Everything You Need to Know About Sculptra

As we get older, our face loses both bone structure and fat pad volume, which leads to a sagging, aging face rather than a lifted, youthful face. Hyaluronic acid fillers help to rebuild some of that lost volume and structure, however collagen stimulating therapies such as Sculptra Aesthetic are another popular and very natural looking option.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra Aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, biocompatible material made of poly-L-lactic microspheres that is injected below the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen production. Think of this as fertilizer for your skin- it can be used for global volume restoration and to spot treat specific areas depending on the placement and amount of product used.

Sculptra Results

As with any biostimulating therapy, the results of Sculptra Aesthetic are not immediate. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra Aesthetic worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute the product. A few days following the treatment, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may appear similar to as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time, up to 6 months, to see full results. Results have been studied out for 2 years, but likely last even longer than that especially if you keep up with maintenance therapy (recommended 1-2 vials per year after initial series).

Consultation

At your consult, we will discuss your specific goals to get a better idea of how many vials and sessions you may need. Up to 2 vials may be used per session, and most clients need on average 3 sessions about 6 weeks apart for best results.

After your injections, your face may appear a bit swollen/puffy and you can expect some bruising at the injection site. You will be instructed to massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days following the procedure- this is to prevent nodules from forming under the skin and to ensure even distribution of this “skin fertilizer”. You will likely be a little sore as the lidocaine used to mix the sculptra wears off after the treatment.

We will continue to assess and treat as needed until the desired results are achieved. Schedule your consult today to see if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you!

sculptra

Beyond Botox….

I think by now we all know there is no miracle in a bottle, and botox has been the closest thing we have seen to astonishing results with minimal side effects.

 

However, optimum skin health goes beyond botox.  It is similar to the health of our bodies- to be optimally healthy you have to work on several factors- diet, cardio and strength training.  Having youthful healthy skin is much the same. IF you only do botox, you are only addressing one aspect of what takes place as we age. The aging face is multifactorial and thus your anti-aging treatments should be so as well. Bone loss, descent of fat pads, skin texture changes, dermal thinning and photodamage all contribute.  When you work with a dermatologist and their staff, you are offered non-invasive treatment options to address these different aspects of aging.

 

Technology advancements in the field of cosmeceuticals has brought us amazing topical skin care products.  I recently attended a conference where a scientist was reviewing various ingredients/ peptides and said to conduct the research, develop best formulations and then bring those highly active ingredients to market costs money!  If you are getting a Vitmain C serum on Amazon for under a certain price point- do not expect much change to your skin.  Even when we find highly effective products it is good to change your regimen every so often.  We do not like to use growth-hormone products long term and not every person can tolerate tretinoin.  So partner with someone who can help you achieve your best! Last but not least- healthy inside will reflect healthy outside- clean eating, restful sleep, adequate water intake, physical exercise…..and wear an SPF 30 on your face daily!

 

I always tell patients our goal is find the treatments that will give the most bang for the buck and find the balance between a treatment that is highly effective while still being safe.  You want to partner with a skincare expert who attends educational events, stays up on current trends, has access to multiple modalities to use and works alongside a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to minimize unwanted side effects.  Look for someone who will be candid, give realistic expectations and instead of trying to sell you something- will give you both short term as well as long –term goals for your skin.

 

Written by Kerri Zukosky, PA-C

Why Our Estheticians Love Micro-Needling

MICRO-NEEDLING!!

Microneedling is one of our FAVORITE treatments here at Accent Aesthetics in Golden, CO. It’s one of those treatments that benefit almost everyone and sooo many skin conditions and concerns!

microneedling colorado

HOW DOES MICRO-NEEDLING WORK?

First, we use a device with either 12 or 36 tiny, hair-thin needles to “stamp” the skin at a controlled depth. The number of needles and depth we choose depends on the skin type, condition and concern. This creates tiny micro-wounds in the dermis (lower level of the skin), causing pin point bleeding. ( YES, you will bleed and NO, you won’t die.) Check out our Instagram and Facebook pics and videos! @accentaesthetics1

By creating these micro pin-point insertions, we stimulate your skin’s own, natural healing process which creates new, healthy, undamaged cells and also COLLAGEN. Collagen is everything and what we want more, more, more of!! Collagen plumps and thickens the dermis, smoothing out the top layer of the skin called the epidermis.  This process reduces and softens fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes acne scarring and large pores and also helps lighten hyperpigmentation or dark discoloration of the skin caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, acne,  etc.

 

BENEFITS FROM MICRO-NEEDLING:

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lifts, tightens, rejuvenates
  • Minimizes pore size
  • Improves the appearance of stretch marks
  • Lightens the appearance of scars
  • Softens the appearance of acne scarring
  • Smooths rough skin texture
  • Brightens and evens skin tone

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?

 

Most patients have a moderate to severe looking sunburn similar to patients who have experienced chemical peels. This may cause your skin may also feel warmer and tighter than before. This is normal and usually subsides after 4-6 hours. Few people may experience bruising, mostly on the bony prominences of the face such as orbital bones, forehead and jawline. Most patients have a full recovery within  2-5 days. You may experience dry, flaky skin – all of this can be expected. Your aesthetician will recommend a post procedure regimen to aid in the healing process.

 

 

Our micro-needling treatments are just one of MANY treatments we offer here at Accent Aesthetics to help you achieve your skincare goals.

If you are interested in learning more, we would love to set you up with a consultation or feel free to call us!