Sculptra Reviews
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.
PLLA (Sculptra) is a synthetic polymer which is resorbable, biocompatible, and biodegradable. It has been used for several years in multiple medical devices and is a component of vicryl sutures. PLLA can be injected into the deep dermal tissue or subcutaneous tissue. The area to be filled should be undercorrected. After injection, gradual degradation takes place by hydrolysis while gradual deposition of collagen occurs.
The initial correction, due to implantation of the PLLA or Sculptra decreases over the next few days as the diluent is resorbed. The area treated with Sculptra will then slowly refill as the tissue reacts to the implant. A gradual increase in the volume will continue to occur over the next few months.
The side effects of Sculptra are similar to those of other injectables and include erythema, edema, and bruising at the injection site. Palpable but nonvisible subcutaneous nodules have been noted in some patients, which can resolve spontaneously. These nodules on the lip may be due to overcorrection. Massaging the treated area after injection may reduce the incidence of this side effect according to Sculptra reviews. Rare cases of sterile abscess, late granuloma formation and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.
Sculptra is injected with a different technique than the other wrinkle fillers. It is layered as a deep dermal and subcutaneous soft tissue filler that is used mainly to correct volume deficits rather than wrinkle correction alone. The technique of Vleggar demonstrates injection with a criss-cross pattern to lay down a uniform matrix for new collagen to be deposited in the deep dermis. To correct naso-labial folds, the entire lower facial area should be blended to augment tissue and provide a volume-enhancing effect. That not only corrects the furrow but also redefines the lost volume in surrounding skin and soft tissues. A 27 gauge needle is used to implant the gel into deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue in a criss-cross pattern. No more than 1-2 ml is injected with undercorrection. The area is then massaged and iced to decrease inflammation. Two or three repeat procedures are performed for full correction. The product has been found to last 2-4 years in large Sculptra review trials.