…created to promote “Healthy” options for beautiful skin.
SCULPTRA - The amazing breakthrough injectable treatment for facial lipoatrophy.
Used to restore and correct the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus – Sculptra is today’s answer to effectively correcting those sunken facial areas and restoring a more youthful, healthy looking contour to the face.
BENEFITS OF SCULPTRA TREATMENTS:
- Sculptra is a non-surgical injectable treatment
- Sculptra is a safe, effective, well-tolerated, long lasting treatment
- Sculptra improves the appearance of facial fat loss
- Sculptra helps to increase skin thickness in treated areas
- Scupltra is biocompatible – and biodegradable
- Sculptra is clinically proven and FDA approved
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QUESTIONS OUR PATIENTS ASK ABOUT SCULPTRA TREATMENTS:
Is Sculptra right for me? Sculptra is the treatment of choice for most patients with HIV condition (human immunodeficiency virus). If you suffer with this condition and its’ side effects and meet these requirements – you may be benefit from Sculptra treatments:
- You have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus
- You are experiencing facial fat loss (lipoatrophy)
- You have sunken cheeks – indentations and/or hollow eyes
- You are not allergic to any ingredient used in Sculptra
- You are in otherwise good health and emotionally stable
What is Sculptra? Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material known as “poly-L-lactic" acid. It is biocompatible and biodegradable so it does not harm the body and can be broken down by the body. Sculptra has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants and other types of implants.
How does Sculptra work? After being injected below the skins’ surface in the area of the fat loss, Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. This does not correct the cause of the fat loss – but it improves the appearance by reducing those sunken areas through increased skin thickness.
Are the results from Sculptra treatment immediate? No – the visible results appear gradually as Sculptra corrects the skin depressions. Swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra cause the appearance of immediate correction – but are not. The water is absorbed by your body and the swelling goes away. The real results are seen gradually over a few weeks time.
How many treatments are required? You and the doctor will determine that during your consultation - based upon your needs and personal goals. The number of treatments and the amount of Sculptra given during each treatment varies with each patient.
How long do the treatments last? This also differs with each person, but in clinical studies – results have lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
Do the Sculptra injections hurt? Yes – any injection hurts at least a little. The Sculptra injections are given using a very fine needle and injecting very small amounts, so discomfort is minimized. A topical or local anesthetic can also be applied.
What takes place during the consultation? This time spent with the doctor is very important! Your physical and emotional health will be assessed – your concerns evaluated and your goals and treatment plan will be customized. Please bring the following with you to the consultation:
- Medical records – especially including any previous surgical procedures
- Past and present medical conditions information
- List of all medications you are taking – including vitamins and herbals
- History of experience with weight loss/gain and its affect on your body
- Record of you family medical history
- List of current and previous problems related to your condition
What to expect during the physical exam portion of your consultation:
- The areas of lipoatrophy will be assessed
- You skin quality will be determined
- Photographs may be taken for you medical records
- Your procedure will be discussed in detail and customized to meet your goals
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PREPARATION FOR YOUR SCULPTRA INJECTION TREATMENTS:
- You should not wear make-up to your treatment session
- You should not have a cold or sunburn the day of your treatment
- You must adhere to instructions before and after treatments
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SCULPTRA (Lipoatrophy) INJECTION TREATMENT OVERVIEW:
We will give you an overview during your consultation appointment and prepare you for your treatment. The following is what is involved:
- Treatment areas will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution
- Anesthetic will be administered – as decided by you and the doctor
- Sculptra will be injected in small amounts into the skin
- An ice pack may be applied to treatments areas to reduce swelling
- Massage is used to distribute the solution evenly
What to expect after the treatment:
- Redness, swelling, pain and bruising in the treatments areas
- These discomforts gradually decrease daily until gone – in a few days
- You should massage each treated area a few times each day for several days
- Ice packs should be applied within 24 hours of treatment – to reduce swelling
- Avoid excessive sun and UV lamp exposure – until swelling /redness is gone
- Report any worsening or symptoms that “hang on” for a long time
What about returning to normal? Many patients return work and normal activities right after a Sculptra treatment. You may feel comfortable doing the same. You will be able to apply make-up a few hours after your treatment if there are no complications present (open wounds or bleeding).
What are the possible side effects of Sculptra treatment? As with any treatment side effects are a possibility. With Sculptra you may experience injection – related side effects such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising and swelling at the sites treated. These are “temporary” side effects and generally fade over 3 – 17 days. The one possible “delayed” side effect involves small bumps under the skin in treated areas. They may or may not be visible – but are noticeable when pressing those areas and tend to occur during the 6-12 months following treatments. There may be some redness or color change to the skin in those areas – occasionally – these symptoms go away on their own. Risk of infection is possible with any procedure.
Sculptra is a proven treatment and when perfomed by a competent surgeon the risks and side effects can be minimized. We will be glad to discuss this cutting edge treatment with you and help you decide if this is right for you.
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