Hello.
I am Director Information Hwang of Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt that your nasolabial folds and sunken cheeks made your expression look heavy, but felt hesitant about fillers because they can look overly puffy, and searched for other methods because you wanted a more natural volume?
"I tried filling my nasolabial folds with filler, but the unnatural puffiness bothered me. I wish there was an option that settles in naturally over time."
Facial volume loss is not just simple fat reduction, but a multi-layered change that includes dermal collagen reduction, facial fat pad migration, and even bone resorption.
While fillers are weighted toward immediate filling as the ingredient itself provides volume, they are lines that disappear as they are absorbed over time, and the reason why the direction of creating volume with your own collagen without leaving ingredients behind has become established is also why.
This approach to stimulating autologous collagen is the effect of Sculptra.
Today, I will summarize the principles behind Sculptra, how it differs from fillers, and how nodule side effects are managed.
What is the Sculptra effect in Gangnam?
👉 The Sculptra effect refers to the action of a biostimulator procedure where PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) micro-particles from Galderma, USA, are injected into the dermal layer to stimulate fibroblasts and promote autologous collagen production.
Sculptra is a line classified as a collagen stimulator, not a filler.
It is a line approved by both the US FDA and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, with PLLA, which has been used as a medical suture for over 30 years, as its main ingredient, and it has a structural mechanism where 40-60 micrometer micro-particles induce a foreign-body giant cell reaction in the dermal layer.
Because it is a line where autologous collagen production begins as fibroblasts are stimulated during this reaction process, it is a category that proceeds in a direction where the newly created collagen creates volume, even though the procedure ingredient itself is excreted over time.
How Sculptra differs from fillers
👉 Sculptra is a procedure that works on a different principle than the immediate volume filling of fillers, with a flow where volume settles in with your own collagen over time.
Method of ingredient retention — Residual vs. Excretion
Fillers are lines where ingredients like hyaluronic acid or CaHA remain in the skin to form volume.
Sculptra has a structural mechanism where the main ingredient, PLLA, is excreted from the body within about 1 week after the procedure, and only the newly created autologous collagen remains in its place to establish volume.
Timing of effect manifestation — Immediate vs. Gradual
Fillers are immediate lines where volume is filled right after the procedure, while Sculptra is a line where collagen synthesis begins about 4-6 weeks after the procedure and settles in gradually over 2-3 months.
The volume that appears prominent immediately after the procedure is temporary swelling caused by the dilution water and lidocaine injected with Sculptra.
Naturalness — Volume vs. Autologous Collagen
Fillers are a method where the ingredient fills the volume, so they have a tendency to make the treated area look puffy, while Sculptra is a line where volume is created by your own collagen, so it is known for settling into natural results as time passes.
Maintenance period — 6 months to 1 year vs. 1.5 to 2 years+
General hyaluronic acid fillers are lines that last about 6 months to 1 year, while Sculptra is reported to last about 1.5 to 2 years or more.
Sculptra mechanism of action
👉 Sculptra is a procedure that proceeds in five stages: dermal PLLA injection, induction of foreign-body reaction, fibroblast stimulation, autologous collagen production, and natural PLLA excretion.
Dermal PLLA injection
PLLA micro-particles 40-60 micrometers in size are injected into the dermal layer in a state combined with mannitol and sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
It is a procedure performed in a uniform suspension state after accurately going through the hydration process and combining with lidocaine.
Induction of foreign-body reaction
The injected PLLA micro-particles induce a natural foreign-body giant cell reaction in the skin.
This reaction is known to be a structure where the stimulation response settles without excessive inflammation, as it is a natural defense mechanism where the human body recognizes and wraps around foreign substances.
Fibroblast stimulation
During the foreign-body reaction process, fibroblasts in the dermal layer are stimulated, activating the signal for autologous collagen production.
Collagen is a key protein that maintains skin volume and elasticity, so this stimulation is the core axis of Sculptra's action.
Autologous collagen production
Collagen synthesis begins gradually from about 4-6 weeks after the procedure and accumulates progressively over 2-3 months.
It is a line where volume settles in naturally as time passes.
Natural PLLA excretion
The injected PLLA is a line that is excreted from the body within about 1 week.
