Sculptra

The science of biostimulation: PLLA + your own collagen

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible material that stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, which adds volume directly with a gel, Sculptra prompts your body to rebuild its own support.

Over the following weeks and months, new collagen develops, gradually improving fullness and firmness. The PLLA itself is gradually absorbed, but the collagen it stimulates remains, which is why Sculptra results can last up to two years. It’s a regenerative approach rather than a replacement approach, rebuilding your skin’s own support over time.

Treatment usually involves a series of appointments. We assess your facial structure, skin quality and goals to determine the amount and spacing, reviewing your response before recommending further treatment.

What the injection actually does

• Rebuilds the foundation — new collagen restores support in areas thinned by loss of skin firmness, not just surface lines.
• Improves skin quality — the new collagen thickens and firms the skin across the treated area, not only the volume it restores.
• Works gradually and diffusely — the result builds over months, so the change reads as looking refreshed rather than “done.”

Facial volume loss & cheek hollowing

Sculptra may suit broader facial volume loss, where the cheeks and surrounding areas have become less full with age. It supports gradual restoration rather than the immediate shaping provided by hyaluronic acid filler.

Wrinkles & folds

By rebuilding collagen support, Sculptra can soften the appearance of cheek wrinkles, smile lines beside the nose and marionette lines around the mouth.

Skin firmness

Sculptra can improve firmness and skin quality in suitable treatment areas. At consultation, we assess whether collagen stimulation will address your concerns or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.

Facial changes after weight loss

Weight loss can leave the face looking less full. Sculptra may form part of a personalised plan to address this change, depending on your anatomy and the degree of volume loss.

The first few days

You may experience swelling, bruising, redness or tenderness at the injection sites. Follow your clinician’s instructions on cold compresses, makeup, exercise and heat exposure while the area recovers.

Check with our team before scheduling facials, massage or other skin treatments.

The 5-5-5 massage routine

Unless your clinician advises otherwise, massage the treated areas for five minutes, five times a day, for five days. We’ll demonstrate the technique so you know how much pressure to use and which areas to massage.

As your results develop

Initial swelling settles before the collagen-building result becomes visible. Allow time for gradual improvement and attend your planned reviews so we can assess your response.

What to avoid

• Strenuous exercise for about 24 hours after treatment.
• Saunas, hot yoga, and steam rooms for a few days.
• Daily broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable while new collagen builds — Caribbean sun is unforgiving.

When to contact us

Contact our team if you notice persistent or new lumps, worsening redness, warmth, swelling or other unexpected changes.

Seek immediate medical attention for unusual or severe pain, white, grey or blue skin near the treated area, or any changes in vision. Do not wait for your follow-up appointment.

The 3-month visible window

Sculptra results develop on a different timeline than fillers, and understanding that timeline is the key to a satisfying experience. Unlike a same-day result from traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, biostimulation rewards patience.

• The first few days — swelling and fullness after treatment are temporary and do not represent the final result.
• From around 1 month — initial improvements may become visible. The timing varies from person to person.
• Over the following months — fullness and firmness continue to develop through your treatment series. We review your progress before recommending further treatment.
• Up to 2 years — results can last this long, although individual response varies. Maintenance is guided by reassessment.

Why a series, and how it’s spaced

A typical protocol is 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Each session builds on the collagen foundation laid by the last, which is why a series produces a more even, natural result than a single visit. Your provider maps the number of vials and sessions to your degree of volume loss at the consultation. See our results gallery for representative timelines.