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 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.

• 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.

• 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.