Hello!
I am Dr. Bo-hwang Jeong, Director of Cleor Clinic Gangnam.
"I saw my mother's face while looking in the mirror..."
In fact, skin elasticity begins to change noticeably once you pass your mid-30s.
No matter how many premium creams you apply or supplements you take,
If you feel there is no 'fundamental change,' today's story will definitely be helpful.
Today, I will explain a procedure that stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen,
Sculptra, in a friendly and easy-to-understand way.
What exactly is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable treatment composed of
PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid).
It has been used in Europe for wrinkle improvement since 1999,
and is a proven procedure for over 20 years, having received
U.S. FDA approval in 2009 and Korean KFDA approval.
The easiest way to understand it is to think of it like this.
While standard fillers are like "directly filling a cushion,"
Sculptra is like "stimulating your body to create its own cushion stuffing"itself.
While conventional filler treatments intuitively implant volume,
Sculptra is a procedure where you gradually reach the desired volume over time.
Because your body produces collagen directly within the skin,
the most significant feature is that the results are much more natural and long-lasting.
Why does skin elasticity decrease as we age?
The reason elasticity decreases when aging begins
is precisely due to 'collagen'.
The number of collagen fibers in the dermal layer decreases and regeneration
does not occur smoothly, causing the skin to thin.
This leads to the formation of wrinkles and an overall loss of elasticity.
Collagen is like the 'framework' and 'spring' of the skin.
When these springs decrease, the skin sags, cheeks hollow out,
and nasolabial folds begin to deepen.
Sculptra is a treatment that helps your body
recreate these springs directly.
Effects and Advantages of Sculptra
① Natural Volume and Lifting
Sculptra is different from fillers that simply fill volume with foreign substances.
As a Collagen Booster that stimulates collagen production within the skin,
it makes the skin firm and voluminous
through the regeneration of your own natural collagen.
As facial volume is restored, you can expect lifting effects, improved elasticity,
and an overall vibrant, youthful appearance.
② Long-lasting Effects
Collagen synthesis begins 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure,
and the effects last for 1.5 to 2 years or more.
With a longer maintenance period compared to standard fillers, it can be a more economical choice in the long run.
③ No Risk of Vascular Side Effects
Unlike standard HA fillers, Sculptra particles are smaller than blood vessels,
so side effects such as skin necrosis or blindness fundamentally do not occur.
This is a major advantage in terms of safety.
④ Becoming More Natural Over Time
The results become more natural and subtle
as time passes compared to immediately after the procedure.
The subtle, pastel-like natural volume
unique to Sculptra is its main appeal.
This is why it is particularly suitable for those who want to look more beautiful without it being obvious.
⑤ Number of Sessions and Intervals
We recommend a total of 3 (up to 6) sessions, one vial at 4 to 6-week intervals,
and the maintenance period is approximately 2 years.
Afterward, we recommend an annual maintenance session.
Precautions to Know Before Starting
① It is normal for volume to appear immediately after the procedure and then disappearas part of the process.
It may look like volume is created immediately,
but this is a temporary phenomenon due to the volume of the injected liquid,
which disappears after about a week.
Subsequently, as collagen is gradually produced,
natural volume will slowly be created.
Knowing this in advance will prevent any confusion!
② Swelling and bruising are temporary
On average, 90% of swelling subsides within 3 to 4 days after the procedure,
and recovery typically occurs within a week at most.
It does not significantly interfere with daily life, and from the next day,
washing, showering, makeup, and light exercise are possible.
③ Please follow the 5-5-5 massage rule
There is a '5-5-5 rule' of massaging
5 times a day for 5 minutes each, for 5 days after the procedure.
This massage is crucial for preventing nodules and maximizing the effect.
④ Choosing experienced medical staff is key
If performed by inexperienced staff or not according to guidelines,
nodules (skin clumping) may occur,
but the risk is low if the doctor follows the procedure guidelines strictly.
⑤ Genuine product verification is essential
Checking the Sculptra genuine product certification card
is the first step toward a safe procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Which is better, Sculptra or standard fillers?
It depends on your goal. If you need immediate volume, fillers are suitable,
but if you want to restore skin elasticity naturally over a longer period,
Sculptra is the better choice. In many cases, both procedures are performed together.
Q2. When will I see the results?
Natural volume can be observed 6 weeks after the procedure.
It is difficult to see noticeable results with just one session,
and at least 3 sessions are required to maximize the effect.
Q3. What should I do if nodules form?
Most nodules disappear naturally over time.
As PLLA, the main ingredient of Sculptra, is gradually
absorbed and disappears from the body, it is important
not to attempt overly hasty treatments in the early stages.
If you experience any discomfort, please visit the clinic immediately.
Q4. Which areas can be treated?
It can be applied to areas with decreased elasticity and
insufficient volume, such as mouth wrinkles, chin, nasolabial folds, and cheeks.
We create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual face shape and skin condition.
Q5. Can I receive treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Treatment may be restricted for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding,
or have immune-related diseases. Please confirm through a prior consultation.
Sculptra is not just a procedure to fill volume.
It is a procedure that 'plants seeds' to help your body produce its own collagen.
The true charm of Sculptra is that it creates results that are more natural,
longer-lasting, and more like your own skin over time.
If your skin elasticity has decreased and your cheeks have started to hollow,
now might be the best time to start Sculptra.
Since thorough consultation and accurate diagnosis are paramount before any procedure,
at Cleor Clinic Gangnam, we meticulously analyze individual skin conditions
and face shapes to establish a customized treatment plan.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation at any time.
We will provide a personal consultation at Cleor Clinic Gangnam. 😊
※ This column is for general informational purposes, and results may vary by individual.
Please ensure that accurate diagnosis and the decision for treatment are made through a consultation with a specialist.