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By Dr. Bonnie Marting, DNP, ARNP –
There are a multitude of ads today advertising “anti-aging” and “returning to youth” but they should come with a special caveat: Be careful to choose what can actually make you look more youthful and healthy rather than make you look, well, weird. Discover the latest answer to natural anti-aging in Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Why do we need fillers as we age?
There are several processes that contribute to an increasingly aged look. Your outermost covering, your skin, in most cases has been exposed to environmental factors that degrade it throughout your life. Natural fat pads in your face responsible for a soft, seamless texture and contour are abundant in youth but are much less so in later life resulting in areas of your face looking depressed and flat. Finally, not even your bones are immune to this “intrinsic” (natural) aging. The facial bone actually shrinks in specific areas causing noticeable differences such as drooping eyes, a down-turned mouth, sagging jowls, and a pointed or receding chin.
What makes Sculptra® Aesthetic Natural?
Sculptra® contains Poly-L-Lactic acid, a natural ingredient that simply stimulates your collagen to grow. It has been safely used for decades in medicine for a variety of purposes. The lactic acid particles stimulate the skin to increase volume that has been lost to time, as well as oxidative damage from the environment and sun exposure. The result is a smooth, more relaxed and softened appearance. Since this new, fresh appearance is a result of your own collagen production, it could not be more natural.
Is it really safe?
Sculptra® was first approved by the FDA in 2004. Since then, there have been multiple clinical trials demonstrating not only the safety of Sculptra® but the incredible results as well.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients find the treatment easily tolerated. An anesthetic is added to increase comfort. After the procedure, many patients will say “Is that all there is to it?” The entire visit takes less than a half-hour and there are no restrictions after your visit.
I have had other fillers before. What makes Sculptra® different?
Sculptra® Aesthetic is not really a “filler”. The typical filler fills a space, wrinkle, or depression in or under your skin. For the most part, fillers remain in place until your body degrades or metabolizes them, which starts nearly immediately. Sculptra® stimulates your body to create more collagen, the opposite of what is happening as we age. Therefore, your own body creates a “lift” and a tightening that previously could only be achieved with surgery.
I see so many people today who look frozen or strange. Will this happen to me with Sculptra®?
The new collagen created by Sculptra® Aesthetic and your own body is healthier and firmer, enabling it to provide lift to features that are presently sagging. The result? A fresh, natural, youthful, healthy look that inspires your friends to say “Wow! You look great!” rather than “Wow, what did you do?”
Am I a candidate for Sculptra®?
Most everyone is a candidate for Sculptra®. Because the lactic-acid particles are inert, they simply stimulate your collagen to reproduce. The only time someone may opt for a filler is if they want to see the results that day. Therefore, clients may opt to use fillers for temporary restoration along with a Sculptra® procedure. Since Sculptra® works with your own system, it will begin to produce results after 4 weeks.
How many treatments do I need and how long does it last?
Often three to four sessions are required. The full effect is seen a few months after the final treatment. Once you get to that point, you retain the results for at least two years, often longer. By then, one or two treatments a year may be all that is needed to return you to your youthful best.
Is Sculptra® all I ever need to do?
Sculptra® replaces the foundation we have lost and also creates new, beautiful skin. However, there are a variety of other means to treat special concerns such as thin lips or a down-turned mouth. Juvéderm or Restylane elegantly refines these areas. Also, lines between the eyes, affectionately known as the “11’s” really need to be treated with either Botox® Cosmetic or Dysport®. These agents help to relax the over-used muscles responsible for those lines. Botox® and Dysport® work well in a variety of areas to keep you looking smooth and relaxed. There are even some treatments that actually tighten skin and help the Sculptra® do its job. Our new “RF Fix” is complementary to these other treatments and recreates the more youthful you of yesterday.
To see a demonstration of Sculptra® administration visit www.anushkaspa.com.
Dr. Bonnie Marting, DNP, ARNP specializes in cosmedic dermatology. She received advanced aesthetic training at Johns Hopkins and is a certified trainer for Sculptra® Aesthetic in Florida. Dr. Marting is also a consultant and speaker for Allergan, maker of Botox and Juvederm, and Medicis, distributer of Restylane and Dysport®.
Anushka Spa & Salon at Cityplace
701 S. Rosemary Avenue, Suite 200
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.820.0500
