Collagen stimulators

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable that replaces lost collagen over time. The injection contains a synthetic poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stimulator that addresses the underlying structure of the skin to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The treatment is quick, effective and does not require any downtime like other procedures that yield comparable results. We can provide Sculptra treatment on multiple areas of the face during one session, including the temples, under eyes, jowls, marionette lines, nasolabial folds and cheeks.

Radiesse was approved by the FDA as a facial filler at the end of 2006 and has been used as a volumizing filler since.  Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous polysaccharide gel carrier. In recent years, the use of Radiesse in a hyperdiluted form has increased.  In this form, it is a biostimulatory agent, rather than a volumizing filler, and it improves skin quality, texture, tone and firmness.  It can be used in the following areas: mid and lower face, neck lines, décolletage, buttocks with cellulitic dimples (in patients with moderate to severe cellulite), and above knees to address the knee lines from lax skin with aging.

The Sculptra injection goes into the dermis where it activates collagen production, repairing your skin’s structure and lost volume. Collagen is a protein that contributes to your skin’s volume and structure. Age and repeated exposure to the sun causes collagen to break down. This is a major factor in the formation of wrinkles and folds. Sculptra restores that collagen, therefore giving your skin a more youthful looking fullness and firmness. Some patients get the rejuvenating results they want with only one Sculptra treatment, although most skin issues respond best to two to three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart.

Hyperdiluted Radiesse is simply Radiesse that has been diluted or "thinned out", with a mixture of sterile saline solution and lidocaine.  This makes it an easily spreadable biostimulator capable of remodeling skin over a larger area. When this diluted mixture is injected into areas of collagen loss, it triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The result is a skin rejuvenating treatment with pronounced and visible smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin. The benefits of this treatment are skin tightening and thickening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. 

The poly-L-lactic acid injection, Sculptra's active ingredient, is biodegradable and is easily broken down and absorbed in the body. Side effects, such as redness, bruising, tenderness and injection site pain are mild and temporary.

The most common side effects seen in clinical studies of Radiesse include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, and other local side effects.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• 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

THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

• You may use topical anesthetic medication in office before your scheduled appointment (please arrive 30 minutes prior to procedure)
• Arrive with a clean face. Please 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

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Massage the areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days after treament
• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment
• You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
• After treatment there will be moderate swelling and redness with possibility of bruising. These symptoms will resolve in about 7 days. You may apply or take Arnica tablets to help decrease the amount of bruising
• Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Apply SPF.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
• Avoid laser, IPL, or skin tightening treatments of the area for at least 2-3 weeks
• You may continue your topical products as mentioned above 1 week after injection
• For optimal results and to restore collagen loss, we recommend the PCA Skin products or the Skin Ceuticals products.

Sculptra results are gradual, with maximum results appearing two years after treatment. After two years, the new collagen layer may last an additional two years. Results vary.

Preliminary research shows that results with hyperdiluted Radiesse may last up to two years and are gradual over time.  However, hyperdilute Radiesse treatment should be repeated every 12 to 18 months for maintenance.

Sculptra and hyperdilute Radiesse creates long-lasting, natural looking results for men and women. If you want a more youthful and natural-looking result, Sculptra may be the right option for you. This treatment is also ideal for men and women who are dealing with facial hallowing and volume loss that are typically associated with aging. However, the results are gradual and NOT immediate.

Treatments are highly customized to your current skin condition and desired goals. The number of sessions and the number of injections per appointment varies, depending on how much collagen has been lost. Typically, you’ll need three sessions over a period of a few months.

If you are in poor general health, allergic to lidocaine, allergic to collagen stimulators  and their ingredients or have a bleeding or clotting disorder, you may not be a good candidate for collagen stimulators.

These treatments can be used alone but when addressing areas with harder to treat concerns, such as the neck or chest, it is best to treat in combination with other tightening and resurfacing procedures, such as laser resurfacing, microneedling and smooth and lifting threads, because they work together to improve dermal collagen.