Product Summary
Sculptra® (previously branded as New-Fill®) was launched in the U.K. in the year 2000.
The manufacturer claims that the product can help cause new collagen growth rather than just mechanically filling depressions. The product itself is not permanent but the effects can be long lasting.
Sculptra® is therefore a tissue stimulator and is used more as a sculpting and volumising agent rather than just a wrinkle filler. Larger areas can be treated with a longer lasting result.
Generic name
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
How is it made?
Synthetic polymer manufactured from lactic acid
Is a skin test required before treatment?
No.
Is it temporary or permanent?
Poly-L-lactic acid is completely broken down within the skin over a period of months, however the results (new collagen growth) can last for up to 2 years (according to published data).
Licenced status
Medical device.
U.S. FDA Approval in 2004 for treating HIV associated lipoatrophy and further approval in July 2009 for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial folds, contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles which are treated with the appropriate injection technique in healthy patients.
Should be used by
Trained members of the medical profession only.
Product uses
Sculptra® can be used in deep depressions of the face and as a sculpting agent for any area of the face.
It is suitable for:
- Deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Folds around the corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
- Sunken cheeks (cheek augmentation)
- Wrinkling in the cheeks or chin
Not to be used in
According to the distributor there are no known product related contra-indications to its use.
Duration of effect
This depends upon the degree of correction required, your age and lifestyle as well as the correct placement of the product by a practitioner. Generally two or three sessions are required, depending on your individual presentation, with noticeable effects after a few months.
Clinical trials indicate that Sculptra® is effective for up to two years and in some cases longer.
Reported side effects
The most common side effects include bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising or swelling at the site of injection. These side effects generally resolve in 2-6 days.
Few reported side effects include nodule formation (small bumps) after injection. This is caused by too much product being injected too superficially in the skin. These small bumps may not be visible, and you may notice them only when you press in the treated skin. These bumps tend to happen within the first 6 to 12 months after the first treatment. Typically resolution is spontaneous, over a period of months. Nodules can be treated if required.
Localised reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature have never been reported.
Costs
Again, this depends on the area treated and how much is required, as well as the practitioner doing the treatment, but ranges are in the region of £400 - £750 for a vial of Sculptra ®. Two vials may be needed for each of the 2 - 3 treatments which may be required.
Clinical results
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Images provided courtesy of Sanofi Aventis.
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Before Sculptra™ Treatment |
Improvement in nose to mouth and mouth to jawline areas after treatment with Sculptra ™ |
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Before Sculptra™ Treatment |
Improvement in corner of the mouth lines and facial volume after treatment with Sculptra™ |
Images provided courtesy of MediZen Ltd.
All before and after photographs are real patients, your results may differ.
Clinical Papers
Laglenne S. Le New Fill. Objectif Peau 2000;8:58-59
Lafaurie M, Dolivo J, Boulu D, Madelaine I, Molina JM. Treatment of HIV-Associated Lipoatrophy of the Face with Intradermal Injections of Polylactic Acid. 9th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Seattle, February 24-28, 2002;abstract 704-T.
Berger DS. New facial filling treatment for lipodystrophy. Positively Aware 2001; September/October:17-20.
Amard P, St Marc T, Katz P. The effects of polylactic acid (PLA, NewFill) as therapy for lipoatrophy of the face. 2nd International Workshop on Lipodystrophy and Adverse events, Toronto, September 13-15, 2000; abstract 94.
Jeanrot R, Lagadic M, Gouchet F. BIO-PLA Implant injectable destine au comblement des rides faciales. Etude TC 971110
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