Facial Rejuvenation with a Collagen Stimulator for Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Ft. Myers, and Naples, FL

Collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body, plays an important role in providing strength, structure, and elasticity for the skin. Your body makes less collagen as you get older, which is why it's more likely for wrinkles and dry skin to develop. Also, as collagen and fat loss occur in the mid-face and chin area, you may notice a more angular or even gaunt appearance that makes you look older and more tired. Full cheeks and a narrow, sculpted jawline are traits associated with a youthful face but over time, your face shape may change as your cheeks become thinner or deflated. Sculptra^® from the Naples and Marco Island-based Skin Wellness Physicians is an advanced, poly-L-lactic acid injectable filler that helps to replenish lost volume, add lift, and sculpt facial contours by stimulating collagen production in the skin.

What is Sculptra^®?

The fat, muscle, bone, and skin on the face all lose volume as we age, resulting in a sunken, gaunt, or flattened facial appearance. Facial fillers are substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore fullness. Sculptra^® is a type of facial filler that's approved by the FDA for improving facial volume—and it may also help to reverse or slow down the aging process. It's ideal for candidates over the age of 18 who are seeking a long-lasting treatment for signs of facial aging.

The volumizing effects of Sculptra^® are the result of collagen your body builds in response to the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in the injectable—as opposed to gaining volume from the filler itself, which is how traditional hyaluronic acid fillers work. PLLA is a safe biodegradable substance that is similar to the material that has been used for years in dissolvable sutures.

The creation of new collagen triggered by the PLLA makes skin firmer, lifts the face, adds volume to facial features, and leads to a rejuvenated appearance. Since the collagen is made via the skin's own processes, the results look subtle and very natural.

Sculptra^® restores a younger-looking appearance to the entire face, so it's very effective for patients who want full face rejuvenation rather than to only treat one specific area. Patients should avoid blood thinning medications before the treatment and reschedule their treatment if a rash, cold sore, or other lesion develops on the face.

Which Types of Cosmetic Concerns Can Sculptra^® Address?

Sculptra^® is designed for the treatment of mild to severe facial lines, wrinkles, and folds—such as marionette lines, smile lines, and chin wrinkles—and to address facial contour changes. It is also approved to treat lipoatrophy, which is the loss of subcutaneous fat tissue from the face. It is ideal for areas of the face where there isn't much movement, such as the cheeks, jawline, and temples.

What Can You Expect After a Sculptra^® Session?

There is minimal recovery time needed after Sculptra^® injections, and most patients can return to their normal activities right after their appointment. Some of the most common, short-term side effects include mild swelling, tenderness, and redness at the area that was injected. The swelling usually resolves on its own within a few days.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, the full results won't show right away after Sculptra^® injections. Instead, they develop gradually over time. It may take between eight weeks to three months for the actual volumizing effects of Sculptra^® to appear, and the results will continue to improve and last for one to two years. Since PLLA is the primary ingredient in Sculptra^®, the effects are longer lasting when compared to hyaluronic acid fillers.

Are There Any Alternatives or Complementary Options for Sculptra^®?

Along with Sculptra^®, Skin Wellness Physicians also provides other skin rejuvenation options like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as the Juvederm^® and Restylane^® collections for temporarily reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and improving facial contours. These gel-like substances are injected beneath the skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

Other skin rejuvenation treatments include chemical peels, dermaplaning, HydraFacial^®, DiamondGlow^®, and microneedling, in addition to energy-based cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and IPL. These procedures not only minimize wrinkles but also improve other concerns that affect the tone, texture, and appearance of the skin.