Sculptra in Chicago at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

Sculptra is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure developed to improve skin concerns commonly associated with aging: nasolabial folds, marionette lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and fine lines. Those with cellulite dimples may also benefit from a Sculptra skin treatment. Target areas include the face, neck, chest, and the butt area (for cellulite dimples).

Dr. Moynihan in patient consultation at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a type of injectable filler developed for patients dealing with lipoatrophy, a conditioned characterized by loss of fat tissue. Specifically, this filler was injected to add volume to the cheeks of patients dealing with lipoatrophy. Over time, it was discovered that a Sculptra filler isn’t only effective in addressing loss of fat tissue but also in improving wrinkles, fine lines, and other common skin issues associated with aging. This prompted skin specialists and doctors to utilize Sculptra filler in cosmetic applications.

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How does it work?

A Sculptra skin treatment involves injecting poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic material that has the ability to stimulate the body to produce collagen. The synthetic material is injected into the deeper layers of the skin, reaching those layers that will produce the best results.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that provides support to the skin’s structure, giving it its suppleness and elasticity (together with another naturally occurring component in the body, elastin). When new collagen is produced, the skin is strengthened and rejuvenated, making it look healthier and younger compared to how it was prior to treatment.

What to expect during your Sculptra treatment

During your Sculptra filler treatment, the doctor will puncture the skin with a trocar needle to create an opening for the blunt cannula, which will deliver the synthetic material to the targeted layers beneath the surface of the skin. For your reference, a blunt cannula looks like an IV catheter. Once the procedure is done, your doctor will ask you to massage the treated area(s) for five minutes.

You will need to repeat this at least five times every day for five days. This is to ensure that the synthetic agent is being spread evenly. This step likewise jumpstarts the collagen production process. It is important that patients strictly follow this post-treatment massage schedule to enable the synthetic biostimulator to work as it should.

Sculptra Before & Afters

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How many sessions do you need to achieve desired results?

In general, patients are advised to undergo two to four sessions during their initial treatment to achieve their desired results. Patients also report that results become noticeable after two to four sessions. Remember that when results will appear depends on each person’s response to treatment.

Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery?

Because the placement and technique of Sculptra are so important, treatment should only be carried out by those highly experienced in this type of procedure. With a combined wealth of experience in surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures, Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is dedicated to delivering natural-looking, elegant results. Dr. Moynihan has dual board certifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. His is passionate about patient safety, wellbeing, and privacy, ensuring candidacy for every procedure through painstaking evaluation and a thorough medical review. His integrity demands that he will never suggest a treatment that isn’t genuinely in the patient’s best interest.

Who can’t undergo a Sculptra filler skin treatment?

During consultation, Dr. George T. Moynihan, M.D. will thoroughly check your skin condition and discuss with you your medical history (allergies, regular medications, past and present illnesses, and so on) as well as your treatment goals and expectations.

Although you may have your heart set on a Sculptra filler treatment, you may not be eligible for it if:

You are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the product
You have a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
You have skin inflammation or irritation on the target area
You are pregnant, lactating, or breastfeeding
You are not yet 18 years old

Sculptra is FDA cleared for improving nasolabial folds and other facial creases as well as wrinkles, fine lines, volume loss, and cellulite dimples. However, its safety has not been tested on individuals with the conditions/factors mentioned above.

Sculptra skin treatment at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

If you’d like to learn more about Sculptra or whether you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact Gold Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. George T. Moynihan, M.D. You may also send us a message online for any questions and/or inquiries.

Natural-looking results

One of the benefits of this type of skin treatment that is most appreciated by patients is the fact that it provides natural-looking results. Since the procedure works together with the body’s collagen production, changes that occur depend on your own body’s response to treatment, so results are as natural as you can get.

In short, patients appreciate that they can undergo a Sculptra filler treatment without looking like they had anything done. You will look radiant and more gorgeous, and people won’t know it’s the result of a cosmetic procedure.

When will the results appear?

Since this type of skin treatment relies on your body’s collagen production, it may take some time before you will notice changes in the treated areas. Patients often experience noticeable results several months after treatment, depending on how fast their body absorbed the synthetic material to stimulate collagen production.

While it may take some time for results to appear, the wait will be worth it because other than giving natural-looking results, you will also get to enjoy your rejuvenated skin for up to two years or 25 months.

How long results last also depend on your skincare routine as well as the expertise of the doctor who performed the procedure on you. Remember that to achieve your desired results or reach your treatment goal, you must choose a doctor or surgeon who is the right fit for you.

Virtual Sculptra skin treatment consultation with Dr. George T. Moynihan, M.D.

For your safety, comfort, and convenience, Gold Coast Plastic Surgery now accepts requests for virtual consultations. Kindly click here to schedule your virtual consultation with Dr. Moynihan. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.