Sculptra
Pre/Post Treatment Instructions

Before Your Treatment

• • Avoid sun exposure prior to treatment. Sunburned skin cannot be treated.
  • If you have had a recent sinus infection or drainage, it must be completely cleared up.
  • Avoid any dental work for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after cosmetic injections
  • Let us know of any changes in your medical history and of all medications you are taking, including a history of cold sores.
  • Do NOT take aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, garlic pills, or other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 3 days to 1 week if okay with your primary care physician. These medications can increase the risk of bruising. For mild pain or headaches Tylenol is preferred
  • DO consider taking over the counter Arnica supplements (available at Whole Foods, Central Marker, etc) starting 3-5 days before your treatment as they have been shown to decrease bruising.
  • The ideal time to schedule this procedure is at LEAST 2 weeks before a big event or vacation.

During and Immediately After Your Treatment

• • Local numbing medication (a topical cream) may be used to maximize your comfort during the procedure.
  • You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or stinging sensation during and following injection.
  • To ensure a smooth and even correction, your injector will massage the area treated, which may cause a temporary, minimal amount of redness to your skin.
  • Temporary, minimal to moderate swelling may be expected.
  • It may be normal to feel firmness in the treated area/s for the first few days after treatment. This may depend upon the area/s treated and product/s used. Over time, the area/s will soften and settle, leaving you with a soft, natural looking result.

After Your Treatment

• • Apply cool compresses to the treated areas (avoiding pressure) to reduce swelling and the potential for bruising approximately 3-5 minutes every 2-3 hours that day.
  • Treated areas may be red, swollen, and bruised for the first 2-7 days.
  • Make-up may be applied once the areas have been adequately cooled and any pinpoint bleeding from the injection sites has subsided.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise or activity for the remainder of the treatment day. You may resume other normal activities immediately.
  • Tylenol may be taken for mild tenderness or discomfort. Avoid aspirin or aspirin containing products, which may
    increase your potential to bruise.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours to avoid bruising or swelling.
  • If bruising occurs, continue Arnica supplements, DO apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster.
  • Avoid extended sun exposure until any redness or swelling has subsided. Apply SPF 30 or higher to the treated areas.
  • Wait a minimum of 4 weeks before receiving any skincare or laser treatments.
  • A few days after treatment, you will look as you did before treatment, this is normal, over time, Sculptra wireplace lost collagen.

With Sculptra, it is IMPERITIVE that you do daily at home massage:

The treated areas will need to be massaged daily to help the Sculptra distribute evenly and assure best possible outcome.
The injected areas should be gently massaged using your at home moisturizer or cleanser for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for
5 days.

• Follow up treatments should be scheduled 4-6 weeks.
• Visible results may not be seen until 2-3 sessions have been completed.
• Results can last more than two years.

Guidelines For Your Treatment

• • What do I need to do following my procedure?
    Follow the rule of 5’s:
    – Massage the treated area for five minutes, five times a day for five days.
    – This routine will help to ensure that you have a smooth, contoured result.
    Ice the treated area for the first 24 hours following treatment.
  • Is there anything I need to avoid after my treatment?
    – Avoid blood-thinning products (aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E
    supplements, St. John’s Wort) for seven days after treatment.
    – Avoid extended sun exposure until area is no longer swollen or red. SPF 30 should be applied
    prior to
  • What are the side effects of Sculptra® Aesthetic?
    – You will likely experience bruising, swelling and/or redness in the treatment area. This should
    resolve within 7 days.
    – A depression in your skin (as you may have noticed prior to treatment) may reappear after the initial swelling resolves. Over the next few weeks, however, you will start to see this resolve as Sculptra® Aesthetic begins to take effect.
    – Treatment with Sculptra may result in papules in the treatment area. These are asymptomatic lumps that you will feel only when pressing on the treated skin. Generally they are not visible. If they are, it is important to come in for a follow-up appointment.
    – Massaging the area (as described above) will help minimize this side effect.
  • How many treatments will I need?
    – This can vary from patient to patient. You will likely need at least three treatments for full
    volume correction.
    – We will want to see you back in four weeks. At that time we will assess your need for future
    treatment sessions.
    – Up to two years. Keep in mind that everyone is different and will metabolize the filler at a rate
    unique to their body.