Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visible effects of facial aging?
The visible effects of facial aging are the progressive changes you see when you look in the mirror – including loss of skin elasticity, sagging, forehead lines, frown lines, crow's-feet, smile lines, lip lines, marionette lines – the lines framing your mouth – as well as changes to the color and texture of the skin and loss of volume.

When does facial aging begin?
Facial aging usually begins in your 20s when the firmness of your skin begins to decrease. Wrinkles, blemishes, and sunspots may also start to appear, becoming more pronounced with age. Of course, changes vary from person to person.

What factors contribute to facial aging?
Facial aging is caused by both internal and external factors. Internal (or chronological) factors happen over time and are caused by genetics and the natural aging process. External (or environmental) factors are things in the world around you, including sun exposure, smoking, pollution, gravity, facial expressions, and sleep position. All of these factors can contribute to changes in the skin, as well as changes in facial bones.

What is the role of collagen loss in facial aging?
Collagen is a fibrous protein in the dermis that gives structure to the skin, and provides the foundation for the retention of elastin and hyaluronic acid. Elastin is an elastic protein that helps maintain shape, while hyaluronic acid cushions and lubricates to keep the skin moist. More collagen enables the presence of more elastin and hyaluronic acid.

With age and environmental damage, collagen is lost, and as time goes on, the body's natural production decreases. The damage to the underlying structure of the skin reduces the skin's ability to maintain elasticity and retain moisture.

What treatments are available for the signs of facial aging?
The three major types of facial rejuvenation can be classified as resurfacing, facial injectables, and surgery.

Ask your doctor for more information about these procedures and to find the one that's right for you.

What are facial injectables?
Facial injectables are minimally invasive medical anti-aging treatments. These can be used to minimize wrinkles, fill lines, and folds, and restore facial contours. These include toxins, traditional fillers, and collagen replacers.

What parts of the face do injectables treat?
Different facial injectables are appropriate for different areas of the face. Talk to your doctor to ensure you get the results you want.

How are facial injectables administered?
Facial injectables are injected beneath the skin and must be administered by, and in the office of, a trained physician.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is the first facial injectable that can give you noticeable results that emerge subtly. It replaces lost collagen to give you a more natural looking appearance without giving you away. A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, on average, three injection sessions over a few months, can last up to two years.^*

How long has Sculptra Aesthetic been on the market?
Sculptra Aesthetic has been safely used worldwide since 1999, in over 150,000 patients, under the trade names New-Fill™ and Sculptra. In 2009, the FDA granted approval in the U.S. for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold (smile lines) contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy people.

How does Sculptra Aesthetic work?
Sculptra Aesthetic works to target the underlying causes of the signs of aging such as collagen loss. Sculptra Aesthetic is a facial injectable that works gradually in a series of treatments — an average of 3 injection sessions over a period of a few months — to produce a refined, more youthful-looking appearance. During the course of your Sculptra Aesthetic treatments, collagen is replaced. Over time, you'll notice changes to your face that can last up to 2 years.^* Learn more

What is Sculptra Aesthetic made of?
Sculptra Aesthetic is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid, which works to replace lost collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid is safe - absorbed naturally by the body - and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.

What parts of the face does Sculptra Aesthetic treat?
Sculptra Aesthetic treats shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds^** which are treated with appropriate injection techniques for results that can last up to 2 years.^* Learn more

How long does Sculptra Aesthetic last?
Sculptra Aesthetic is the first facial injectable with results that can last up to 2 years^* after your last treatment.

Are the results from Sculptra Aesthetic immediate?
No. Because Sculptra Aesthetic targets the underlying causes of the signs of facial aging, it can give you noticeable results that emerge subtly and can last for up to 2 years.^* Some visible improvements can be seen within the first few weeks of treatment, but the Sculptra Aesthetic regimen is designed to deliver its unique effects over the course of a few months. Typically, an average of 3 treatment sessions over a period of a few months – and because results happen gradually, you’ll see subtle yet noticeable results in the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds.^**

What factors contribute to the cost of facial anti-aging treatments?
Cost varies greatly from treatment to treatment, and from person to person. The best way to determine cost is by talking to your doctor, but the factors that will have a bearing include, but are not limited to:

• How long the treatment is expected to last
• The amount of work to be done
• The complexity of the procedure
• Discounts and special offers
• Where you live

How do I know if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for me?
If you want subtle yet noticeable results, Sculptra Aesthetic may be right for you. Sculptra Aesthetic is injected beneath the skin and works to gradually replace lost collagen, targeting the underlying cause of the signs of facial aging, for results that can last up to 2 years.^* Learn more

Ask your doctor if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you. Contact your doctor for more information or let us help you find a Sculptra physician.

Is Sculptra Aesthetic safe?
Yes. Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States, and has been used safely worldwide since 1999. Please see Important Safety Information below.

What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic?
Side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic may include injection site pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching, or swelling. Other side effects may include small bumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported. Other side effects may include the delayed development of non-visible, small bumps under the skin sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area.

Who should not use Sculptra Aesthetic?
You should not use Sculptra Aesthetic if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You should not be treated when you have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area or if you have a history or susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Sculptra Aesthetic and Sculptra are products that are intended for use in different populations and conditions of use.

How many treatments are required?
On average, a series of 3 treatment sessions over the course of a few months may be needed. Your physician will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra Aesthetic you need.

How many injections are there per treatment session?
The number of injections at each of the treatment sessions will vary depending on the degree of correction and the treatment plan determined by you and your physician.

Is treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic painful?
With any injection some pain is possible. Consult your physician for professional advice on what you might experience.

Is a skin test required before treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic?
No. Because Sculptra Aesthetic does not use any human or animal components, no allergy testing is needed prior to treatments.

How long may side effects last?
The type and duration of side effects may vary. If you are having side effects, talk to your doctor.

What should I do after each Sculptra Aesthetic treatment?
Proper aftercare is necessary in order to help get the best possible results. Your doctor will give you specific instructions at each injection session. The following general guidelines will help you get the most from your treatment:

1. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, help reduce swelling by applying a cloth-wrapped ice pack to the area for a few minutes at a time. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
2. Post-treatment, massage the treated area a few times a day for several days, as recommended by your physician. This will help evenly distribute Sculptra Aesthetic.
3. Until any initial swelling and redness goes away, avoid excessive sunlight and UV lamp exposure.

When will I be able to apply makeup after treatment?
If there are no complications, makeup can be applied several hours after treatment. Consult your doctor after treatment.

When should I see my doctor for my next treatment?
On average, 3 treatment sessions are needed over the course of a few months, but treatment does vary, so talk to your doctor about the treatment option that's right for you.

Who can administer Sculptra Aesthetic?
Only physicians, including board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons, who have been trained on the use of Sculptra Aesthetic by sanofi-aventis U.S. can administer Sculptra Aesthetic.

What kind of training is provided to physicians who administer Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sanofi-aventis U.S. offers an award-winning training program to board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons because we believe that proper injection technique and aftercare play an important role in helping to optimize patient outcomes. Be sure to ask your physician about the extent of his or her training and experience with Sculptra. Learn more

Where can I find a trained physician near me?
Click here to use our physician locator.

What questions should I ask my doctor about Sculptra Aesthetic?
Click here to view our discussion guide, with questions and topics designed to help you get all the information you need.