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Sculptra Aftercare: Post Treatment Do’s and Don’ts

Fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss are no match for Sculptra! This well-known dermal filler is a natural building block for plump, youthful skin. When injected into the face, buttocks, or hips, it works with your body to stimulate collagen production lost to aging. From smoothing deep wrinkles to reducing cellulite and adding fullness to the skin, there are countless benefits to this game-changing treatment.

On average, the results of Sculptra can last for up to two years after the initial course of injections. In any case, you need to schedule follow-up appointments to maintain your results or make any necessary modifications. Additionally, following Sculptra aftercare is crucial to ensure a swift recovery, minimize side effects, and maximize the longevity of your Sculptra injections.

So, you just got a Sculptra treatment, now what? Here’s our roundup of the top post-treatment do’s and don’ts to boost your results and ensure a smooth post-treatment experience.

Follow Post-Treatment Care Instructions

It’s crucial you follow your injector’s aftercare instructions. They may recommend particular products or steps to minimize complications and ensure the best results. There is no significant downtime with Sculptra. You may experience some slight bruising, tenderness, or swelling in the treated areas that may last anywhere from 7-10 days. However, this is to be expected.

Related Reading: Sculptra Pros and Cons>>

Apply Ice Pack to the Treated Area

After your Sculptra procedure, gently apply ice packs or a cold compress to your lips. This helps to reduce swelling and minimize the chances of bruising. Make sure to wrap the ice packs in a cloth and avoid applying them directly to your skin. Aim to ice the treated area for 10 minutes several times a day.

Gently Massage the Treated Area

It is important you massage the treated areas multiple times a day for a few days after receiving the filler. We encourage our patients at Emana Medical to self-massage to ensure the Sculptra particles are evenly dispersed. This helps create even and smooth results. We recommend following the 5-5-5 rule. Massage the treatment areas 5 times a day for 5 minutes each time for the next 5 days. Additionally, If you have Sculptra in the neck, massage one side of the neck at a time and massage in an upward direction.

Stay Hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated after getting Sculptra injections! Staying hydrated helps your body heal and recover more quickly. When you get Sculptra injections, your body may experience some swelling and inflammation as it adjusts to the treatment. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce these side effects and promote faster healing.

In addition, staying hydrated is important for your overall health and well-being. Water helps keep your skin looking healthy and youthful, which is especially important after receiving a cosmetic treatment like Sculptra. Hydration also plays a key role in maintaining your body’s natural balance and helps flush out toxins and waste products from your system.

Protect Your Skin From Sun Exposure

Protecting your skin from the sun is a post-treatment tip you should take advantage of. Exposure to excessive heat or prolonged sunlight can affect the longevity of your Sculptra treatment. Therefore, you must protect your treated area from excessive sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when going outdoors for at least four weeks following your treatment. Additionally, you should wear a hat outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is at its peak. This will prevent irritation and burns and will allow the area to heal.

Avoid Touching or Rubbing the Treated Area

Aside from gentle massage, you should avoid touching and rubbing the treated area excessively for the first few days after treatment. Refrain from picking, rubbing, and scratching, as this may irritate or infect the treated area.

Additionally, avoid activities that involve pressure or vigorous movements on the treated area immediately after getting Sculptra injections. This includes kissing, as well as sleeping on your face. You should also practice gentle oral hygiene to prevent disrupting the Sculptra as it settles. These precautions allow the particles to settle correctly and reduce the risk of displacement and infection.

Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity For 24 - 48 Hours

After Sculptra, you are free to return to your normal lifestyle within a day after receiving filler. However, you should avoid high-impact activities and exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This includes straining, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise. Following this protocol will help prevent bruising and swelling. 

Avoid Makeup on Treated Area Until Fully Healed

If you have Sculptra injections in your face, we recommend skipping any makeup or skincare application to the treated area until it is fully healed. Additionally, aim to keep the treated area clean and dry. This will help prevent infection and will allow the area to heal fully. Follow your normal skincare routine using gentle cleansers and moisturizers.  

