Sculptra in Santa Barbara
A collagen-stimulating injectable that works beneath the surface to gradually restore facial volume and improve skin quality, revealing natural-looking results that can last up to two years.
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What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an FDA-approved collagen biostimulator that takes a fundamentally different approach to facial rejuvenation than traditional dermal fillers. Rather than simply adding volume where it's injected, Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that stimulates your body's own collagen production deep within the skin's structure.
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that provide immediate volume, Sculptra works gradually to rebuild the skin's internal framework. As the poly-L-lactic acid particles are absorbed naturally by your body, they encourage new collagen production that restores volume and improves skin quality from within. The result is subtle, progressive improvement that emerges over weeks and months, with results that can last two years or more.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sculptra?
Sculptra may be right for you if you're noticing age-related changes like volume loss in the cheeks, temples, or midface, deep folds around the mouth, or overall skin laxity. It's often chosen by patients in their late 30s through 50s who want to address early to moderate signs of aging but aren't ready for surgical intervention.
Sculptra may also appeal to patients who value natural-looking results and prefer a treatment that works with their body's own regenerative processes rather than simply adding synthetic volume.
What We Can Address with Sculptra:
Loss of volume in the cheeks and midface
Shallow to deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek region
Hollowing in the temples
Overall facial volume loss due to collagen depletion
Diminished skin quality, firmness, and radiance
Treatment Areas and Approaches
Sculptra's versatility allows it to address volume loss across the facial framework through strategic placement:
Cheek and Midface Rejuvenation: The most common application, targeting the cheek region where collagen loss often begins. Sculptra restores fullness to flattened cheeks and improves overall midface contour.
Temple Restoration: Addressing hollowing in the temple area, which often contributes to an aged appearance.
Jawline and Chin Definition: Building volume along the jawline and chin to improve contour and definition.
Framework Approach: Sculptra is injected into the bony contours of the face, the outer framework including temples, in front of the ears, cheekbones, chin, and jawline. The goal is to rebuild volume in areas that have naturally lost collagen.
What to Expect Through Your Sculptra Procedure
Sculptra treatments are performed at The Riviera Medical Spa by our expert aesthetic nurses following Dr. Lowenstein's protocols. After a thorough consultation to assess your facial anatomy and develop your personalized treatment plan, each session begins with cleansing and optional topical numbing cream for comfort.
The Sculptra solution is administered into predetermined areas using fine needles. The treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the areas being addressed. Lidocaine may be added to the solution to minimize any discomfort during injection.
Most patients achieve optimal results with a series of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. The number of sessions and amount of product needed varies based on your age, degree of volume loss, and aesthetic goals.
Results and Recovery Process
Recovery from Sculptra is minimal. You may experience mild swelling, redness, bruising, or tenderness at the injection sites, but these effects typically resolve within a few days. Most patients return to normal activities immediately, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
An important part of aftercare is massage. You'll be instructed to massage the treated areas for five minutes, five times per day, for five days following treatment to help evenly distribute the product.
What distinguishes Sculptra is how results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen. Most patients begin seeing visible improvements within four to six weeks after their first treatment, with results continuing to develop through the treatment series.
Why Choose The Riviera Medical Spa for Your Sculptra Treatment?
Sculptra treatments at The Riviera Medical Spa are performed by our experienced aesthetic nurses under the clinical guidance of Dr. Lowenstein. With over 25 years in facial aesthetics, Dr. Lowenstein has developed injection protocols that prioritize natural-looking results and proper product placement.
Understanding facial anatomy is critical for successful Sculptra treatment. The team at The Riviera Medical Spa approaches each patient with both technical precision and aesthetic sensibility, ensuring the product is placed strategically to enhance your natural contours rather than create an artificial appearance.
Patients choose The Riviera Medical Spa because they want the level of expertise associated with Dr. Lowenstein's surgical practice applied to their non-surgical treatments, delivered by a team trained in advanced injection techniques and committed to patient safety and satisfaction.
How Much Does The Sculptra Cost?
The cost of Sculptra depends on the number of vials used and the extent of volume restoration needed. Most patients require multiple vials across a series of three treatment sessions to achieve optimal results.
A detailed cost estimate will be provided during your consultation after we've assessed your facial structure and developed your personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Sculptra different from other fillers like Juvederm?
Traditional fillers like Juvederm are made of hyaluronic acid and provide immediate volume by attracting moisture where they're injected. Sculptra is a collagen biostimulator made of poly-L-lactic acid that works gradually to rebuild your skin's internal structure. While hyaluronic acid fillers give instant results that last six to 18 months, Sculptra's effects develop over time but can last two years or more.
When will I see results?
You may notice some initial improvement from the injection volume, but Sculptra's true results emerge gradually as collagen production increases. Most patients begin seeing visible changes within four to six weeks, with continued improvement over the following months as you complete your treatment series.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients achieve optimal results with three treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Some may need additional sessions depending on their age, degree of volume loss, and aesthetic goals. Your personalized plan will be discussed during your consultation.
Is Sculptra painful?
Most patients tolerate Sculptra well. We can apply topical numbing cream before treatment, and lidocaine is typically added to the Sculptra solution for additional comfort. You may feel some pressure during injection, but significant pain is uncommon.
Can Sculptra be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Sculptra can be strategically combined with other treatments like Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, or laser treatments to address different aspects of facial aging. We can discuss a comprehensive treatment plan during your consultation.
Why is massage important after Sculptra?
Massaging the treated areas for five minutes, five times per day, for five days helps distribute the product evenly and reduces the risk of small nodules forming under the skin. This is a critical part of Sculptra aftercare.
Schedule a consultation
If you're looking for a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation that addresses texture, tone, firmness, and overall skin quality, The Ultimate Duo might be the solution you've been searching for.
Call us at 805-969-9004 to schedule your consultation.
