Sculptra Information

Pre-Treatment

• You may NOT be a good candidate for Sculptra if you:
  -Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  -Are Immunosuppressed or have a problem with your immune system
  -Have inflammation, infection, or acne in the area being treated
  -History of susceptibility for keloid formation
• Do not schedule any of the following for 4 weeks before or after Sculptra:
  -Surgery of any kind
  -Microneedling, Radiofrequency Microneedling, laser, facials, laser hair removal
• Dental work and vaccines should NOT be scheduled within 2 weeks of your Sculptra appointment.
• To decrease the risk of bruising, avoid any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, motrin, and Ibuprofen in the week before your treatment. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your treatment as well. 
• You may begin taking oral Arnica pellets starting two days before your treatment and for the week after to assist with healing and recovery. We do carry these at the office.
• Please inform your provider or the office before your appointment if you have a history of cold sores. Sometimes antiviral medication may be recommended before your treatment to decrease the risk of a breakout.
• Please inform your provider or the office before your appointment if you have a history of surgical face lift or implants in the past. You may not be a good candidate for Sculptra.
• Please arrive with no makeup on or be ready to wash your face upon arrival at the office.

What to expect

• There is a risk of bruising with Sculptra. If a bruise occurs, discoloration and swelling can last 2 weeks. Please plan special events and important social obligations accordingly.
• Mild swelling is expected after sculptra and usually lasts 2-3 days. 
• The treatment is generally tolerated very well. Topical and/or injectable numbing medication, such as lidocaine, will be used. Pro-Nox (aka ‘giggle gas’) is also available for those with more anxiety about the treatment. 
• You will be asked to massage the treatment areas using the ‘5-5-5’ rule: 5 minutes of massage, 5 times a day for 5 days. 
• Sculptra results are gradual and take time to develop. This is normal and expected. Some will notice effects as soon as 1 month post treatment. For others, it may take 8-12 weeks. Visible effects actually continue to develop for many months after the treatment.
• Multiple sessions are typically required. On average 2-4 sessions should be expected. These can be spaced 6 weeks apart.
• Results can be expected to last approximately 2 years after the last treatment.

Post-Treatment

• You should massage the treatment areas using the ‘5-5-5’ rule: 5 minutes of massage, 5 times a day for 5 days.
• Avoid exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure for 24 hours
• Do not schedule any of the following for 4 weeks after Sculptra:
  -Surgery of any kind
  -Microneedling, Radiofrequency Microneedling, laser, facials, laser hair removal
  
• Avoid dermal filler for at least 1 week
• Dental work and vaccines should NOT be scheduled within 2 weeks of your Sculptra appointment.
• Avoid makeup application and topic actives (ex. acids, retinols) for 24 hours
• The treated area can be gently washed with soap and water. Avoid makeup for 12 hours or use light, mineral make-up.
• Common side effects can include: swelling, bruising, tenderness/soreness. Tylenol can be used for discomfort.
• Lumps and bumps can occur initially but should resolve on their own with massage. If they do not, please contact the office or your Provider.
• Contact the office or your Provider if you experience any of the following: intense pain, significant bruising, rashes, blisters, pale skin.

**Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about your appointment. 858-230-2876