Although the ingredient itself disappears, the newly created collagen remains, and it is reported to last for about 1.5 to 2 years or more.
Sculptra effect manifestation and maintenance period
👉 The Sculptra effect is a cumulative care procedure that begins to settle in from 4-6 weeks after the procedure, not immediately, and lasts for about 1.5 to 2 years or more.
Immediately after the procedure
The volume may look prominent for a short while after the procedure, but this is temporary swelling caused by the dilution water and lidocaine injected with Sculptra.
It is a point in time when it subsides within a few days and returns to a state close to the pre-procedure appearance.
4-6 weeks after the procedure
From this point on, autologous collagen begins to synthesize gradually.
Although the perceived change varies from person to person, it is the initial point where volume begins to settle in little by little.
3 months after the procedure
Compared to before the procedure, it is the point where natural volume and lifting effects are clearly established.
It is reported to last for about 1.5 to 2 years thereafter, and it is an area with individual differences depending on personal metabolism, skin condition, and lifestyle management.
Sculptra lineup
👉 At the Gangnam Branch, Sculptra is operated in units of 1 vial (10cc), and the number of sessions and usage amount are determined according to the degree of your volume loss and the area.
Although there are cases where it is finished in one session, depending on the degree of volume loss, it is recommended to proceed cumulatively 2-3 times at 4-6 week intervals.
The session configuration suitable for your area and degree of loss will be examined together during the preliminary consultation.
Who is Sculptra suitable for?
Those whose expression looks heavy due to sunken nasolabial folds and cheeks
Those who want natural volume restoration in the temples or jawline
Those who want results that settle in naturally over time rather than immediate changes
Those who want to fill volume with their own collagen without the puffiness of fillers
Those who want a line that lasts for about 1.5 to 2 years or more
Sculptra effect side effects and things to know in advance
👉 Although the Sculptra effect is a line with verified safety, it is a procedure where nodule side effect management and area selection affect the results.
Immediately after the procedure, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain may accompany the treated area.
It is generally reported to last for about 3-17 days and then subside naturally.
A representative side effect of Sculptra is nodules.
Since nodules are a pattern that occurs when PLLA micro-particles clump together, the accuracy of the hydration process, selection of the treatment area, and post-procedure massage management are categories that have a significant impact on the possibility of occurrence.
Injecting distilled water too quickly during the hydration process or shaking it excessively can cause micro-particles to clump and become a cause of nodules, so it is a line where the process of uniform mixing via hand rolling or a roller mixer immediately before the procedure is important.
After the procedure, 5-5-5 massage is the key to nodule prevention.
It is known as a process of massaging the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days to induce even distribution of PLLA particles.
⚠️ The area around the glabella and eyes is an area where use is not recommended because there is a risk of serious side effects such as blindness if injected into blood vessels, so the selection of the treatment area is a very important line for safety.
Please let us know in advance as the procedure may be restricted in the following cases:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have a keloid constitution or a tendency for hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring
If you have a frequent history of herpes (possibility of recurrence)
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease
If there is an active infection or other procedure history in the treated area
⚠️ Precautions before and after Sculptra procedure
👉 For Sculptra, management by time point both before and after the procedure has a significant impact on nodule prevention and result stability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When does the Sculptra effect appear?
The volume that looks prominent for a few days after the procedure is temporary swelling caused by the dilution water and lidocaine injected together.
Changes due to actual collagen synthesis begin from about 4-6 weeks later and are reported to follow a flow of settling in gradually over 2-3 months.
Q. Which is better, filler or Sculptra?
Since the two lines are categories with different operating principles, it is an area where it is difficult to determine superiority.
If immediate change is needed, filler is suitable, and if you want results that settle in naturally with your own collagen over time, Sculptra is a suitable line.
The choice that fits your situation will be examined together during the preliminary consultation.
Q. How many times should I get Sculptra?
It is an area that differs depending on the area and the degree of volume loss.
Generally, after observing the response after one session, it is recommended to proceed cumulatively 2-3 times at 4-6 week intervals if necessary.
