Sculptra® Aesthetic Richmond, BC & Vancouver

Technically, no. It is a 'biostimulator'. While fillers occupy space to create volume, Sculptra causes your body to create its own volume (collagen). The PLLA particles themselves are absorbed.

Hyaluronic acid filler adds immediate but temporary volume and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Sculptra® builds volume gradually from your own collagen over weeks to months. Radiesse® gives immediate lift and also stimulates collagen. Your physician chooses one or a combination based on the area and your goals.

Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, tenderness and small lumps (nodules) at injection sites, and results can be uneven or asymmetric. Following the 5-5-5 massage routine and current dilution protocols helps lower nodule risk, and small lumps often settle on their own or can be treated. Tell us promptly about any lump that persists, grows or is painful.

A course is typically 2-3 sessions, usually about 4-6 weeks apart, though your physician sets the number after assessment. A common rule of thumb is about one vial per decade of life for full-face correction, split across the sessions. Response between sessions guides whether more treatment is needed.

The 'Sculptra Glow' refers to the improvement in light reflection and skin radiance that can occur as new collagen firms the skin surface and improves texture.

Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic is at Unit 110, 5580 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Canada Line station and open daily 9:00-18:00. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and a physician assesses suitability before any treatment.

Sculptra® works gradually: many people notice early change after several weeks, with improvement building over the following months. In manufacturer-reported data, results lasted up to 25 months. Duration varies with age, area treated and metabolism, and some people schedule maintenance sessions.

Most people resume normal activities the same day. You may look temporarily fuller from the fluid, which subsides in 24-48 hours, and bruising, swelling or tenderness is possible. The 5-5-5 rule means massaging the area 5 times a day, for 5 minutes, for 5 days, which helps reduce the chance of nodules.

Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, lidocaine is mixed into the product, and a cannula can make injections more comfortable. Some pressure or mild discomfort is possible during injection and massage. Tell the physician if you are uncomfortable at any point, and ask about comfort options at your consultation.

It may suit people with hollow temples or cheeks, or skin that lacks firmness and who are willing to wait for gradual change. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active infection, with a history of keloid scarring, with a known allergy to lidocaine or PLLA, or where implants or non-absorbable fillers are present. A physician assesses suitability.

Yes. Sculptra® is often planned alongside hyaluronic acid filler for fine detail, anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines, or energy-based treatments such as Thermage for skin tightening. Your physician advises on which combination suits you and how to time the sessions.

The total depends mainly on how many vials your plan needs, which is driven by the areas treated, how much volume has been lost, and how many sessions your physician recommends. We explain the plan after a consultation so you know what is involved before you decide.