Sculptra® makes you look years younger without surgery or down time

Q. There are so many dermal fillers on the market. What is Sculptra® and what makes it different from the others?

A. Sculptra is the only dermal filler in the United States approved for the restoration of facial fat loss or lipoatrophy most commonly seen in people with human immunodeficiency virus. Lipoatrophy is the loss of fat beneath the skin that results in sunken in cheeks, eyes and a hollow, gaunt look. Sculptra is a safe, biocompatible material that is injected into the skin where the fat loss occurs. The filler provides a gradual and natural increase in the thickness of the skin resulting in a full and healthy appearance. Sculptra® is also used in those who do not have HIV and have lost facial fat through aging.

Q. I want to receive Sculptra injections to reverse the hollow, sunken in parts of my face. Are the results immediate? How many treatments will I need and how long do they last?

A. Immediately after receiving Sculptra injections, you may appear swollen due to the injections. A few days later, the swelling subsides as your body absorbs the water. Sculptra takes time to fully develop and correct the hollows in your face. Dr. Raval will determine how many treatments you need; patients with severe facial fat loss will require between 3 and 6 treatments to have satisfactory results. Results last different lengths of time for each person, but in clinical studies they lasted up to 2 years. However, touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired results.

Q. I am terrified of needles and worry about the Sculptra treatment. What can I expect during the procedure?

A. Prior to the treatment, all makeup and facial products should be removed to create a clean, smooth surface. The area of the injections will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic and Dr. Raval will determine whether a topical or local anesthetic is required. Sculptra is then injected in small amounts into the skin through an extremely fine needle. Following the procedure, an ice pack should be applied to the area to reduce swelling and the area of the injection will then be massaged to distribute the product evenly.

Q. What can I expect to happen after treatment? Will I be able to return to my daily activities immediately?

A. Immediately following treatment, there may be some swelling, bruising, pain, redness or all of the above. These after-effects will usually subside in a few hours or, at most, a few days. Dr. Raval recommends that you massage the area for several days following treatment as well as apply an ice pack. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight until any redness has been resolved.
The after-effects differ from patient to patient but most patients feel well enough to return to their daily activities immediately afterwards.

Q. I have a bump in my nose that makes me extremely self-conscious of anything that highlights my facial profile. The idea of someone going at my nose with a chisel is unappealing. I guess I am too squeamish to undergo traditional rhinoplasty. Are there any other less invasive options for me?

A. Yes, there are options for correcting your nose vs. rhinoplasty. Referred to as the “15-minute nose job” using the dermal filler, Juvéderm™, Dr. Raval is able to smooth out any imperfections without surgery. Most commonly used to fill facial wrinkles, Juvéderm™ has now been approved to correct nose imperfections.

Q. I have heard Juvéderm™ can be injected into certain places of the nose to disguise odd shapes and bumps. Would the filler move around in my nose over time and the shape become distorted? How exactly does this procedure work?

A. During the procedure, Dr. Raval carefully injects Juvéderm™ into certain areas of the nose to give it a symmetrical shape. The filler is used to fill in depressions and give the nose a smoother, even appearance. To correct a bump on the nose, Juvéderm is injected on either side of the bump to even out the surface. If the tip of the nose is annoyingly fat, filler is added to the tip to create a narrower look. Once the filler is injected into the nose, Dr. Raval manipulates it until the desired result is attained.

Q. I am allergic to collagen. Will I experience an adverse reaction from Juvéderm?

A. Collagen is made from a bovine derivative while Juvéderm is made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally occurring in the human body. It helps to add volume and hydration to the human system. Unlike collagen, there is no chance of an allergic reaction to Juvéderm.

Q.How much of a price difference is there between Juvéderm and traditional rhinoplasty? How long does it last?

A. Juvéderm injections are much cheaper than a traditional rhinoplasty. Injections cost about $500 for one syringe, several thousands of dollars cheaper than rhinoplasty. The procedure is extremely quick and easy, lasting only 15 minutes at the longest and results are immediate. Following the procedure, the nose will be slightly sore and red at the injection site but all the side effects will be gone within a week. The results of the procedure last over a year and when the effects begin to dissipate, they can be easily redone.

Q. Lately I have noticed that the lines around my mouth are deepening. My friend told me that they’re called marionette lines. It’s making me feel old, worn and extremely self-conscious. I have heard about Restylane®. Is this something that would give me a “lift”?
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Q. Growing up in Colorado, I have spent years in the sun. As a teenager, I never wore sunscreen and now as an adult I am paying for it. My skin is starting to show fine lines and I even have sun spots. Is there a way to see how much skin damage I have endured?
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