Gradual collagen stimulation for firmer skin and natural looking volume
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that works by stimulating your skin's own collagen production. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which add volume straight away, Sculptra works gradually to improve skin firmness, structure and volume over time. The aim is a natural looking result that develops slowly rather than an obvious overnight change.
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which encourages your body to produce more of its own collagen. After treatment, the initial swelling settles and collagen gradually builds in the treated areas over the following weeks and months.
At TE Clinic South London (Traitements Esthetiques), we provide Sculptra at our Crystal Palace clinic. We welcome clients from all over South London and beyond, including Dulwich, Bromley, Croydon, Norwood, Chislehurst, Beckenham and surrounding areas.
Benefits- Stimulates your skin's own collagen for gradual improvement in firmness, structure and volume.
- Natural looking results that develop slowly rather than an obvious overnight change.
- Results can last for around two years, although this varies between individuals.
- Downtime is usually relatively minimal.
- Improves facial volume and skin quality without the immediate filled look of traditional dermal fillers.
Ideal candidates
Sculptra may be suitable if you are looking for gradual, natural looking improvement in facial volume, firmness and skin quality rather than an immediate filler effect. It isn't suitable for everyone, so we carry out a full consultation, medical history and facial assessment before recommending treatment. Your consultation is an opportunity for us to understand what is bothering you and what you would realistically like to achieve. We will assess your face and skin, discuss your medical history and explain whether Sculptra or another treatment is the most appropriate option for you. There is never a one size fits all treatment plan.
What should I expect after Sculptra?
Days 1 to 2
It is normal to have some swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising after treatment. The area may also look slightly fuller at first, but much of this is from the water used during treatment and will gradually settle.
Start your 5 5 5 massage routine, massaging the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. You can also use a cool compress if you have swelling.
Try to avoid makeup for the first 24 hours and strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat for around 24 to 48 hours.
Days 3 to 5
Any swelling or bruising should gradually start to improve. Continue with your 5 5 5 massage routine until you have completed the full 5 days.
You can usually return to your normal gentle skincare and makeup routine once the first 24 hours have passed and the skin feels comfortable.
Day 6 onwards
You can stop the regular 5 5 5 massage unless we have advised you otherwise.
The initial fullness may have reduced by this point, which is completely normal. Sculptra works gradually by encouraging your body to produce new collagen, so your true results will develop over the following weeks and months.
Continue to look after your skin and wear SPF daily.
Sculptra is planned at consultation. In-clinic consultation £10 (redeemable against treatment). Exact treatment plan and pricing confirmed at consultation.
view pricing & book nowThe Treatment Process- Consultation and facial assessment, including your medical history, so we can confirm whether Sculptra is suitable.
- We agree a treatment plan specifically for you. Most patients need at least two vials of Sculptra, usually given over two treatment sessions around one month apart.
- Injections. You may feel some pressure, pinching or mild discomfort. We take steps to make the treatment as comfortable as possible and will talk you through everything beforehand.
- Aftercare including the 5 5 5 massage routine, unless your practitioner gives you different instructions. We will show you how to massage the area correctly after your appointment.
Aftercare- Massage the treated areas for around 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days (the 5 5 5 rule), unless your practitioner gives you different instructions.
- Avoid makeup over the treated areas for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat for around 24 to 48 hours.
- For the first night, try to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated if possible.
- Continue to look after your skin and wear SPF daily.
Ready to begin?
Book a Sculptra consultation at TE Clinic South London (Traitements Esthetiques) in Crystal Palace, convenient for Dulwich, Bromley, Croydon, Norwood, Chislehurst and Beckenham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that works by stimulating your skin's own collagen production. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which add volume straight away, Sculptra works gradually to improve skin firmness, structure and volume over time. The aim is a natural looking result that develops slowly rather than an obvious overnight change.
How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which encourages your body to produce more of its own collagen. After treatment, the initial swelling settles and collagen gradually builds in the treated areas over the following weeks and months.
