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Sculptra
Index
Practical Information
Minimally Invasive
- Wrinkles;
- Skin Laxity.
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 3, depending on the degree of laxity
On average, the first visible results appear after 4 to 6 weeks, with continuous improvement over 3 to 6 months.
Between 1 and 2 years, depending on post-treatment skincare and the frequency of maintenance sessions.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra® is a commercial brand of an injectable biostimulator composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible and biodegradable substance that promotes the natural production of collagen in the skin.
Sculptra has been used for aesthetic purposes for many years, demonstrating both its safety and effectiveness.
It is a non-surgical treatment that provides subtle, natural, and long-lasting results, and is particularly effective in correcting deep wrinkles, facial volume loss, and skin laxity.
What is it for?
Sculptra® is indicated for:
Correction of deep wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth)
Improvement of skin laxity
Volume restoration in areas such as the cheeks, temples, or chin
Treatment of facial lipoatrophy (associated with HIV)
Enhancement of skin texture and firmness
Non-invasive body rejuvenation (buttocks, arms, décolleté, etc.)
How does it work?
When injected into the skin, Sculptra stimulates the production of collagen, a protein essential for the skin’s structure and elasticity. The newly produced collagen helps fill areas with volume loss and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
Unlike other biostimulators, Sculptra’s effect is progressive and gradual. The PLLA microparticles are absorbed by the body over time, but the collagen produced remains, providing long-lasting results (up to 2 years).
This process can take weeks to months, depending on each patient’s physiology.
Application Areas
Sculptra® can be used on various areas of the face and body, always with the goal of restoring volume, firmness, and improving skin quality:
Face
Nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth)
Marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin)
Cheeks and malar region
Temples
Jawline
Chin
Body
Buttocks
Thighs and arms (mild to moderate laxity)
Décolleté (vertical wrinkles)
Abdomen (firmness and improved texture)
Knees (laxity and aged appearance)
Note: Sculptra is not recommended for lip augmentation or areas with extremely thin skin (e.g., the periorbital area).
Recovery and Aftercare
After the application of Sculptra, most daily activities can usually be resumed immediately.
However, it is important to follow a series of aftercare steps to ensure optimal recovery and results.
Following the procedure, the skin may feel sensitive and inflamed around the injection site, typically improving within 24–48 hours. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, which can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication as advised by your doctor.
It is recommended to use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure, as well as intense physical activity on the day of the procedure.
Avoid touching the treated area during the first few hours after the procedure.
Also, avoid sleeping on the treated area during the first few nights to prevent additional pressure on the region.
On the day of treatment, your doctor will provide all the necessary instructions.
Expected Results
Sculptra offers progressive and natural results, with visible improvements after 4 to 6 weeks that continue to develop over 3 to 6 months. The effects can last up to 2 years or more, depending on metabolism, lifestyle, and maintenance.
Sculptra Before and After
Illustrative image
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the treatment performed?
The treatment with Sculptra involves the injection of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) into the deeper layers of the skin to gradually stimulate collagen production, improving firmness, elasticity, and restoring lost volume. Initially, the doctor at Living Clinic evaluates the areas to be treated and may apply a local anesthetic to enhance comfort during the procedure. Using a fine needle or microcannula, Sculptra is injected into strategic points of the skin in a very safe and controlled manner.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions required for Sculptra rejuvenation treatment may vary from person to person, but on average, 3 sessions are recommended.
How long do Sculptra results last?
After treatment with Sculptra (on average 3 sessions), results can last up to 2 years, depending on metabolism, lifestyle, and maintenance.
What are the main benefits of Sculptra?
The main benefits of Sculptra rejuvenation treatment include:
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Firmer, fuller skin
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Less pronounced wrinkles
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More defined facial contours
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Reduction of skin laxity
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Continuous stimulation of natural collagen production
Who is it for?
Sculptra is especially recommended for men and women over the age of 30 who experience volume loss, skin laxity, or moderate to deep wrinkles.
Is Sculptra safe?
Sculptra is a very safe procedure, having received FDA approval in the United States as well as approval in Europe, and is currently available in over 40 countries.
