Sculptra® AestheticRichmond, BC & Vancouver
A collagen biostimulator for firmer, smoother skin
Sculptra® is a collagen biostimulator, not a standard filler. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) microparticles are injected into the deep skin layers to prompt your own collagen production, so volume and firmness build gradually over weeks to months. Most people need 2-3 sessions. Duration varies by person; manufacturer data reports up to 25 months.
- Up to 25
- Months (manufacturer data)
- 2-3
- Typical Sessions
- Gradual
- Natural-Looking Build
- Up to 25
- Months (manufacturer data)
- 2-3
- Typical Sessions
- Gradual
- Natural-Looking Build
What is Sculptra® and how is it different from filler?
Sculptra® is not a traditional filler. It is a Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA-SCA) biostimulator that works deep within the dermis to revitalize collagen production.
Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that provide a temporary 'cushion' of volume, Sculptra® acts as a seed for your own tissue regeneration. It stimulates a controlled biological response that recruits fibroblasts to produce new collagen fibers, so the volume and firmness you see are built by your own collagen rather than supplied by a gel.
Restores Skin Structure
Rebuilds the underlying structural support of the face that is lost with aging.
Improves Skin Quality
Studies suggest it can smooth cheek lines and improve overall skin texture and glow.
Natural, Gradual Results
No 'overfilled' look. Results appear gradually, and how long they last varies by person and area.
How does PLLA-SCA work?
Understanding the mechanism explains why Sculptra® builds results gradually instead of filling instantly.
Injection & Distribution
PLLA-SCA micro-particles are injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer.
Biostimulation Phase
As the carrier fluid is absorbed, micro-particles stimulate a mild inflammatory response that recruits collagen-producing fibroblasts.
Collagen Neogenesis
New Type 1 Collagen networks form around the particles, restoring skin density and firmness.
Long-Term Structure
The PLLA particles are metabolized into CO2 and water, leaving new collagen of your own behind.
Who is Sculptra® right for?
A consultation is essential to determine whether Sculptra is the right approach for your aging concerns.
May suit:
- +Those with hollow temples or sunken cheeks
- +Anyone seeking to improve skin tightness and texture (crepey skin)
- +Patients who want gradual, undetectable results
- +Those experiencing 'tired' looking skin lacking glow
- +People who prefer a gradual, longer-lasting approach
- +Correction of nascent nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Not Suitable For:
- –Patients seeking immediate, instant gratification
- –Active skin infections or inflammation in treatment area
- –History of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring
- –Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- –Known allergy to lidocaine or PLLA
- –Autoimmune diseases (consultation required)
Why choose RAAC for Sculptra® in Richmond?
At RAAC, we combine medical expertise with an eye for natural-looking Sculptra® results.
Advanced Cannula Technique
We use micro-cannulas for safer, more comfortable injections with minimal bruising.
Customized Dilution Protocols
We follow current dilution and hydration protocols to help minimize nodule risk.
Combination Therapies
We often pair Sculptra with energy devices (like Thermage) for synergistic collagen boosting.
Skin-Health Guidance
We talk through sleep, protein intake and sun protection during your course to support healthy collagen formation.
Which areas can Sculptra® treat?
Sculptra® is used for cheek hollows and fine lines and for full-face rejuvenation. Some uses, such as body contouring, are off-label.
Cheeks & Mid-Face
Corrects hollowness and treats fine lines (accordion lines) on the cheeks.
Temples
Restores volume to hollow temples, lifting the brow and softening the upper face.
Jawline & Chin
Strengthens the jawline and reduces the appearance of jowls through structural support.
Nasolabial Folds
Softens deep folds by restoring deep tissue support.
Marionette Lines
Supports the corners of the mouth to reduce a downturned appearance.
Neck & Décolletage
May improve skin quality, reduce crepiness and tighten loose skin.
What happens in a session, and what is the 5-5-5 rule?
Following the 5-5-5 massage routine is an important part of a smooth, natural result.
Pre-Treatment
Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) for 1 week to minimize bruising
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to appointment
Eat a light meal before arriving
Arrive with a clean face (no makeup preferred)
Inform us of any active skin infections or history of cold sores
The Procedure
Mapping
Precise facial mapping to identify areas of volume loss and vectors for lifting.
Numbing & Prep
Topical numbing and local anesthesia (lidocaine) mixed into the product for comfort.
Injection
Use of cannula or fine needle to deposit PLLA-SCA into the deep dermis.
Massage
Immediate massage by the practitioner for even product distribution.
The 5-5-5 Rule & Aftercare
MASSAGE 5 TIMES A DAY, FOR 5 MINUTES, FOR 5 DAYS. Massage helps reduce the chance of nodules.
Expect swelling, tenderness and possible bruising. You may look 'filled' immediately due to water volume; this subsides in 24-48 hours. Small lumps or asymmetry can occur: contact us if a lump persists, grows or is painful.
Avoid extensive sun or UV exposure until swelling and redness have resolved.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
Most people resume normal activities the same day; makeup can be applied after a few hours.
**Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
Sculptra® Questions
What is Sculptra, and is it a filler?+
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.
Why Sculptra instead of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?+
HA is like renting volume: it is instant but temporary. Sculptra is more like building volume: it takes time, but the collagen is your own and tends to last longer. Choose HA for specific tweaks; choose Sculptra for overall rejuvenation and skin quality.
Can Sculptra cause nodules, bruising or asymmetry?+
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.
How many vials or sessions do I need, and how long does it last?+
A common rule of thumb is about one vial per decade of life for full-face correction, usually split over 2-3 sessions, but your physician sets the number after assessment. Results build gradually over weeks. Manufacturer data reports effects lasting up to 25 months; duration varies with age, area treated and metabolism.
What is the 'Sculptra Glow'?+
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.
Where can I get Sculptra in Richmond or Vancouver?+
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.
Start Your Collagen Journey Today
Book your consultation with Dr. Charles Jiang at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic in Richmond, BC to see if Sculptra® is right for you. 29+ years of aesthetic medicine experience.
What our clinical team has written about this
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- Collagen Biostimulators vs Immediate-Lift Fillers: Which Approach Suits You?
Sculptra builds volume gradually through your own collagen; Radiesse gives immediate lift and then stimulates collagen. How they differ in mechanism, timeline, areas and risks, and how the choice is made.
- Radiesse for Hand & Face Rejuvenation: Richmond's Guide to the Dual-Action Biostimulator
Radiesse is a filler that provides immediate volume and also stimulates collagen production over time. Learn about calcium hydroxylapatite, hand rejuvenation, facial contouring, personalized pricing, and who it may suit.
- Sculptra Collagen Stimulator: The Complete Guide to Natural Rejuvenation in Richmond
Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid to prompt your own collagen. How it works, which areas it treats, how many sessions are typical, and why results build gradually over months.
- Skin Tightening Compared: Thermage, Ultherapy, EMFace, Sylfirm X, Exion and Sculptra
A Richmond physician's comprehensive ranking of every major non-surgical skin tightening treatment available in 2025 — Thermage FLX, Ultherapy Prime, EMFace, Sylfirm-X, Exion, and Sculptra — with a detailed comparison table, costs, and who each is best for.
Also offered at our Burnaby location
SkinArt MD offers the same treatment. If Burnaby is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
#101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6 · +1 (604) 639-2581
