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A New Long Lasting Tissue Filler – Sculptra
2008-11-27
Dear Dr. Proskiw;
I am a 56 year old recently retired accountant and I look older than my age. My daughter has suggested that I look into some of the new facial rejuvenation procedures that are available today. I am fit and very active golfing in the summer and skiing in the winter. I don’t smoke and am not on any medication. Since going through menopause two years ago it seems as though my skin is thinner and my face has lost its fullness glow. I am not ready for a facelift yet even though I may consider it in the future. Is there anything I can do that will last at least 2 years and still allow me to continue my active lifestyle?
Answer:
Facial aging is caused by factors both hormonal and structural. Bone density decreases with age and facial bone structure thins and becomes flattened. The decrease in female hormone levels associated with menopause also accounts for the noticeable thinning of the skin with the loss and redistribution of facial fat. The loss of facial soft contours is most noticeable in thinner individuals. You have probably noticed the plump cheek pads in infants and the gradual elongation of the face as we become older. Indeed, if you compare pictures of beautiful women in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, you will notice that their triangular face and the cheek pads complement their facial contour. Aging results in a more rectangular face accompanied by jowls and skin laxity.
Over the past 25 years we have seen the development of products and procedures for filling lines, scars and wrinkles. However, current evolutionary trends have been directed at correcting facial volume loss, replacing thinning cheek fat pads, improving facial contours, resulting in a more attractive triangular look, and providing support for the underlying tissue of the face. New collagen production is also stimulated. The most important factor to consider is product safety when injected by a qualified and experienced physician.
I have been using Sculptra for the past 9 months for my patients who have signs of facial volume and triangular contour loss with very good results. Sculptra may be a product and procedure that would work well for you.
Question:
Please tell me more about this product. Is it safe, what is it and how long does it last?
Answer:
Sculptra is safe and has been used for the last 5 years in Europe with great safety and success. Extensive testing has resulted in it being approved for use here in Canada for the past 2 years. In Europe it was first used in patients with HIV disease with facial wasting however, Sculptra has found its greatest use in facial rejuvenation where volume replacement and contouring is necessary. Patients experience excellent results without serious side effects except for transient bruising and redness. Sculptra is a synthetic, biodegradable polymer derived from natural components. It is mostly made up of Poly-L-Lactic acid which found in medical absorbable devices such as absorbable sutures. Lactic acid polymers are broken down over time by the body to C02 and glucose. This degradation stimulates the production of new collagen and results in volume restoration that lasts from 24-36 months. Sculptra is not indicated for the correction of fine lines, wrinkles or lip enhancement. Sculptra is injected in the office and the procedure takes from 30-45 minutes. Two to three sessions are usually required to correct the volume loss spaced approximately 4 weeks apart.
Question:
How does Sculptra differ from tissue fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane or collagen?
Answer:
Sculptra does not offer immediate results. Most other fillers offer immediate results for lines, wrinkles and lips. Sculptra results are dramatic but gradual, taking 2-3 months for the results to be fully appreciated.
Question:
How can I find out more about Sculptra?
Answer:
I suggest you see a physician specializing in Aesthetic Medicine with experience in Facial Rejuvenation procedures including all tissue fillers.
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