When will I see results?
Sculptra isn't an instant treatment. You may notice some temporary fullness immediately afterwards because of the water used during treatment and some swelling. This usually settles within a few days. Your true results then develop gradually as new collagen is produced, usually becoming more noticeable over the following weeks and months.
How many Sculptra treatments will I need?
This varies from person to person and depends on your age, skin quality, the areas being treated and the result you would like to achieve. Many people benefit from a course of treatments rather than a single session. We will discuss this with you during your consultation and create a treatment plan specifically for you.
How many vials of Sculptra are needed?
Most patients will need at least two vials of Sculptra, usually given over two treatment sessions around one month apart. The exact amount can vary depending on the areas being treated, your individual needs and the results you would like to achieve.
How long do Sculptra results last?
Results can last for around two years, although this varies between individuals. Because Sculptra stimulates your own collagen rather than simply adding temporary volume, the changes tend to develop gradually and fade gradually too.
Is Sculptra the same as dermal filler?
No. Dermal fillers are generally used to add or restore volume and can give an immediate visible result. Sculptra is a collagen stimulating treatment, so the improvement develops gradually. Which treatment is more suitable depends on your facial structure, skin and what you would like to achieve.
Is Sculptra better than Profhilo?
They are designed to do different things. Profhilo is mainly used to improve skin hydration and skin quality, while Sculptra stimulates collagen and can help improve firmness, structure and gradual volume loss. One isn't necessarily better than the other. The right treatment depends on your individual concerns.
What areas can Sculptra treat?
Sculptra is commonly used to address areas of facial volume loss and improve overall facial structure and skin firmness. Not every area of the face is suitable for Sculptra, which is why a consultation and facial assessment are important before treatment.
Does Sculptra hurt?
Most people tolerate the treatment well. You may feel some pressure, pinching or mild discomfort during the injections. We take steps to make the treatment as comfortable as possible and will talk you through everything beforehand.
What should I expect after Sculptra?
Some swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising around the injection sites is normal and usually settles over the following days. The initial fullness immediately after treatment will also reduce. This does not mean your treatment has disappeared. The collagen stimulating effect happens gradually afterwards.
Do I need to massage after Sculptra?
Yes. Aftercare traditionally includes the 5 5 5 rule: massage the treated areas for around 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days, unless your practitioner gives you different instructions. We will show you how to massage the area correctly after your appointment.
Can I wear makeup after Sculptra?
We generally recommend avoiding makeup over the treated areas for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. After this, you can usually return to your normal gentle skincare and makeup routine if the skin has settled.
Can I exercise after Sculptra?
It is best to avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat immediately after treatment. We generally recommend allowing around 24 to 48 hours for the initial swelling and redness to settle.
Can I sleep on my side after Sculptra?
For the first night, try to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated if possible. This can help minimise swelling and avoid unnecessary pressure on the freshly treated areas.
What are the possible side effects?
Common temporary effects include swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising and small bumps around the injection sites. Less commonly, delayed lumps or nodules can occur. We will discuss the potential risks and complications with you fully before treatment so that you can make an informed decision.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is usually relatively minimal. Some people return to their usual activities straight away, while others prefer to allow a few days for swelling or bruising to settle.
Who is Sculptra suitable for?
Sculptra may be suitable if you are looking for gradual, natural looking improvement in facial volume, firmness and skin quality rather than an immediate filler effect. It isn't suitable for everyone, so we carry out a full consultation, medical history and facial assessment before recommending treatment.
What happens at my consultation?
Your consultation is an opportunity for us to understand what is bothering you and what you would realistically like to achieve. We will assess your face and skin, discuss your medical history and explain whether Sculptra or another treatment is the most appropriate option for you. There is never a one size fits all treatment plan.
Aida is Save Face accredited (No. XXXXXXX), registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and an ACE Group member with specialist training in complication management.