It has over 20 years of clinical evidence.
There are also several scientific studies that confirm its safety.
PLLA (the compound that makes up Sculptra) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer.
Is Sculptra effective?
Sculptra is a highly effective biostimulator for treating skin aging and volume loss. There are several scientific studies that confirm its effectiveness.
Is Sculptra a dermal filler?
No. Sculptra is a biostimulator that works by stimulating collagen production, gradually and naturally restoring volume.
What is the difference between Sculptra and hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid provides immediate and more localized results. Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production and improving skin quality over the long term (making it more long-lasting).
Is Sculptra a painful treatment?
It is minimally uncomfortable. Living Clinic applies local anesthesia for greater comfort.
What are the side effects of the treatment?
Like all injectable treatments, Sculptra may have some immediate but temporary side effects, including:
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Redness
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Swelling
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Sensitivity
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Small bruises
These effects usually disappear within a few days.
What are the contraindications for Sculptra?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active autoimmune diseases, skin infections at the injection site, and a tendency to develop keloids.
What other collagen biostimulators are available?
Living Clinic also uses the biostimulators Radiesse and Lanluma.
Radiesse is mainly used to smooth wrinkles and facial folds, restore volume, and improve skin quality.
Lanluma treats signs of aging such as wrinkles, laxity, and cellulite (with Lanluma V), or is used to enhance body shape and volume, especially in the buttocks (with Lanluma X).
Profhilo, a tissue bioremodeler, is used to rejuvenate the skin and treat skin laxity, but without adding volume.
Specialist Doctors
What is the price of Sculptra treatments?
1 session: 550€
2 sessions: 950€
3 sessions: 1300€
+ sessions: upon request
What our clients say about us
“I couldn’t thank Dr. Paola (dermatologist) enough for her care and kindness. She explained the procedure (CO2 laser) to me, the post-procedure care, and answered my questions. I had already had the same procedure at another clinic, but it didn’t compare to the treatment I received with this doctor…she was very dedicated and friendly. And […]
“I really enjoyed my experience at this clinic. The staff is conscientious and professional. The results were excellent and they give us a realistic view of what’s expected so we can manage expectations. I’m really satisfied!”
“Dr. Francisco Martins De Carvalho doesn’t overlook the smallest detail. He seeks perfection and finds it. A unique and sublime talent. I woke up with the body of a teenager (I’m 41). Thank you for making me smile.”
“My husband and I were seen by Dr. Paola, who was wonderful and very attentive to every detail. I highly recommend her.”
“I’ve been coming here for a while now and love my experience. The people are accommodating friendly and very professional. I’m happy with the results and it has lived up to my expectations! I shall continue to visit this clinic and I highly recommend it.”
“Super professional and top-quality team. I saw results after the first session.”
“One of the best surgeons, I’m so grateful for the excellent work he did with me! A perfectionist!! I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you, Dr. Francisco Carvalho!”
LOCATION
Where to get Sculptra treatments in Porto?
You can undergo your Sculptra treatments at Living Clinic, located at Av. da Boavista 117, 6th Floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto.
Schedule a consultation to receive our recommendation for your specific case and to clarify all your questions.
Scientific Literature on Sculptra
- “Nonsurgical rejuvenation of the aging face with injectable poly‑L‑lactic acid for restoration of soft tissue volume” – Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 31(1):95–109.
- Optimizing Injectable Poly‑L‑Lactic Acid Administration for Soft Tissue (2011)
- Pol-L-Lactic Acid Fillers – Cosmetic Dermatology (2008–2014)
- Sculptra®—History and how it is best used today (2023)
- A Review Focused on Poly‑L‑Lactic Acid (PLLA)
- Collagen Stimulators in Body Applications: A Review (2022–2024)
- Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly‑L‑Lactic Acid Injectable… (J Drugs Dermatol, 2024)
Other Sources
- Interview with Dr. Paola Halfeld (dermatologist at Living Clinic);
- Sculptra. Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2023.
- Sculptra Official USA
- Galderma Official Website
