Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most common questions and answers regarding the use of Sculptra®. If you have other questions or concerns about treatment, please consult your specialist or feel free to contact us.

Which areas does Sculptra treat?

Sculptra is used to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds on the face. Administered with the appropriate injection technique from a trained specialist, Sculptra is clinically approved for:

  • Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), also called “smile lines”
  • Lines framing the mouth (marionette lines)
  • Chin wrinkles

For even more specific product information about Sculptra, please see What Is Sculptra?

How many treatments are required?

On average, a series of three treatment sessions over the course of a few months may be needed. The number of injections at each session will vary, depending on the degree of correction needed and the treatment plan determined by you and your specialist.

Learn more about how Sculptra works here.

How soon will I see results?

Sculptra is designed to give you noticeable results that emerge gradually and can last up to two years.* Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see immediate results. A few days after treatment, you may look as you did before treatment. This is normal and temporary. The Sculptra regimen delivers its full effects with an average of three treatment sessions over the course of a few months. Because results happen gradually, you’ll see subtle, yet noticeable, results in the reduction of facial wrinkles and folds by comparing images before treatment and a couple months following treatment.†

See What to expect after treatment for more information.

*Individual results and treatment sessions may vary. Clinical trial ended at 96 weeks (2 years).
†Safety and effectiveness of Sculptra have not been evaluated in areas other than nasolabial wrinkles and folds.

How soon after treatment can I wear makeup?

If there are no complications, you may apply makeup several hours after treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor after treatment.

For further aftercare instructions, please visit our aftercare information section.

Is Sculptra Safe? What Are the Side Effects?

Sculptra is FDA approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.

Since Sculptra does not contain any human or animal components, no allergy testing is needed prior to treatments.

Side effects reported include injection site pain, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching and lumps, bleeding or swelling. Small bumps under the skin can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported.

The types and duration of side effects may vary. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor.

Please read our Safety & Side Effects section, as well as our complete Important Safety Information.

Who can inject Sculptra?

Specialists who have been trained to inject Sculptra and are licensed to practice within the state may administer treatment. This can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other trained personnel.

Galderma offers an extensive training program, because we believe that proper injection technique and aftercare are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes.

Training sessions are led by experienced Sculptra specialists around the country, offering a unique opportunity for dermatologists, plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons to learn from their peers in a hands-on forum.

The training program undergoes continuous observation and refinement as the number of trained specialists grows. The goal is to help optimize patient outcomes.

We can help find a trained specialist near you.

How much does Sculptra cost?

There are several factors that figure into how much treatment will cost, including:

  • Number of treatment sessions needed
  • Number of Sculptra vials used per session
  • Degree of necessary correction determined by you and your specialist
  • Specialist fees
  • Discounts and special offers
  • Geographic market

Since injection costs will vary from person to person, the best way to determine projected costs is to visit with your doctor. Average total treatment package costs can range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on many factors, including those listed above.

Comparing the cost of facial rejuvenation options can be challenging, because so much depends on desired results, the amount of product your doctor recommends, your response to treatment and the amount of time results last.

A facial filler treatment that lasts up to three to six months may cost less up front than one that lasts much longer, but it will generally require additional treatment sessions to maintain the effect for the same duration as one longer-lasting treatment. You may want to consider the total cost over time.

Coupon or rebate programs through Galderma and/or a specialist may be available from time to time. It’s a good idea to ask your specialist if there’s a discount program available at the time of consultation. We highly recommend joining ASPIRE Galderma Rewards, our loyalty program that rewards you with special points, offers and rewards for every Galderma aesthetic treatment you receive — not just Sculptra.

Questions about Sculptra®

The results are in.
Worth it.1

Sculptra Worth It Rating

  • Sculptra Logo White

  • NOW FDA-APPROVED FOR

    CHEEK WRINKLES

  • The first and original PLLA collagen stimulator that, when injected in the cheek area, has been clinically shown to reduce cheek wrinkles, firm the skin and improve skin quality.1-4
    1. Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P. 2023.
    2. Data on file. 43USSA1812EXT clinical study report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P. 2022.
    3. Bohnert K. et al. Randomized, Controlled, Multicentered, Double-Blind Investigation of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Improving Skin Quality Dermatol Surg2019;45:718–724.
    4. Bergeret-Galley C. Comparison of Resorbable Soft Tissue Fillers. Aesthetic Surg J 2004; 24:33-46.

References:
  1. Real time data. realself website.

Patient Brochure

Click here for patient information about Sculptra® (PDF)

Important Safety Information

Indication: Sculptra® (injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA)) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek region, and other facial wrinkles.

Sculptra should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant, lactating, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.

Sculptra has unique injection requirements and should only be used by a trained healthcare practitioner. Contour deficiencies should not be overcorrected because they are expected to gradually improve after treatment.

Sculptra should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction or embolic phenomena. Use at the site of skin sores, cysts, pimples, rashes, hives or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Sculptra should not be injected into the red area (vermillion) of the lip or in the peri-orbital area.

The most common side effects after initial treatment include injection site swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, bruising, bleeding, itching and lumps. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported.

Sculptra is available only through a licensed practitioner. View the complete Instructions for Use.

Important Safety Information | Instructions for Use

Indication: Sculptra® (injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA)) is indicated for use in people with healthy immune systems for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies, fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek region, and other facial wrinkles.

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