Most younger people have a nice round, oval, or heart-shaped face that provides them with a youthful and alert appearance. Many refer to it as “The Heart Shaped Face of Youth.” However, from age 25 on we begin to lose facial bone mass as well as facial fat. As our facial bones tend to recede, the underlying scaffolding supporting our face gets smaller, resulting in early signs of aging, which include the appearance of nasolabial folds, sagging skin, jowls, and a loss of jawline definition. This loss of facial volume, along with other factors, results in the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, and hollows. Patients often share, “I look tired, sad, and wish I had a little pick-me-up.”

What Is Sculptra®?

Sculptra® is a non-surgical injectable bioregenerative stimulator that can correct an undefined jawline as well as hollows under the eyes, hollow temples, deflation of the cheeks, and early jowls. This injectable restores volume to these areas by stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin, where it is strategically injected by Dr. Persky based on his surgical anatomy knowledge and experience to maximize rejuvenation with minimal sessions. Sculptra® is a biostimulatory filler and essentially works by stimulating the body to metabolize it into natural collagen and connective tissue. It is the same material that absorbable stitches (sutures) are made of, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is a natural sugar that is biodegradable and biocompatible. It comes in a vial of finely powdered form and is reconstituted into injectable form when mixed with local anesthesia and water.

In 2008, Sculptra® was FDA approved for the cosmetic purpose of restoring facial volume. Since then, it has become popular among celebrities and others to achieve a look that is fresh, natural, youthful, and beautiful. Dr. Persky has been a national lecturer and instructor for Sculptra® Aesthetic techniques.

 

What Are the Benefits of Sculptra®?

Collagen is an essential key to youthful, healthy skin. It’s a crucial protein that we begin to lose after age 20. Unlike other soft tissue fillers, which improve aging concerns through increasing volume alone, Sculptra® enhances the integrity of the skin by prompting the body to produce collagen. The benefits of Sculptra® include:

  • Return of natural facial volume
  • Customized volumization of the face
  • Improved skin hydration and “glow”
  • Tighter, more supple skin
  • Stronger jawline contour
  • Minimized fine lines and wrinkles

Sculptra® is ideal for patients who want to improve common facial aging issues long-term, as it helps the facial tissues and skin heal themselves by increasing volume, collagen production, and actually causing fibroblast cells to secrete less hyaluronidase (the enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid facial fillers), which maintains the natural hyaluronic acid found in the body.

Sculptra® Can Correct:

  • Aged facial appearance, at any age!
  • Hollowed cheeks
  • Chin folds
  • Depressed temples
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Thinning jawlines
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Decollete wrinkles
  • Abdominal and arm laxity
  • Small buttocks

 

Why Choose Dr. Persky for Sculptra® Injections?

Dr. Persky is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and national injection instructor. His artistic eye and vast experience with facial aesthetics allow him to create natural-looking results for his Sculptra® patients. Dr. Persky performs all injectables himself, preferring to utilize his surgical training, experience, and expertise for non-surgical treatments so his patients receive consistent, high-level results every time with individualized treatment for their unique needs and beauty.

How Much Does Sculptra® Cost in Encino, CA?

The cost of Sculptra® in Encino, CA, varies on the level of necessary revision, including the number and size of treatment areas and the number of necessary treatments. Dr. Persky will provide you with an accurate cost estimate once he has created a custom Sculptra® treatment plan for you.

Am I a Candidate for Sculptra®?

An ideal candidate for Sculptra® is physically healthy, has realistic expectations, and wants to look their marvelous self by subtle correction of facial volume loss over time. It is important that patients are not allergic to any of the ingredients in Sculptra® and do not have an active skin infection or any inflammation in the treatment area. Patients with a history of keloids, who have an autoimmune disease (in particular lupus or sarcoidosis), or who have had an allergic reaction to absorbable stitches may not be good candidates for treatment.

Sculptra Patient

How Does Sculptra® Work?

The Consultation

Dr. Persky will use his artistic vision to evaluate your facial structure and help you decide if Sculptra® is the right treatment for you. Often, if there is excessive sagging skin or deep under-eye bags, a non-invasive procedure such as Ultherapy®, Profound RF (microneedling with radiofrequency), and/or a surgical procedure such as eyelid surgery or facelift surgery may be suggested. Dr. Persky will go over your options and suggest the most beneficial treatment for achieving your goals. At this time, it is important to mention any previous allergic reactions or skin infections.

The Sculptra® Procedure

Prior to the procedure, a topical local anesthetic cream can be administered to provide patient relief from any pain or discomfort. Dr. Persky injects Sculptra® between the muscles and bones of the face at the initial “foundational” treatment. In certain areas, Sculptra® is injected under the skin in the subcutaneous plane. Sculptra® powder is dissolved in a local anesthetic solution, which helps patient comfort. Multiple injections will be used to restore each targeted area. The number of injection sessions depends on age, and the amount of volume desired or required to re-create a natural heart-shaped face of youth. Young patients benefit from a single session. Most patients will require two to four treatment sessions spaced two to three months apart. Many of Dr. Persky’s patients return yearly for booster Sculptra® injection maintenance.

 

What Is Sculptra® Recovery Like?

Sculptra® does not require any downtime; however, some patients may expect some minimal bruising and swelling for a few days after the procedure. Most patients look and feel great immediately after their treatment. Less than half percent of patients may develop inconspicuous small papules or nodules under the skin that will diminish over time. We request that our patients do not work out, steam, jacuzzi, or sauna for at least 24 hours after their treatment.

Sculptra Patient

When Will I See the Results of Sculptra® Injections?

After each treatment, patients notice a gradual improvement in the tone, volume, and texture of the skin. Sculptra® takes 6 to 12 weeks to stimulate new collagen growth and gradually restore volume creating facial rejuvenation. At each follow-up visit, Dr. Persky will re-evaluate your facial shape and architecture and help you decide if or when another treatment is necessary.

The results of Sculptra® emerge slowly over time. Patients can expect a dramatic change to hollows and depressions in the face, cheeks, and eyes, as well as a significant increase in the skin’s thickness. Once new collagen has formed and the skin has strengthened, patients will notice that their facial shape has more youthful, natural-looking contours. Once the aesthetic goal is reached, the results last from two to four years.
Sculptra Patient

Learn More About Sculptra® in Encino, CA

If you have a loss of facial volume that makes you look aged and tired, Sculptra® may be the perfect treatment for you. To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Persky by contacting our office at (818) 501-3223 or filling out our online contact form.

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