What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable biostimulator used in aesthetic medicine to restore facial volume and improve skin quality over time.

Unlike traditional dermal fillers (like hyaluronic acid), Sculptra doesn’t provide immediate volume. Instead, it works by stimulating the body’s own collagen production for gradual, natural-looking results.

The main ingredient, Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), is a synthetic form of lactic acid from the alpha-hydroxy acid family. It’s a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has been safely used in medical treatments for decades.

How it works

The product is first reconstituted with sterile water, typically 24 to 72 hours before injection. After it’s injected, the water creates a temporary plumping effect that fades within a few days. Over the following 4 to 8 weeks, the Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) particles gently stimulate your skin’s fibroblasts to produce new collagen. This natural collagen production gradually restores volume, improves firmness, and enhances overall skin texture.

Common Treatment Areas

• Cheeks and midface (volume loss)
• Temples
• Jawline
• Preauricular area
• Off-label: buttock enhancement (“Sculptra BBL”), décolletage, arms, abdomen

Benefits

This treatment works by stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production, creating gradual, natural-looking results. You’ll start to notice improvements within one to three months, with the best results typically appearing around three to six months. The effects can last up to two years or even longer, depending on your individual skin and lifestyle factors.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this treatment is someone experiencing mild to moderate facial volume loss — particularly in areas like the midface, temples, jawline, or around the ears. It works best for those with good overall skin quality and some remaining elasticity, since collagen stimulation is most effective when the skin can still respond.

This treatment is a great option for anyone who prefers gradual, natural results that develop over several weeks rather than the immediate volume you’d see with traditional hyaluronic acid fillers. It’s also important that clients understand the commitment involved — typically two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with results building over time as collagen forms.

Candidates should be in good general health, with no active infections at the treatment site, and have realistic expectations — understanding that this is a collagen-stimulating treatment, not a quick-filler fix.