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INSTAWe now have two locations:
- LaVida Med Spa (480-406-3456) 3020 S. Gilbert Rd, Chandler (Facing Queen Creek Rd. near the Circle K on the corner of Gilbert & Queen Creek Rd in Chandler)
- Cosmos Med Spa (480-844-0707) 2837 N. Power Rd, Mesa (Northeast corner of Power and McDowell Roads)
To Schedule an Appointment Call 480.406.3456 (LaVida) or 480.844.0707 (Cosmos)
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a product used to add subtley add volume over time to areas of the face to create a soft, natural, more youthful contouring of the face. As a “bio stimulator”, Sculptra does an amazing job at stimulating your own cells to make collagen. It builds your own collagen over the course of 1-4 treatments. Typically, it doesn’t have that “over stuffed” look that is all too common when too much facial fillers are used in the cheeks and other areas. It is best for overall gradual and subtle overall facial revolumization.
- softening bony cheekbones
- nasolabial fold (nose to mouth)
- defining the jawline
- hollow temples
What is Sculptra Made Of?
Sculptra (generic name is “poly-L-lactic acid” or PLLA) is a synthetic form of lactic acid. Lactic acid is made in our muscles after exercise. Polylactic acid is lactic acid molecules stuck together in strings (a polymer). It is made in a laboratory and contains no animal products and no human DNA. It very gradually disappears by the action of your own cell enzymes. The results typically last up to 24 months.
What Makes Sculptra Different than Facial Fillers?
Sculptra adds overall volume to the face and fills grooves and hollows that happen as we lose volume as we age. This can give some lift, but primarily helps with facial sculpting and general wrinkles because many wrinkles are created by loss of volume (think of a deflating balloon). Facial Fillers , in general, fill specific wrinkles and lines, these can also be used for cheek contouring and a “lift” effect. The choice between the HA fillers and Sculptra often comes down to the amount of volume replacement desired, the area of volume replacement, your age, and maintenance issues. Sculptra is often combined with filler depending on customized outcomes and patient desires. Time is also a factor. If a quick fix is needed, then HA’s are wonderful. If an overall ongoing long term plan is being cultivated, then Sculptra always play a role.
Sculptra will re-volumize the temples, sunken cheek area, chin, and jawline and is now also being used to treat wrinkles and firm texture to the chest area. However, a syringe of facial filler can help with specific areas such as lips and the area surrounding them. Sculptra cannot be placed in this area as it is comprised mostly of muscle and Sculptra is not to be placed into muscle.
Sculptra lasts approximately 2 years once the series of treatments is completed. Generally one maintenance treatment a year is needed so you don’t completely return to your original volume. Sculptra stimulates your own cells to make more collagen which is why it lasts so long versus HAs which are injected synthetic gels (hyaluronic acid – a natural substance in skin) that is gradually naturally absorbed over time.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Arnica is to be taken the day before your appointment (a couple of doses) and the morning of your appointment, we have found that there is much less bruising and swelling even with lip injections, thus a more favorable outcome with less down time! Arnica is a naturopathic anti-inflammatory that helps with swelling and bruising. It can be purchased at Sprouts, Whole Foods, any Vitamin Shop like Hi Health. We also sell Arnica at LaVida Medspa for only $7.