Avoid Dental Work, Surgeries, and Tattoos

Sculptra patients should avoid dental work, surgeries, tattoos, or permanent makeup for 4-weeks after their Sculptra appointment. This ensures proper healing and minimizes the risk of side effects and uneven results. 

Avoid Aesthetic Treatments for 2 Weeks

For Sculptra in the face, you should avoid facials and aesthetic treatments for a minimum of two weeks following the procedure. This includes facial peels, exfoliants, and retinoids on the treated area for at least one month post-treatment.

Avoid Blood Thinning Medications or Painkillers

It is extremely important you avoid using any medications or pain relievers that contain blood thinners following your Sculptra injections. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, certain oils such as cod liver oil, and vitamins A and E. Avoiding these medications will minimize bruising and ensure proper healing. If you experience soreness from your treatment, use alternative pain relievers like Tylenol or acetaminophen.

Minimize Alcohol And Smoking

Avoid alcohol consumption for the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Consuming alcohol or tobacco products can negatively impact your healing process. It is best to avoid drinking or smoking as much as possible or at least reduce your consumption to encourage proper healing and maintain your results. 

Drinking alcohol can cause you to bruise more easily. This is because the alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate. Therefore, you can greatly minimize the potential for swelling and bruising by avoiding alcohol consumption for the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment.

Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments

Attending follow-up appointments with your injector is key to ensuring a smooth recovery process. Regularly scheduled follow-up appointments are crucial. This allows your injector to monitor your progress and address any side effects or concerns. Additionally, follow-up appointments allow your injector to provide touch-ups or additional advice to help you maintain the longevity of your Sculptra injections. We recommend scheduling a follow-up every 3-6 months to keep your results looking fresh.

Be Patient

We saved the best tip for last – be patient! Unlike some other cosmetic procedures that provide instant results, Sculptra works by gradually increasing collagen levels over time. This means that the results of Sculptra injections are not immediate and require patience. It may take several weeks or even months before the full effects of the treatment are visible.

It is important to be patient when undergoing Sculptra treatment, as the gradual nature of the results ensures a more natural-looking and long-lasting outcome. Rushing the process or expecting instant results can lead to disappointment and may compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. By being patient and allowing the collagen production process to work gradually, you can achieve the desired improvements to your skin’s volume and texture that will last for an extended period of time.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can help ensure a successful and satisfying outcome from your Sculptra treatment. Remember, patience is key – it may take a few weeks to see the full results, but trust the process and enjoy your rejuvenated look!

Experience Long-Lasting Sculptra Results

Are you ready to restore youthful plumpness to your face and neck, reduce cellulite, or add volume to your derriere? Are you insecure about your crepe-looking skin or hollow appearance? If so, Sculptra is a fantastic option for you to consider. Sculptra is a minimally invasive procedure that provides impressive, lasting results without going under the knife or experiencing a painful recovery process.

Emana Medical is a top-rated provider of Sculptra injections in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA. Patients of Emana Medical experience incredible results at our trusted practice. Give us a call at (310) 878-4321 to secure your free Sculptra consultation. Speak with one of our experienced injectors and learn more about the benefits of this fan-favorite filler. We can’t wait to introduce you to this multi-talented filler and surpass your beauty goals.

Dr. Eman Abdallah
I am a board-certified physician specializing in Aesthetics, Anti-aging, and Laser surgery. With a keen eye for perfection, I excel in non-surgical and minimally invasive facial and body enhancement procedures. Known as a modern-day beauty magician, I love to deliver instant WOW factor to my clients, creating contoured facial features that appear natural. I strive to stay up-to-date with the latest beauty trends and advancements, offering advanced cosmetic procedures using Botox, fillers, threads, plasma, and more. Additionally, I provide personalized skincare solutions through my medical-grade skincare line, EMANA Medical Skincare.

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