The London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic takes pride in being the leading provider of Sculptra treatments in the UK and Europe. Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi is a leading Sculptra training surgeon and an internationally recognised expert in the procedure, with more than 13,000 Sculptra treatments performed at our clinic.
Sculptra is a long-lasting, clinically proven, non-invasive injectable treatment designed to smooth out and soften lines and wrinkles, restore facial volume, and naturally contour the face.
As one of the most advanced cosmetic treatments for collagen stimulation, scar treatment, and facial volumisation, Sculptra represents the continuous evolution of aesthetic medicine. This discreet and minimally invasive treatment enables patients to achieve a younger, fresher appearance without the need for surgery.
Sculptra is the ultimate treatment for patients who desire a subtle, gradual, and long-lasting solution. As a non-invasive injectable treatment that stimulates collagen, Sculptra is an effective and safe method for softening lines and deep wrinkles, creating facial volumisation, and enhancing facial contours.
The science behind this advanced product supports the stimulation of the patient’s own collagen over an extended period, setting it apart from traditional fillers. The natural-looking results last between 2 to 5 years.
Sculptra works differently from traditional dermal fillers. It is a unique collagen-replenishing treatment that gradually and subtly reduces lines, wrinkles, and folds. By helping to replenish the body’s facial collagen and restore lost volume, it can provide a fuller, more natural look that lasts for up to 2 to 5 years.
Sculptra Use
It is considered to be a discreet approach to achieving a fresher, younger-looking appearance, probably used by many Hollywood stars who deny having surgery but look to have defied age and remain still naturally good looking without a “done” plastic appearance.
The primary component of Sculptra is Poly-L-lactic acid, which has been successfully used in aesthetic medicine for over 50 years. Examples of which, range from acting as a medium for medication to being used in bone plates and screws in surgery.
Sculptra was initially used to treat facial atrophy, but its cosmetic use has since been pioneered by Dr Ayoubi for the following:
- Facial Volumisation
- Collagen Stimulation
- Scar Treatment
- Facial Asymmetry
- Cellulite reduction
- Buttock Enhancement
Poly-L-lactic acid, the main ingredient of Sculptra has been used successfully in surgical procedures for more than 50 years, among others for bio-resorbable sutures, in bone plates and screws, and as a medium for medication.
Sculptra is able to be used safely to restore facial volumisation and fat which has been lost due to extrinsic and intrinsic ageing, in addition to treating scars. Typically, Sculptra is used to treat marionette lines, sagging jowls, and wrinkles on hands, wrinkles of décolletage and hollow cheeks/temples.
Sculptra can thus fill areas of volume-loss through stimulating deep tissue. Through its injection into the dermal-subcutaneous junction, Sculptra is able to soften and smooth deep wrinkles and lines in conjunction with restoring facial volume, gradually.
It can be used for loss of fat and soft tissue in the face, premature ageing of the face, hollow cheeks and temples, nose to mouth folds, deep folds and wrinkles, marionette lines, sagging jowls, wrinkly chest / decolletage, wrinkly hands, deep acne and traumatic scarring.
A clinical study “Facial Enhancement and the European Experience with Sculptra” by Doctor Danny Vleggaar and Dr Ute Bauer was published in Drugs Dermatology Journal in 2004, showed that due to the Sculptra volume-enhancing mechanism, it has the ability to cosmetically augment facial areas with volume deficits and in doing so reduces the outward appearance of wrinkles and folds.
Sculptra is used on most parts of the face (except on the forehead and above the lips). Common areas of use include cheeks, temples, infra-malar region, chin, pre jowl sulcus, and marionette lines.
More advanced areas include infraorbital regions and lateral brow. Creative uses have been reported in the treatment of acne, deep acne scarring and varicella scars, chest wall, prominent facial asymmetry and the dorsum of the hands
Sculptra is ideal to be used for deep tissue filling or in the dermal subcutaneous junction to smooth out and soften lines and wrinkles, restore facial volume, contour the face in a natural way. It is not meant to be injected intradermally.
According to the clinical study “Sculptra – injectable poly-L-lactic acid” by Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics,
As it differs from traditional, static dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, as a stimulatory product it causes the growth of fibrous tissue or collagen within the body, which then results in volume restoration gradually.
