculptra butt lift is minimal. Your doctor will likely advise you to avoid drinking alcohol or strenuous exercise for the next two days. Be aware that results aren't visible immediately and will take some time to become clearly visible. Studies have shown that it can take between four and six months for the first results to become visible, as this process is completely natural.
As with all fillers, the results are not permanent and disappear after approximately 2-4 years.
How do you prepare for a Sculptra Butt Lift?
Preparing for a Sculptra butt lift is uncomplicated and very easy. The only things you need to know before the procedure are the following:
• Do not smoke before the procedure
• Do not use blood-thinning medication up to 2 weeks before making the appointment
• Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before the procedure
Of course, it's essential to discuss any health concerns. Your doctors should be aware of your actual medical situation and history at the time of the procedure to prevent potential complications.
Sculptra vs. Surgical Procedures
Although the effects of Sculptra may diminish over time, it is safer and less expensive than a surgical buttock lift or buttock implant. Even if you are not satisfied with the results, the effects of the treatment will disappear within 2-4 years after the procedure, unlike the effects of the surgical procedure, which are permanent.
