Why I offer Sculptra® collagen-producing injections as a Naturopathic Doctor in Kamloops and Kelowna, BC.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, my commitment extends to offering treatments that complement our body’s inherent processes—and in the increasingly popular industry of cosmetic injections, Sculptra® stands out.
Sculptra® is FDA and Health Canada approved for treating wrinkle and volume loss in patients. Originally, this treatment was used for HIV patients to correct signs of facial fat loss in the face, but later was approved for treating non-HIV patients.
What is Sculptra®?
Unlike many common injectables that focus on a temporary solution to volume loss, Sculptra® takes a more organic approach. Its main component, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), encourages the body to produce collagen, a vital protein responsible for skin’s structure and elasticity. As collagen levels naturally decrease with age, Sculptra® aims to rejuvenate and rebuild the skin from within, using the body’s own regeneration mechanisms. What does this all mean? Instead of the somewhat instant volume that traditional fillers provide, Sculptra® builds facial volume naturally over time.
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The Science Behind Sculptra®
Sculptra® is unique in the world of dermal fillers due to its primary active ingredient: poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). This biodegradable, biocompatible synthetic polymer has been used for several decades in medical applications, including dissolvable stitches. But how does it actually work to restore youthful, facial volume? Here’s the breakdown:
Injection and Immediate Filling: When Sculptra® is injected into the dermis (the thick layer of skin beneath the outermost layer, or epidermis), it provides an immediate but temporary increase in skin thickness. This is because the PLLA particles are suspended in a gel-like solution, which gives an initial volume to the treated area.
Macrophage Activation: The presence of the injected PLLA microparticles acts as a foreign body, stimulating the body’s immune response. Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, are recruited to the area to engulf and break down these microparticles.
Collagen Stimulation: As the macrophages work on the PLLA microparticles, there’s an associated stimulation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for producing collagen. The PLLA microparticles stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen (type I and III), a process termed “neocollagenesis.”
Degradation of PLLA: Over time, the PLLA microparticles are metabolized by the body and converted into carbon dioxide and water, which are then naturally excreted. The degradation process of PLLA can take several months, during which the stimulation for collagen production continues.
Long-term Results: As the PLLA microparticles are broken down, the newly produced collagen fibers remain in the treated area. This results in a lasting increase in skin thickness and volume, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles, folds, and other signs of aging. The effects can last up to two years or more for some patients.
Sculptra®’s process is distinct from other fillers. Instead of merely filling in space like traditional fillers, Sculptra® works by promoting the body’s own collagen production, leading to more natural and enduring results. Ultimately, Sculptra® harnesses the body’s intrinsic regenerative processes to enhance skin volume and appearance, leading to natural-looking results.
Benefits of Sculptra®
So, in a world where instant gratification is so appealing, why would you choose to wait months for your cosmetic injection results? Well, I have a few thoughts on this. Here are the benefits of Sculptra®:
Gradual, Natural-looking Results: Sculptra® ensures the enhancement appears as organic as possible and allows the skin ample time to adjust to the new volume.
Extended Effects: Sculptra®’s ability to stimulate natural collagen production means that results can endure for up to two years or longer in some cases, outlasting most other dermal filler treatments.
Safety and Biocompatibility: The biodegradable nature of PLLA ensures that it’s not just harmonious with the body, but also breaks down safely over time.
