Sculptra

Sculptra injections are generally very well tolerated, especially when performed by experienced providers like those at The Carney Center. Before your treatment begins, a topical numbing agent is often applied to help minimize discomfort, and the Sculptra solution itself is mixed with lidocaine, a local anesthetic that reduces stinging as it’s injected. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of small pinches or pressures, rather than true pain. Any post-treatment tenderness tends to be mild and fleeting, similar to how your skin might feel after a light bruise.

Sculptra is designed to build results gradually, so that most patients will need a series of treatments. On average, we recommend 2 to 3 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, though this can vary depending on your age, skin condition, and the degree of volume loss being treated. The beauty of this gradual approach is that it allows your body time to naturally rebuild collagen, resulting in more subtle and natural-looking outcomes. After your initial series, many patients return for a maintenance session approximately once a year to maintain their skin’s firmness, fullness, and youthfulness.

Results don’t appear overnight; rather, most patients begin to see subtle improvements in skin texture and volume within 4 to 6 weeks after their first session, with results continuing to improve gradually over the following months. Since collagen production takes time, full results usually become most noticeable after the second or third treatment session. And the best part is that these results can last up to two years or longer, making Sculptra one of the most durable options available for facial volume restoration.

Indeed, many patients at The Carney Center opt to combine Sculptra with other treatments. Because Sculptra focuses on restoring deep volume and improving skin quality over time, it pairs beautifully with treatments that address more surface-level concerns. For example, you might combine Sculptra with neuromodulators like Botox to smooth dynamic wrinkles or pair it with laser resurfacing to refine skin texture and tone. Many patients also incorporate other dermal fillers to target areas where immediate volume or contouring is desired, such as the lips or under the eyes.

The most common side effects are temporary and mild, including swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, or small lumps at the injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Because Sculptra stimulates collagen production over time, it’s also essential that the injection technique is precise and evenly distributed. This is why choosing a skilled, qualified provider is crucial to avoid issues such as nodule formation or asymmetry. Rare complications may include prolonged inflammation or uneven skin texture, but these are highly uncommon and often preventable with proper aftercare and injection technique.