Sculptra

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Dermik Laboratories, Bridgewater, NJ) available in Europe as New-fill since 1999 and in the US market since August 2004 has a significant history of side effects. The early usage of Sculptra was practiced with low volume (2 cc) reconstitution and higher volume of total product injected. This coupled with closely spaced treatment sessions led to frequent nodule formations (Sculptra lumps).
Read the rest of this article »

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) received conditional approval from an FDA advisory panel for treatment of HIV-related lipoatrophy under the trade name Sculptra in March 2004. However, the FDA has not yet approved Sculptra for general cosmetic use in the USA. Review studies of this product are currently underway to gain FDA approval. PLLA has been marketed as New-Fill in Europe since November 1999.

Read the rest of this article »

Numerous reports, as published in Vleggaar, have indicated patient satisfaction in the range of 95%. Not only is volume replacement and duration excellent, but enhancement of skin texture and color are reported. Nonvisible subcutaneous papules are reported in approximately 3% of patients, and 30% of these resolved spontaneously in 3 months. As reported by Vleggaar, visible papules and nodules were seen in 1%, and rarely require intervention with subcision, intralesional saline or steroids. In rare instances, excision of a nodule may be prudent. Other adverse events, as with many injectables include edema and ecchymoses, and patients should be cautioned of this before injection. Avoidance of aspirin, NSAIDs and vitamin E prior to injection may be advisable.

Read the rest of this article »

Initially injectable PLLA was marketed in Europe as NewFill and was associated with a range of challenges that centered upon subcutaneous papules and nodules. According to Lowe, these most probably arose as the result of too concentrated a dilution, too large a volume of injection, inappropriate areas for injection and injections that were too superficial.

Read the rest of this article »

This article will spell out what Sculptra treatment is and just how it functions to enhance your appearance.

Poly-1-lactic acid (PLLA), a.k.a. Sculptra, was approved by FDA in 2004 for the treatment of AIDS-mediated facial lipoatrophy. It’s inserted by injection into the subcutaneous tissue and triggers skin cell replication. A number of injections are necessary, but the aesthetic results for sunken cheek have been formidable. In the Europe-based studies, the effect persisted for 18-24 months. Aesthetic use of this substance is considered off-label, but has been utilized for pan facial augmentation. It’s very important to insert this product into the right level. Injection into the dermis could increase the chance of granulomas.

Here’s how PLLA works.

Read the rest of this article »