Sculptra® Aesthetic Richmond, BC & Vancouver

Technically, no. Sculptra® is a biostimulator: instead of occupying space like a filler, its poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) particles prompt your body to build its own collagen, and the particles themselves are gradually absorbed. The 'Sculptra glow' describes the improvement in skin firmness, texture and radiance that can appear as that new collagen forms over the following months. Results vary between people.

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.

The main practical downside is patience: results build over weeks to months and usually need 2-3 sessions, so it does not suit someone wanting an instant change before an event. Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, tenderness and small lumps (nodules) at injection sites, and results can be uneven. Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, Sculptra® cannot be dissolved. Following the 5-5-5 massage routine and current dilution protocols helps lower nodule risk; 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.

It depends on what you want. Sculptra® can suit people with gradual volume loss or thinning skin who prefer a slow, natural-looking change and are willing to complete a course and wait months for the result; in manufacturer-reported data, results lasted up to 25 months. It is less suited to someone who wants an immediate change or precise shaping of a small feature, where hyaluronic acid filler may fit better. Your physician explains realistic expectations and the number of sessions before you decide.

Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic is at Unit 110, 5580 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Canada Line station, a direct trip from downtown Vancouver, and open daily 9:00-18:00. Patients come from Vancouver, Burnaby and across Greater Vancouver. 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. Because that varies so much between people, we explain the plan and the cost after a physician consultation, before you decide. Prices are not published online.