Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered who it was looking back at you? It can be hard to come to terms with, but as we age, our face changes shape, condition and composition (some sagging here, a droop there, lines from expressions you didn’t know you had ever made…).

Blame gravity, or Mother Nature (or even your actual mother), but whatever way you look at it, the face you see is not the one you remember having.

Many of these effects are specifically due to collagen depletion and resulting volume loss – leaving your cheeks looking less peach; more prune.

Don’t worry though. Help is at hand thanks to Sculptra, an injectable treatment which works, over time, to volumise, firm and smooth the face, giving long lasting natural results.

What you need to know about Sculptra

First things first – what is it? Well, Sculptra is a ‘biocompatible biodegradable injectable material’ known as poly-L-lactic acid that naturally stimulates your cells to produce collagen.

Whereas traditional fillers address wrinkles, lines and folds, Sculptra works differently as it stimulates growth of our natural collagen to treat the underlying cause of facial ageing and replace lost volume.

Some people are scared of the word ‘volume’ when it comes to facial injectables – but fear not, no chipmunk cheeks here.

As Sculptra works with your own body to boost and encourage your own collagen to replenish, the results are natural looking and so gradual that that ‘pumped up’ look doesn’t get the chance to appear.

So how does Sculptra work?

Administered by a series of injections in your face, from the temple area down to the chin, Sculptra has its best results as part of a course of treatments. Up to five sessions may be recommended six to eight weeks apart, and it can still be used with other treatments such as Botox or other fillers.

The only way to use Sculptra is via injection. As this is really a full-face treatment, several parts of the face will be treated per session, and within this, there will be multiple injections per area.

Local anaesthetic is mixed in with the product and we use ice to minimise discomfort and bruising during the treatment.

Your face – although looking firm and radiant – may be bruised for a day or two after, so it is worth remembering this when considering a time in your diary for treatment.

See a ‘wow’ effect

The results of Sculptra are gradual. When you first have the treatment done, you will look in the mirror and think ‘wow’! Sadly, this immediate result doesn’t last, as this is due to initial swelling which calms down 48 hours after the treatment.

The good news? The ‘wow’ effect will return – gradually and naturally over the next few months as the collagen starts to regenerate.

And the best bit? The results last at least two years, with some new evidence showing that for some patients (non-smokers) this can actually be over three years.

Ready to book your appointment? Use our online booking form or call us on 0131 225 5656.

Alternatively, come and visit us at our private medical clinic in the historic Dean Village, close to Edinburgh city centre.