Sculpted Looks

Created on 10th July 2009

Providing an alternative to temporary dermal fillers that need regular top ups, Sculptra works to build up your natural collagen to provide a longer lasting result. Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics Magazine investigates

Over time your skin loses its full, firm, youthful appearance as a result of natural ageing and starts to wrinkle and gradually lose the fatty tissue that helps to fill out your face, causing a sunken, drawn appearance.

Sculptra is a simple, injectable volumising treatment that works in the lower layers of the skin by stimulating the build up of the body's natural collagen to help smooth out lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient of Sculptra is poly-l-lactic acid, which has been successfully used in surgical operations for more than 25 years.

It has advantages over temporary and permanent treatments: temporary fillers only reduce wrinkles and creases for a relatively short amount of time but permanent implants can't accommodate the changes in appearance that happens as you continue to age. Sculptra is also a far less invasive procedure than a facelift or any other type of facial cosmetic surgery, but once your treatment is complete, the results can last for up to two years.

Sculptra takes time to work, with the results becoming noticeable after about six weeks. It may appear to have an effect immediately after your first treatment visit, but this is because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. When the swelling goes down after a few days and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before treatment. Two or three treatments are usually necessary to obtain the desired result.

CASE STUDY ONE

Treatment: Sculptra
Name: Linda
Age: 58
Occupation: Town planner

What prompted you to have the treatment?

I'd noticed my face looking older lately and I wasn't happy when I saw jowls forming around my chin area. I've always wanted to age gracefully without the need for surgery or toxins but I needed to do something. I saw an advert in a magazine for Sculptra and when I looked into it further I found out that it was actually using the body's own skin cells to regenerate collagen. That's when I decided to go for it!

Who carried out the procedure and what was their opinion at the consultation?

My friend had had treatments with Dr Jennifer Wakerley of The Beauty Doctor before and recommended I see her for a consultation. Jenny agreed that I was starting to develop jowls and that Sculptra would help reduce them and slow down their development. She explained it would also improve my skin's appearance and firmness and give it a more uplifted appearance.

How was the experience?

I was quite anxious before the initial treatment as this was my first experience with aesthetic procedures and Jenny had explained that I might have some discomfort with some of the injections. However in the end it was fine and I didn't think twice about booking for my second treatment.

How long did it take?

Each treatment took about an hour and 15 minutes.

Did you have to take any medication after it was done?

No, I was just advised to massage regularly with Arnica cream to reduce any bruising and swelling.

What were the immediate results?

I didn't really have any bruising after the treatments, just a bit of swelling that evening which went the following day. With each treatment I felt my skin feeling firmer and more glowing and people kept saying how well I looked.

Are you happy with the treatment?

Absolutely! I wouldn't have ever considered surgery and this has offered me a chance to look younger without ever having to go under the knife.

The expert's point of view...

Dr Jennifer Wakerley:

"At 58, Linda's skin is starting to lose elasticity and sag around the jaw line. In addition there is bone resorption around the jaw bone and upper jaw under the nose which changes the face shape and it look older. Linda didn't want anything artificial which stayed in her system and didn't want surgery either. Sculptra was the most natural product available as it's similar to the lactic acid produced by our bodies and is broken down to carbon dioxide and water as soon as it's injected. I wanted to give her face a subtle uplift and tighten the jawline by putting back some of the elasticity which she has lost over time. I wanted to improve the contours of her cheeks and chin and I also knew it would improve her skin's general condition."

CASE STUDY TWO

Name: Julie Stepney
Age: 60
Treatment: Sculptra
Practitioner: Dr Linda Eve at Evenlines Aesthetics

What prompted you to have the treatment?

For so very long the face that stared back at me from my mirror horrified me. I couldn't accept the way my face had changed. There were so many situations I would avoid, it is truly amazing how the way I felt about myself coloured all other aspects of my life. I would walk in the shade and always be at the back avoiding the limelight.

Who carried out the procedure and what was their opinion at the consultation?

Dr Linda Eve at Evenlines. She talked me through a number of different treatments but thought that Sculptra would be the treatment that would have the most beneficial effect on my appearance. She fully explained what would happen and I decided to go ahead.

How was the experience?

Dr Eve did explain that it might be painful but I didn't find it so - I just closed my eyes and thought about the future and the new face I would have. It seemed as if it was over in minutes - no discomfort at all.

I had a couple of tiny thumbnail-sized bruises each time I had the procedure but I had bought a mineral make-up foundation and was easily able to cover them up.

What were the immediate results?

Sculptra has a very gradual effect so it was only when I went back for my two follow-up treatments and Dr Eve showed me the photographs she'd taken of me before I had the treatments that I was able to see what an amazing improvement had taken place. I was particularly shocked after my third treatment to see how far I'd come.

Are you happy with the treatment?

I am very happy with the treatment. People have noticed but they usually just ask me if I've been on holiday or if I've been using a different skincare cream! What I love about Sculptra is that you're not being pulled taut so you look different - you just look like a happier, more refreshed you.

I walk tall and if somebody looks at me, I lift my chin and smile. It is like coming out of the dark into the light. When it wears off I'll definitely be back for more.

The expert's point of view...

Dr Linda Eve:

"Julie requested advice on what treatments were available to remove some of the lines in her face and to give her back the volume and softness of her youth. Examining her face revealed typical volume loss due to collagen and fat deposit breakdown. The elasticity of her face was poor, and she had sallow skin which was very lined and tired looking.

The treatment plan offered to her was Botox to soften the lines around and between her eyes; Restylane Touch to her deep frown lines and peri-oral lines; microdermabrasion to improve her skin tone; Jan Marini home skin care regime. Finally, she received a course of six Sculptra treatments over three months to give her back the volume to her face and produce a softer natural look.

As the Sculptra began to have its effect and her skin quality began to improve both in tone, texture and firmness, so did Julie's confidence in herself gradually increase."

CS&AM