Why I Decided To Get Sculptra + My Sculptra Before and After

Sharing my journey with Sculptra, the collagen-stimulating injectable that gradually restores facial volume for a youthful look, including my Sculptra before and after!

My journey with skincare has been just that – an absolute journey. From ingesting jet fuel to miscarriages and fertility treatments and just the overall stresses of life…when I came to Aiyana Atelier in Alexandria, VA, I really didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, Ashley and her team helped me figure out where to start and I’ve never looked back. It’s safe to say my skin has never been better.

After seeing Ashley for about two years and realizing that my face was starting to look a little sunken after finally getting my hormones in check and losing weight, she asked if I had ever heard of Sculptra. The answer was no, but I was curious to learn more. Today I’m sharing why I got Sculptra, the entire process start to finish, and my before and after photos!

Why I Decided To Get Sculptra + My Sculptra Before and After

Whether you are curious about Sculptra, or just want to see the results I was able to achieve, today’s post is for you!

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an injectable used to stimulate collagen production and restore volume to facial areas. It’s composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that has been safely used in medical devices for many years. Unlike traditional fillers that provide immediate results by physically filling in wrinkles or adding volume, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production over time. 

Some key points about Sculptra:

Usage: It’s commonly used to treat deep facial wrinkles, creases, and folds, as well as to add volume to areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline.

Procedure: The treatment involves a series of injections, typically spread out over a few months. Each session helps to build up collagen gradually, leading to natural-looking results.

Duration: The effects of Sculptra can last up to two years or more, making it a long-lasting option compared to other fillers.

Candidates: Ideal candidates for Sculptra are individuals looking to address facial volume loss and wrinkles without the need for immediate, dramatic changes. It’s suitable for those who prefer gradual improvement over time.

Side Effects: Common side effects include swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days. More serious complications are rare but can include lumps or granulomas. I experienced some injection point soreness and tiny bruising in one of the injection points, but that’s it! More on that in a minute.

Why I Decided To Get Sculptra

Sculptra is often chosen by those seeking a more natural and long-lasting solution to facial aging and I am no different. Earlier this year, I noticed that my face was starting to appear sunken and I was losing volume thanks to weight loss I’ve been working on since last year. Those once charming laugh lines were becoming more pronounced and I have to say – it felt like I was aging faster as my face thinned. I wanted a solution that would enhance my natural facial features without making me look dramatically different overnight and traditional fillers kind of scared me a little bit. That’s when I discovered Sculptra.

After some research and consultations, I decided to take the plunge with the only person I’d trust with my face: Ashley at Aiyana Atelier. Sculptra appealed to me because it’s not just a filler; it works with my body to stimulate collagen production, leading to gradual and natural-looking results. 

Sculptra Treatment Process

My first treatment session was surprisingly straightforward. Ashley marked the areas on my face where the injections would be administered and a tiny bit of numbing cream was applied to minimize discomfort at the injection point. The actual injections were quick and relatively painless, thanks to the numbing cream and Ashley’s expertise. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to DO YOUR RESEARCH when it comes to getting any kind of facial injectable and especially Sculptra, because it cannot be dissolved like Botox.

Over the next few days, there was some swelling and tenderness at injection points, but it was manageable and subsided quickly. I was advised to massage the treated areas gently to help distribute the product evenly and I followed the 5-5-5 rule (5 massages per day, for 5 minutes each  time, for 5 days following the procedure). Let me tell you – this was probably the “hardest” part…5 minutes is deceivingly long, but I was adamant about following the process.

Sculptra is known for its gradual and natural results, and that’s exactly what I experienced. After the first session, I didn’t see an immediate dramatic change (you can kind of see how it’s going to look eventually immediately after injection, but it goes down by the next day), which was actually reassuring. The results developed slowly over several weeks, giving me a chance to adjust and enjoy the subtle enhancements.

I had a total of two sessions spaced about 6 weeks apart. After each treatment, I noticed a slight improvement in the volume and texture of my skin and by 6 weeks after my second session, the difference was remarkable. My face looks fuller, the fine lines were softened, and my overall complexion appeared rejuvenated and glowy. Top photos are after my first Sculptra and bottom photos are 6 weeks after my second Sculptra.

Here are my complete before and after photos. The left side was taken May 2024 and the right side was taken at the end of July 2024.

Long-Term Benefits of Sculptra

One of the best aspects of Sculptra (in my opinion) is its longevity. Unlike some fillers that last only a few months, the results from Sculptra can last up to two years. I love that my face looks naturally refreshed without the need for frequent touch-ups.

Would I Recommend Sculptra?

Absolutely I would! I was so nervous about the injections and I was most concerned about the massaging and/or nodules, but I can honestly say that was assuaged after talking through it with Ashley, so this is where I cannot say enough good things about going to someone who is not just a master injector, but also someone who has trained in Sculptra. If you’re local to DMV, Ashley at Aiyana Atelier is phenomenal – I cannot say enough good things. 

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