Sculptra®

The following are contraindications with your Sculptra appointment. Please call the office if any apply, we will need to clear it with the provider or reschedule your appointment.

• Any vaccinations/boosters in the last 2 weeks

• Breastfeeding or pregnant

• Keloid scarring

• Taking antibiotics for an active infection

• Taking blood thinners or steroids

• Chemo/radiation in the last 12 months

• Allergies to lidocaine

• Dental work within 2 weeks of injections
  

SCULPTRA PRE-CARE

You will be completing a treatment using a Collagen/Bio Stimulating product called Sculptra. Your cosmetic practitioner has advised you of appropriate aftercare instructions to follow. A written outline of those instructions is available here for your convenience.

Please note that Sculptra is a powder that must be reconstituted and suspended in sterile water before injecting it into the skin. Therefore, it is important to remember that immediately after your treatment; you will feel full in the areas treated which is a direct effect of the water injected into those areas. This fullness will completely disappear over several hours once the treatment is completed and the areas treated will then look exactly the same as they did prior to having the treatment. Collagen stimulation will naturally start to occur approximately 8-12 weeks after the treatment and will reach a peak within the first 6 months. Please do not equate the lack of immediate result with a treatment failure – the results are delayed and will be slowly increasing over time. Initial treatments will require 2-3 sessions of Sculptra injections.

Instructions:

• Avoid the use of Aspirin, NSAIDS, Ginko Biloba, Garlic Supplements, Green Tea, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamins A, and E, and essential fatty acids for up to 1-week pre and post-injection as they will increase your risk of bruising.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.

• You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising.

• Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (examples- tretinoin/Retin-A, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone).

• Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.

• Do not use the above stated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.

Day of Treatment:

• For facial treatment, please arrive with a clean face and do not wear makeup.

• You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or stinging during and following injection.

• Redness and swelling are normal. Some bruising may also be visible.
  

SCULPTRA POST-CARE

Massage the areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treatment.

• Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every hour for the first 24-48 hours, as needed.

• After treatment, there will be moderate swelling and redness with the possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may apply topical Arnica cream/gel, as needed.

• Avoid makeup to treatment area for 48 hours.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately.

• Avoid tanning beds, saunas, or hot tubs for at least 1 week.

• Massage is essential in prevention of nodules/bumps in treatment area and ensuring optimal even collagen stimulation. You must massage 5x a day, for 5 minutes each, for 5 days.

• You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort.

• Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Apply SPF.

• Avoid submerging in a pool, jacuzzi, or the ocean for 24-48 hours after treatment.

• Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks.

• You may continue your routine topical products 1 week after injection.

• Your next treatment should be scheduled for 5 weeks.
  

Please contact the office if you have any concerns or questions.