Sculptra
There is a side to cosmetic procedures that brings a smile to people's spirits. Imagine you suffer from a disease or condition that affects your appearance. Not only do you have the physical suffering from the malady, but you must also endure the judgments, stares, and disparaging treatment from others. Sculptra is a cosmetic procedure that helps those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other serious medical conditions that cause lipoatrophy.
Lipoatrophy is literally the loss of fat in the facial area. We know this look as a sickly and malnourished appearance. The symptoms of lipoatrophy is a sinking of the skin in the cheek area, making the bones in the face far more pronounced than what is considered attractive. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid compound that when injected, thickens the skin and restores face to a natural, more robust look.
Sculptra is not like a derma filler(Restylane), because it is a drug that is approved and regulated by the FDA. Only licensed doctors may administer Sculptra. While approved for the cheek and nasolabial area (the area around the nose and mouth), studies have not proven Sculptra's safety around the eye area.
It takes a series of injections for Sculptra to take effect, and the results are gradual over a period of three to six months. There is typically an interval of a few weeks between injections one and two, and then a longer interval of a few months between injections two and three. The effects of Sculptra last for as long as two years.
The most common side effect is minor bruising from the injection more than the Sculptra compound itself. In rare cases, Sculptra causes small bumps to develop, but these are usually hard to see and only visible if the skin is pressed upon. Also, patients with known allergies to lactic acid, or any other ingredient in Sculptra should not accept treatment. Due to the nature of HIV and other serious medical conditions that cause lipoatrophy, correct aftercare is paramount.
Patients should follow doctor instructions to keep the area clean and guard against infection. While makeup can be worn shortly after the procedure, UV light exposure should be avoided as much as possible. It is also important that the patient do daily massages of the treated area to ensure equal dispersion. Your doctor will be able to show you the proper methods of massage to use. Any swelling in the first 24 hours after the injection should be treated with an ice pack
The cost of Sculptra treatments are between $500 to $1,000 for each treatment. Treatments that take multiple vials will cost more. Unfortunately, Sculptra is unlikely to be covered by health insurance. Yet, the uplifting benefits of Sculptra, for both skin and spirits, is well worth the cost for these patients with too many grave issues on their minds.
