Ever heard about Sculptra injections for cellulite reduction? Curious if the treatment is actually effective or just another overly hyped Hollywood glam “secret”? Our team at Arijai Aesthetics is here to break it down for you. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about Sculptra and whether it really does work for minimizing the appearance of cellulite.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a unique cosmetic injectable that, unlike many other fillers, doesn’t contain hydrophilic compounds like hyaluronic acid. Instead, it contains poly-L-lactic acid, a bio-stimulatory compound that triggers the skin to produce more collagen.
While you may have heard Sculptra can be used to reduce the appearance of cellulite anywhere on the body, it’s actually designed to improve facial volume loss. Given its mechanism of action, it’s also highly effective at minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. By helping the skin re-establish healthy collagen levels over time, this cosmetic injectable improves structure and fullness in the face, thereby creating a more youthful, vibrant complexion.
What Is Sculptra Approved to Treat?
Initially, Sculptra was FDA approved as a treatment for facial wasting in patients with HIV. In 2009, the dermal filler received FDA approval for correcting facial volume loss in healthy subjects, as well as shallow to deep facial lines and wrinkles.
That said, it’s possible (and completely legal) to use Sculptra in an off-label fashion, meaning the cosmetic injectable can be effective for treating other issues. Cellulite reduction is one of those uses.
Off-Label Use of Sculptra for Cellulite Reduction: Is It Actually Effective?
Do Sculptra injections work to minimize the appearance of cellulite? Yes, it does. Since Sculptra works to stimulate collagen production and boost skin volume and structure, the injectable helps fill and smooth out depressions and dimples in the skin. Just as it works to smooth moderate to deep facial wrinkles, it works in the same fashion to smooth skin on other areas of the body.
That said, just because it works doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most effective way to treat those confidence-busting dimples.
While Sculptra does produce noticeable results, they don’t last nearly as long as some other cellulite reduction treatments on the market. As with most dermal fillers, Sculptra requires repeat treatments at regular intervals to maintain results. Most people need to schedule injections every 15 months or so to maintain the appearance of smooth, non-dimpled skin.
Sculptra as an Alternative to Invasive Cellulite Reduction Procedures
If you’re not totally sold on invasive surgical procedures that deliver better cellulite-reduction results, it may be worth trying out Sculptra to minimize the appearance of any cellulite you’d like to get rid of.
The injectable can definitely deliver the smooth skin you’re looking for, but keep in mind that results won’t be immediately apparent since that’s not the way Sculptra works. You’ll likely begin noticing results around the 6-week mark after treatment as the product needs time to stimulate collagen production and your skin needs time to build new structural proteins.
It’s important to note that not all practitioners use Sculptra in this off-label manner. If you’re looking to minimize the appearance of cellulite, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist or aesthetic surgeon who can recommend the appropriate treatments for your needs.
Looking to Minimize the Appearance of Cellulite?
If you’re dealing with skin dimples you’d like to minimize, our team at Arijai Aesthetics can help. We specialize in a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, injectables, and skin care treatments designed to help you look and feel your very best.
To get started or learn more about which cellulite-reduction treatments are right for you, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team or give us a call at (952) 435-0605. We look forward to hearing from you!