Sculptra Aesthetic works within the deep dermis, the skin’s structure is reinforced as Sculptra Aesthetic helps to replace lost collagen. This reinforced collagen structure provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness of shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds that have been depleted over time.
The results of Sculptra Aesthetic are different because Sculptra gradually and subtly corrects these facial wrinkles. This can provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance that can last from two- five years.
Sculptra can be used for Scars, Facial Asymmetry and Aging Hands, nevertheless, It requires a special understanding of how it works, where it can be used, and how it should be injected.
Sculptra differs from other dermal fillers due to its nature of stimulating collagen. Other dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid merely replace the loss of volume, whereas Sculptra encourages the body to naturally replace the collagen which has been lost due to age or trauma.
Cellulite and dimpling of skin can also be treated be Sculptra. The product is able to correct indentations of skin anywhere on the body through encouraging collagen regeneration.
The nature of Sculptra treatment means that results vary between patients and last for varying lengths of time. Patients can expect results to last from between 2-5 years.
Sculptra Suitability
Sculptra is a treatment option for men and women of different ages, who wish to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, deep wrinkles, deep folds around the mouth and nose, facial asymmetry, facial scars, deep acne scars and loose skin.
In the 20s: | Collagen production slows down and then becomes dormant. This is an ideal time to start Sculptra to keep the collagen reserves active and for skin tightening. |
In the 30s/ 40s: | Sculptra is ideal for long lasting lines and wrinkle correctionIt enhances cheek volume and stimulates collagen in a natural way. |
In the 50s and onward: | Sculptra is ideal to restore facial contours and volume and correct facial laxity and improve the jaw line and other areas. Patients can achieve full face lifting without the need for aggressive surgery with the results lasting up to 5 years. |
A review at our clinic has shown that the improvements obtained with Sculptra have lasted for up to 2-5 years. Treatment usually consists of 2 to 4 sessions lasting up to half an hour; usually2-3 weeks apart with no ‘downtime’.
Before and After photo gallery
How does Sculptra work?
With time our skin loses its full, firm, youthful appearance and becomes thinner and starts to wrinkle and fat tissue, which also helps to fill out our faces, is lost, causing skin to sag and wrinkle further. For some people, the loss of fat tissue and the reduction in skin volume can make their face look thin and narrow and due to this look tired and appear older than they actually are.
Sculptra stimulates the body’s own collagen production, thus eliminating lines and deep wrinkles, creating a youthful appearance with natural-looking results.
Sculptra is a biocompatible, resorbable injectable product composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It falls in the class of a stimulatory product that creates its effect through encouraging neo-callogenesis when injected. Sculptra is a synthetic polymer from the a-hydroxyl-acid family that is similar to absorbable suture material.
Sculptra Aesthetic works to replace lost collagen in a series of treatments administered by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi himself at our clinic. On average, two – four injection sessions are needed over a period of 2-8 weeks gap between each session. The number of injection sessions and the number of injections per session vary from person to person.
Sculptra treats most areas of the face that may have deeper lines, wrinkles and folds or loss of soft tissue, fat and hollow areas. The results can show immediately, however, it will take approximately 2 – 4 weeks to see the significant improvement (however, in some patients this may take longer or require more treatments).
Unlike surgical options, Sculptra can provide gradual, natural-looking results through less traumatic treatment. Patients can achieve a full face lifting effect which usually lasts up to 2 – 4 years.
Sculptra in particular requires this education because it is administered in usually three or more sessions covering a 3 month period or more with ultimate results achieved over a 4 – 6 month time frame. Patients who not willing or able to wait for improvement may need additional augmentation with a hyaluronic acid to tide them over in the mean time.
Because of the volume of the water in the suspension, patients will leave the office looking filled; however, they should be aware that the improvement they see immediately will be gone in 2 to 4 days and they will then await the collagen growth that can be seen starting at 2 to 4 weeks. Patients should also be cautioned to prepare for the possibility of bruising and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications prior to an injection.
The planning of Sculptra treatment should be over a time period of 2-12 weeks. Usually, each patient requires 3 treatments, conducted in 2-3 week intervals. Final results can be observed between 6 – 10 months following treatment. Younger patients, who are in their 20’s, trend to report visible results at 3 – 4 months, following their first treatment.