Q. How can I prevent Sculptra nodule side effects?
Receiving the procedure from experienced medical staff who have accurately gone through the hydration process and consistently taking care of the 5-5-5 massage (5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days) after the procedure are the keys to nodule prevention.
Area selection is also an important area, so dangerous areas like the glabella and around the eyes are lines where the procedure is not recommended.
Q. How long does the Sculptra maintenance period last?
It is generally reported to last for about 1.5 to 2 years or more.
Although the PLLA ingredient itself is excreted from the body within about 1 week, it is a structural mechanism where the autologous collagen created in the meantime maintains the volume, and it is an area with individual differences depending on personal metabolism and lifestyle management.
Q. How much pain is there with Sculptra?
Since applying anesthetic cream before the procedure and combining lidocaine during the procedure is common, strong pain during the procedure is low.
Tenderness may accompany for a few days after the procedure, and it is reported to follow a flow of subsiding naturally as time passes.
Q. Can I receive filler and Sculptra together?
It is a possible area.
There are cases where a combination of filling immediate volume with filler and performing long-term collagen recovery with Sculptra is carried out, and the combination method suitable for your condition and area will be examined together during the preliminary consultation.
Facial volume loss is not just simple fat reduction, but a multi-layered change that includes dermal collagen reduction, facial fat pad migration, and even bone resorption.
It is also the reason why a line that settles in naturally by stimulating your own collagen in a different way from fillers that fill with the ingredient itself has become established.
The Sculptra effect is a collagen stimulator procedure that begins to settle in gradually from 4-6 weeks after the procedure by stimulating autologous collagen production in the dermal layer with PLLA micro-particles from Galderma, USA.
Although the procedure ingredient itself is excreted from the body within about 1 week, it is a structural mechanism where the newly created autologous collagen maintains volume for about 1.5 to 2 years or more, so it is good to understand together that it is a line where natural results settle in as time passes.
At the Gangnam Branch, in addition to Sculptra, we operate various collagen booster lines and filler lines together.
The line suitable for your degree of volume loss and area will be checked directly during the consultation.
If you are concerned about nasolabial folds and sunken cheeks, please feel free to visit Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch.
Even before deciding on the procedure, we will provide detailed guidance on the care direction suitable for your skin condition through a preliminary consultation.
※ This content is for general information purposes only, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on the exact diagnosis and whether to proceed with the procedure through a consultation with a specialist.
▼ Cleor Sculptra ▼
https://gangnam.cleorclinic.com/ko/treatments/컨투어링/콜라겐%20부스터
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균일하게 혼합되는 과정이 중요한 라인이에요.
시술 후에는 5-5-5 마사지가 결절 예방의 핵심입니다.
5일간, 하루 5회, 5분간 시술 부위를 마사지해
PLLA 입자가 고르게 분포되도록 유도하는 과정으로 알려져 있어요.
⚠️ 미간과 눈 주변 부위는
혈관 주입 시 실명 등 심각한 부작용 위험이 있어
사용이 권해지지 않는 영역이라
시술 부위 선택이 안전성에 매우 중요한 라인입니다.
다음과 같은 경우에는 시술이 제한될 수 있어 미리 알려주세요.
임신 중이거나 수유 중인 경우
켈로이드 체질이거나 과색소침착·비후성반흔 경향이 있는 경우
헤르페스 이력이 잦은 경우 (재발 가능)
자가면역 질환을 진단받은 경우
시술 부위에 활동성 감염이나 다른 시술 이력이 있는 경우
⚠️ 스컬트라 시술 전후 주의사항
👉 스컬트라는 시술 전과 후 모두 시점별 관리가 결절 예방과 결과 안정에 큰 영향을 줍니다.
❓ 자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)
Q. 스컬트라 효과는 언제부터 보이나요?
시술 후 며칠간 도드라져 보이는 볼륨은
함께 주입된 희석수와 리도카인 때문에 생기는 일시적 붓기예요.
실제 콜라겐 합성에 의한 변화는 약 4~6주 후부터 시작되어
2~3개월에 걸쳐 서서히 자리 잡는 흐름으로 보고됩니다.
Q. 필러와 스컬트라 중에 어떤 게 더 좋나요?
두 라인은 작용 원리가 다른 카테고리라
우열을 가리기는 어려운 영역이에요.
