Looking for natural-looking, gradual results that actually LAST? Think SCULPTRA for the win! 🎉

Looking for natural-looking, gradual results that actually LAST? Think SCULPTRA for the win! 🎉

Whether you already know me or you’re just checking out my services (and my attitude 😉), here’s what you should know: I’m a local girl with a serious aesthetic eye for natural beauty. My favorite thing to do is enhance the features you already have—help you look more rested, refreshed, maybe shave off a few years—without changing who you are. And yes, I am firmly anti–pillow face.

Often, my peeps come in for a little wrinkle relaxation to start. Then they come back with one or two curious questions like, “What would you do for this?” (while pointing at cheeks, jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines…or gently pulling their whole face back 😆). I’m always happy to guide you, but I will never oversell something that doesn’t align with your look, your anatomy, or your goals. I don’t claim to know every product or device out there, but I do hear the stories—and I’m always happy to give you my honest thoughts, even on things I don’t personally offer. When I add something to my lineup, it’s after careful research. And if I try something that turns out not to be all it’s cracked up to be? I’ll admit that too.

All that being said—one of my go-to recommendations (and a solid “hell yes!” product) continues to be poly-L-lactic acid, better known as Sculptra here in the U.S. Sculptra has been around for 20 years and actually comes from a pretty fascinating origin story (ask me about it sometime!). Why do I love it?

#1 It’s a filler that’s not a filler—it stimulates your own collagen production.
#2 It provides what I call global enhancement. Unlike traditional filler that targets one specific spot (like lips), Sculptra helps your entire face look fresher and younger—without looking done.
#3 Even when injected deep, it gives the skin a beautiful, healthy glow .
#4 It’s one of the few treatments that can gently lift the peripheral face—think temples, that crepey skin in front of the ears, or smile lines in the lower cheeks.

Much of aging comes from chronic UV exposure and collagen loss, which starts around age 30 and doesn’t magically come back on its own. Sculptra is a very good nudge.

Poly-L-lactic acid comes as a powder that’s reconstituted with sterile water (usually with a little lidocaine for comfort). It’s injected based on what I see during our assessment. There are on-label indications and off-label techniques, but commonly treated areas include the temples, cheeks, near the nose, the hollow by the chin, and near the corners of the jaw. After injections, you’ll be numb for about 15–30 minutes. You may look a little puffy from the water—but that fades over the next few days.

One of the most important parts of aftercare is massage: 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. Why? Massage helps distribute the tiny particles evenly while the water is absorbed and reduces the risk of nodules (which are just collagen and generally no big deal). Once the water is gone, you might think, “Wait…what was that for?”—and that’s exactly when the magic starts. Your body recognizes the microscopic particles, breaks them down, and replaces them with your own collagen. The result? Better skin “fluff,” improved structure, and results that can last up to two years.

On average, I recommend 2 vials x 2 sessions, spaced about 2 months apart (give or take). Occasionally, an extra vial or two may be suggested—but I usually wait 4–6 months before deciding, because collagen takes time to show itself. The bonus? By investing in Sculptra as a foundation, you may actually need less hyaluronic acid filler down the road (translation: potential long-term savings 💰), while still using filler strategically for contour, lips, or finishing touches.

Like most injectables, Sculptra isn’t recommended during pregnancy or lactation, or for those with a tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scarring. It’s also not a first choice for people with autoimmune flares or compromised immune systems—interestingly enough, it was originally developed in the 1990s to help improve quality of life for patients with significant immunocompromise. This treatment requires specialized training, so it’s important to know who you’re trusting with your face.

The most common side effects include swelling, tenderness, and redness for a few days. Bruising, bleeding, itching, or small bumps can occur. It’s not used around the eyes or lips due to the constant motion in those areas.

And yes—I’m on my own Sculptra journey. I practice what I preach. I had my first session in October and my second in December 2022, now I'm on an annual refresh. Now I’m in chill mode, waiting to see what’s next. I can confidently say: no pillow face, and my jowls don’t distract me like they used to. I’m happy with what I see—and I do it for me. That’s a total win in my book 🥂.

So if you ask me a curious question and I think Sculptra is the right answer for your precious face, don’t be surprised if I hand you a brochure and suggest a little research (full details are available on sculptra.com). My goal is simple: I want you to stay you for as long as possible. 💛

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