Sculptra® (PLLA) in Redhill

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Sculptra® is an injectable collagen-stimulating treatment containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), designed to support the skin's natural collagen production over time. Rather than providing an immediate volumising effect like a traditional dermal filler, Sculptra works gradually to improve facial volume, structure and skin quality as new collagen develops.

Sculptra can be considered where there has been a gradual loss of volume, definition or skin firmness, helping to create a more supported and refreshed appearance over time.

At Summer House Wellness, treatment is tailored to your individual facial structure, skin quality and aesthetic goals. Sculptra is a gradual treatment, so a considered approach is taken to placement and treatment planning, with the aim of creating natural-looking improvements rather than an immediate or over-volumised result.

Sculptra may be used to address gradual loss of facial volume, definition and skin firmness associated with the ageing process or changes in facial structure.

Rather than focusing on one individual line or feature, Sculptra can be used as a more holistic treatment to support the overall appearance and structure of the face. It may be considered where the aim is to restore a degree of lost volume, improve facial contour or support skin quality.

Because the results develop gradually, Sculptra can be particularly suited to clients looking for a subtle, progressive change rather than an immediate transformation. Studies of PLLA have demonstrated improvements in facial volume and skin quality, with effects reported to persist for around two years or longer in some studies.

What is Sculptra Used For?

Comparison chart showing the differences between dermal filler and sculptra

Sculptra vs Dermal Filler

Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable material that acts as a collagen stimulator. Once injected, the PLLA particles stimulate a biological response within the treated tissue, encouraging fibroblast activity and the gradual production of new collagen.

Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, where the product itself provides immediate volume, the effect of Sculptra develops progressively as your own collagen production increases. This means the result is gradual and tends to become more noticeable over the weeks and months following treatment.

The treatment is designed to support the skin and underlying tissue, helping to improve aspects of facial volume, structure, firmness and overall skin quality over time.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra may be suitable for adults who are experiencing changes in facial volume, definition or skin firmness and would like to support a more refreshed and youthful appearance gradually over time.

It may be considered for clients who prefer a subtle, progressive approach rather than the immediate change associated with traditional dermal fillers.

Your suitability will be assessed during your consultation, taking into consideration your facial anatomy, skin quality, medical history, previous treatments and aesthetic goals.

Sculptra is not suitable for everyone. Allergies to the ingredients, a history or risk of keloid or hypertrophic scarring and certain medical circumstances may mean that treatment is not appropriate.

Who May be suitable?

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss the changes you have noticed in your face and what you would like to achieve from treatment.

I will assess your facial structure, proportions, skin quality and areas of volume loss, and we will discuss whether Sculptra is appropriate for you. We will also consider whether another treatment, such as dermal filler or a different skin treatment, may be better suited to your individual concerns.

We will discuss the gradual nature of Sculptra, expected results, the likely treatment course, potential side effects and aftercare. Your medical history, previous aesthetic treatments, allergies and any relevant medications will also be considered.

Because Sculptra develops gradually, it is important that you have realistic expectations about the process and understand that the final result will not be immediate.

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What To Expect At The Consultation

What to expect with Sculptra

Treatment time: 45-60 minutes
What to Expect: Sculptra is administered through a series of injections into the appropriate tissue plane. Some temporary swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising can occur following treatment. The initial appearance can also be influenced by swelling and the treatment fluid, so it is important not to judge the final result immediately.
Results: Sculptra results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen. You may begin to notice changes over the following weeks, with improvements continuing to develop over the subsequent months.

The aim is to create a subtle improvement in facial volume, structure and skin quality rather than an immediately noticeable change. Individual results vary depending on factors including your anatomy, age, skin quality and response to treatment.
Treatment Course & Longevity: Sculptra is generally approached as a course of treatments rather than a single treatment, with sessions spaced apart to allow the collagen-stimulating process to develop. The number of sessions required will depend on your individual needs and treatment goals.
Results are long-lasting, although the exact duration varies between individuals. Published studies have reported effects lasting around two years or longer, with some research reporting durability of up to approximately 25 months.
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Treatment After Care

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Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and significant heat exposure immediately following treatment, as these can increase swelling and irritation while the area settles.

Massage is an important part of the aftercare protocol for Sculptra. Follow the specific massage instructions and schedule provided by your practitioner following treatment.

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Don't be tempted to judge the result immediately after treatment. Some initial swelling can occur, while the actual collagen-stimulating effect develops gradually over the following weeks and months

Avoid unnecessary touching, rubbing or pressure on the treated areas and follow the specific guidance provided at your appointment.

FAQs

1

Is Sculptra the same as Dermal Filler?

No. Although both are injectable aesthetic treatments, they work differently. Traditional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers primarily provide volume and structure through the filler itself, whereas Sculptra contains PLLA and works by stimulating your body's own collagen production. As a result, Sculptra produces a more gradual change rather than an immediate volumising effect.


How long does it take to see results from Sculptra?

2

Sculptra results develop gradually as new collagen is produced. Some changes may become noticeable over the first few weeks, but the improvement continues to develop over the following months. It is therefore important to allow time for the full effect of treatment to become apparent.


How many Sculptra treatments will I need?

3

The number of treatments varies depending on your individual facial structure, the degree of volume loss and your desired outcome. Sculptra is commonly administered as a course, with treatment sessions spaced apart to allow the collagen-stimulating response to develop. Your personalised treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.


How long does Sculptra last?

4

Sculptra is considered a long-lasting treatment, but longevity varies between individuals. Research has reported improvements lasting around two years or longer in some patients. As collagen naturally changes over time, maintenance treatment may eventually be recommended.

Why Choose Summer House Wellness

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Professional and Premises Licences from Reigate and Banstead Council

Insured, NMC registered nurse with emergency, hospital and practice nurse experience

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The safest, highest quality products are used for optimum results

All treatments are delivered by me and are customised and tailored to your needs