The inevitable process of ageing results in skin becoming loose, losing volume and losing its firmness. Due to loss of collagen skin becomes thinner and wrinkles begin to develop.
Nevertheless, this is not only true of ageing individuals, as those who lose weight also demonstrate the same loss of facial volume. Weight tends to be lost initially in the face, creating a tired and gaunt appearance.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi himself conducts the Sculptra treatment these conditions at The London and Medical Aesthetic Clinic. On average, 2 – 4 sessions are required over a time period of 3-8 weeks. The number of sessions required and the number of injections per course of treatment depends on the individual patient. Sculptra results should be apparent from approximately 2 – 4 weeks, however, this is difficult to predict as every patient differs.
Patients are thus individually evaluated at the beginning of their treatment. Often, more than one treatment session is required. Patients who demonstrate severe facial volume-loss typically require 4-5 treatment sessions.
Sculptra also differs from surgical procedures as the delivered results are gradual, and thus a more natural-looking result can be achieved. Moreover, a less-invasive and less-traumatic procedure can be offered to patients. A full-face lifting effect is possible to be achieved after several sessions, which can last between 2–5 years.
Acne scars and scars produced as a result of facial trauma can also be treated by Sculptra. Additionally, dorsum of hands and facial contours can be enhanced to appear more youthful.
Sculptra Treatment
Poly-L-lactic acid micro-particles form the key component of Sculptra. This natural product is then mixed with 2 ml 1% Lidocaine and 6 ml of sterile water 24 hours prior to treatment. No skin testing is not required before hand as the product is biocompatible.
The procedure itself takes around 30 minutes to perform. Patients tend to describe the process as “uncomfortable” rather than painful, however, we use a topical anaesthetic cream to minimise any discomfort. The Sculptra product is injected beneath into the adipose tissue of the face, into the skin’s dermis.
Following a patient’s first treatment, it may appear that results are achieved immediately. Patients often experience minor edema at the site of injection, but this is temporary. The Sculptra procedure mechanism stimulates a foreign-body reaction and stimulates the production of collagen. This process is characterized by an increased number of mast cells, macrophages and lymphocytes.
The tissue which is formed as a result appears natural, the facial contours appear normal and the restored volume to the face does not appear false. As a result, cheek bones appear more defined and cheeks appear rounder and more youthful in appearance.
Patients who typically receive 4 injections at injections 2-4 week intervals, demonstrate signs of breaking down the Sculptra at around 6 – 9 months following injection. At around 9 -12 months following treatment, the Sculptra product tends to have reabsorbed. Clinical studies have repeatedly indicated that the effects last for at least 2 – 5 years following treatment.
The edema created through injection, as previously mentioned, usually resolves after several hours to a few days. This results in the “reappearance” of original contour deficiencies. Sculptra works by gradually correcting the depression in the skin.
Sculptra Safety
The science behind Sculptra involves more than 50 years of use in human medical applications. From absorbable sutures to resorbable screws, it has proven to be biocompatible, well tolerated, and effective.
Sculptra is officially approved by MHRA in the UK and the FDA in the USA and for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) and is used for treating facial lines and wrinkles.
Poly-L-lactic acid, from the hydroxyl-acid family, is the main component of Sculptra and is a resorbable suture material. Sculptra has been used clinically for more than 50 years in human medical applications, some of which include resorbable medical screws and absorbable surgical sutures, dental implants, medical pins, medical plates, dental implants and as vectors for sustained release of bio-active compounds.
As Sculptra is a natural product which is bio-compatible and thus resolvable, it is readily tolerated by the human body and is safe to be injected. Sculptra treatment is an effective method for long-term correction of facial volume depreciation, by creating natural results.
‘Safety-investigator’-initiated clinical studies of Sculptra in human patients has indicated that the product is well tolerated by patients, without any adverse side effects.
Sculptra is therefore incredibly safe to use as long as it is used by a qualified, skilled plastic surgeon or doctor. In recent years, Sculptra treatment techniques have been modified and refined to produce the very best results whilst minimizing any side effects.
Occasionally, but very rarely, subcutaneous papules can form. These are not visible to the eye and are only detectable through touch. They typically form at the site of injection.