즉각적인 변화가 필요한 경우에는 필러가 어울리고,
시간이 지나며 본인의 콜라겐으로
자연스럽게 자리 잡는 결과를 원하는 경우에는
스컬트라가 어울리는 라인입니다.
본인 상황에 맞는 선택은 사전 진료에서 함께 살펴봅니다.
Q. 스컬트라는 몇 번을 맞아야 하나요?
부위와 볼륨 소실 정도에 따라 다른 영역이에요.
일반적으로 한 회 시술 후 반응을 보고
필요 시 4~6주 간격으로 2~3회 누적 진행이 권해지는 편입니다.
Q. 스컬트라 결절 부작용은 어떻게 예방하나요?
수화 과정을 정확히 거친 숙련된 의료진에게
시술받는 것과 시술 후 5-5-5 마사지(5일간·하루 5회·5분간)를
꾸준히 챙기는 것이 결절 예방의 핵심이에요.
시술 부위 선택도 중요한 영역이라 미간과 눈 주변 같은 위험 부위는
시술이 권해지지 않는 라인입니다.
Q. 스컬트라 유지 기간은 얼마나 되나요?
일반적으로 약 1년 반에서 2년 이상 유지되는 편으로 보고돼요.
PLLA 성분 자체는 약 1주 이내에 체외 배출되지만
그 사이 생성된 자가 콜라겐이 볼륨을 유지하는 작용 구조이고,
개인 대사와 생활 관리에 따라 개인차가 있는 영역입니다.
Q. 스컬트라 통증은 어느 정도인가요?
시술 전 마취 크림 도포와 시술 중 리도카인 결합이 일반적이라
시술 중 강한 통증은 적은 편이에요.
시술 후 며칠간 압통이 동반될 수 있고
시간이 지나며 자연스럽게 가라앉는 흐름으로 보고됩니다.
Q. 필러와 스컬트라를 함께 받을 수 있나요?
가능한 영역이에요.
필러로 즉각적인 볼륨을 채우고
스컬트라로 장기 콜라겐 회복을 병행하는 조합이
진행되는 경우가 있고, 본인 상태와 부위에 어울리는 결합 방식은
사전 진료에서 함께 살펴봅니다.
얼굴 볼륨 소실은 단순한 지방 감소가 아니라
진피 콜라겐 감소, 안면 지방 패드 이동,
골 흡수까지 함께 진행되는 다층 변화입니다.
성분 자체로 채우는 필러와 다른 방식으로 본인의 콜라겐을 자극해
자연스럽게 자리 잡는 라인이 자리 잡은 이유이기도 해요.
스컬트라 효과는 미국 갤더마사 PLLA 미세 입자가
진피층에서 자가 콜라겐 생성을 자극해 시술 후 4~6주부터
서서히 자리 잡는 콜라겐 촉진제 시술이에요.
시술 성분 자체는 약 1주 이내에 체외 배출되지만
새로 생성된 자가 콜라겐이 약 1년 반에서 2년 이상
볼륨을 유지하는 작용 구조라
시간이 지날수록 자연스러운 결과가 자리 잡는 라인이라는 점은
함께 이해하시는 게 좋습니다.
강남점에서는 스컬트라 외에도
다양한 콜라겐 부스터 라인과 필러 라인을 함께 운영하고 있어요.
본인 볼륨 소실 정도와 부위에 어울리는 라인은 상담 시 직접 확인해 드립니다.
팔자와 볼 꺼짐이 신경 쓰인다면
클레오르의원 강남점으로 부담 없이 방문해 주세요.
시술 결정 전이라도 사전 진료를 통해
본인 피부 상태와 어울리는 케어 방향을 자세히 안내해 드리겠습니다.
※ 본 내용은 일반적인 정보 제공을 위한 글이며, 개인에 따라 결과는 달라질 수 있습니다.
정확한 진단과 시술 여부는 전문의 상담을 통해 결정하시기 바랍니다.
▼ 클레오르 스컬트라 ▼
https://gangnam.cleorclinic.com/ko/treatments/컨투어링/콜라겐%20부스터
▼ 함께 보면 좋은 칼럼 ▼
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