If we don’t want to look “done”, just naturally refreshed and maybe a few years younger, what options are there? Is it possible to treat saggy skin in a way that provides a naturally smoother and firmer skin? Yes, it is! Learn about Sculptra® collagen treatments.
Getting older isn’t a problem, but saggy skin might be…
As we reach our 40s, 50s and beyond, we might notice in the mirror that we don’t really look like we used to. We might see saggy skin and there might also be a loss of volume and definition.
Many people don’t mind growing older and getting a few wrinkles here and there. But few of us wish for saggy skin, undefined facial features or sunken cheeks. And then, maybe, comes the question: what can I do about it?
Just firmer skin, not desperately trying to look younger
With maturity comes life experience and inner strength. Many of us don’t want to be perceived as if we’re trying too hard to look younger and aren’t embracing our age. However, we want to look naturally refreshed, with firmer skin and to see the face in the mirror that we saw some years ago.
Loss of collagen is a major culprit
One of the main reasons for saggy skin is the loss of collagen. Collagen is an important protein in the skin that gives the skin structure and firmness. As the skin ages, we lose collagen, which leads to saggy skin.1,2
By stimulating collagen production in the skin we can restore skin firmness without altering our facial features.3-7
A collagen treatment to stimulate the skin’s collagen production
A collagen treatment that can help stimulate the collagen production in the skin is Sculptra®.
Sculptra® is an injectable treatment but no collagen is injected. Instead Sculptra activates the skin’s own ability to produce new collagen. Ultimately, Sculptra® helps restore the skin’s structure and its natural firmness.3-7
How does Sculptra® work?
Sculptra® consists of micro particles of a substance called PLLA, Poly-L-Lactic-Acid. A kind of lactic acid, in other words. When the micro particles are injected into the skin, they gradually stimulate the skin’s natural production of collagen, thereby renewing its natural firmness.3-7
PLLA is biodegradable so with time, the particles will be dissolved and disappear, but the new collagen will remain. This means that the resulting firmer skin will be due to natural collagen formation.8,9
Gradual and long-lasting improvement
Sculptra® provides a gradual improvement, and the skin continues to improve for a long time. People who’ve had a Sculptra treatment have continued to show improvement up to 25 months after treatment.10,11
So, there won’t be drastic changes but instead a subtle reduction of saggy skin over the course of several months. The result will also be long-lasting.
A natural-looking, but still substantial result
Although a collagen treatment with Sculptra® provides a gradual and natural-looking result, the effect is substantial. Sculptra® has been shown to increase the collagen in the skin by as much as 66.5% in three months!4 Bye bye sagginess!
What does a Sculptra® collagen treatment entail?
Typically, a collagen treatment with Sculptra® consists of three sessions a few weeks apart. However, the number of sessions can vary from person to person. A qualified healthcare practitioner can advise on the best treatment plan for each person. We’re all unique individuals with unique needs.
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner
Sculptra® is a minimally invasive treatment. People won’t generally notice that you’ve “done” something to your face. Other than perhaps that you look great and somehow have firmer skin!
However, as Sculptra® is a collagen treatment where micro particles are injected into the skin, there can be side effects such as swelling and bruising. It’s important that you discuss all potential side effects with your healthcare practitioner as well as after care procedures to get the best result from your treatment.
Learn more
If you want a more in-depth understanding of facial aging and Sculptra®, you can find it in this article.
A qualified healthcare practitioner can also explain more about a Sculptra® collagen treatment and what results you can expect. Find a clinic here.
References:
- Fisher GJ et al. Arch Dermatol 2008;144(5):666–72.
- Werschler WP et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2015;8 (10 Suppl):S2–S7.
- Stein P et al. J Dermatol Sci 2015;78(1):26–33.9.
- Goldberg D et al. Dermatol Surg 2013;39(6):915–22.
- Vleggaar D et al. J Drugs Dermatol 2014;13 (4 suppl):s29–31.
- Moyle GJ et al. HIV Med 2004;5(2):82–7.
- Bohnert K et al. Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;127(4):1684–92.
- Stein P et al. J Dermatol Sci 2015;78(1):26–33.9.
- Lowe NJ. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006: 20(1):2-6
- Narins RS et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;62(3):448–62.
- Brandt FS et al. Aesthet Surg J 2011;31(5):521–8.