This side effect is usually as a result of Sculptra being injected too superficially, thus causing a lump of product or collagen to form. Nevertheless, vigorous massage often prevents this side effect from occurring and patients are fully-instructed on how to carry out post-operative care once they leave the clinic. Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi has performed thousands of Sculptra procedures at our clinic and has yet to witness such a side effect.
Understanding of how the treatment works and where the product can be injected is imperative, Neo-collagenases is stimulated through the injection of Sculptra into areas of treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid belongs to a family of stimulatory components and is entirely bio-compatible.
Sculptra is able to be injected into the face safely, with the exception of the forehead and adjacent to the upper lip. Areas most commonly injected include the infra malar region, chin, jowls and marionette lines, cheeks, temples, chin, pre-jowl sulcus, and marionette lines. Under eyes and lateral brows are deemed to be more difficult areas of injection.
Sculptra results studies indicated improvement in appearance for 3 – 5 years. Typically, 2 – 4 sessions are required. It is usual for treatments to be carried out 2 – 4 weeks apart. Treatments do not require ‘downtime.’
Immediate side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as minimum redness, slight tenderness or discomfort, some bruising and rarely swelling. All of these immediate side effects usually last only five- seven days.
A delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area could rarely occur. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. This rare side effect is usually an effect of the product being injected too superficially causing a lump of product or collagen to form, but vigorous massage usually prevents this.
Patient Expectations
It’s imperative that patients understand the scientific mechanism of Sculptra prior to treatment. Stimulatory products such as Sculptra must be administered in sessions and gradually introduced to the body. Sculptra is conducted in 2- 4 sessions covering a 2-3-month period. Optimum results can be achieved over a 4 – 6-month period.
Patients who desire immediate improvement may require additional augmentation through the injection of hyaluronic acid, to tide them over for the meantime.
The volume of water used to suspend the Sculptra product is relatively great, therefore patients can leave the clinic feeling facial volume has increased. Patients should understand that this immediate improvement will subside within 2 – 4 days and that patients must then wait for collagen stimulation to commence from between week 2 – 4.
Patients must also appreciate that as the product is injected, bruising may occur. If this is the case, bruising will typically last for 2-4 days. Patients should avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications during this period.
Once a patient is happy with the facial volumisation achieved, results can be expected to last up to 2-5 years, according to Dr Ayoubi. To maintain this desired effect, touch-up procedures might be advised for certain individuals. Non-smoking patients have longer lasting results, as smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and dehydrates the skin throughout the collagen stimulation process.
Injection-related issues such as minor redness and discomfort can be expected immediately after treatment. Some swelling and bruising may also occur but will be temporary and last only for a few days.
Most patients feel comfortable going back to their normal daily activities immediately following the Sculptra treatment.
Sculptra Vs Dermal Fillers
Sculptra differs from other traditional dermal fillers as it replenishes collagen within the skin. Sculptra stimulates this process gradually, creating long-lasting results which appear entirely natural. Renewal of one’s own facial collagen to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles and define contours enables results to last between 2 – 3 years.
The process of collagen stimulation occurs over several months to restore lost facial volume, whereas traditional filler merely offers immediate results. This restored volume created is therefore a patient’s own body’s response to the product. Results appear natural and feel smooth and plump to the touch.
Sculptra does not fill the space and merely form immediate results like traditional fillers, but causes collagen stimulation and growth of fibrous tissue, whilst gradually restoring volume.
Traditional dermal fillers tend to require revision every 6 months, whereas Sculptra acts over a longer period of time and is thus more cost-effective and easier to maintain for a patient.
Advanced Sculptra By Dr Ayoubi
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi has spent many years inventing and developing his own advanced Sculptra techniques. He is renowned for his use of Sculptra in treating deep acne scars, facial asymmetry, and traumatic scarring through his Double V and Tear Duct techniques, which have since been adopted by numerous plastic surgeons worldwide.
At London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, we take pride in having treated thousands of patients under Dr Ayoubi’s care, helping them reverse the signs of ageing through Sculptra.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi has successfully treated both female and male patients for acne scars and deep traumatic scars on the face and body through multiple Sculptra sessions. Sculptra can also be injected to improve the appearance of the décolletage (wrinkled chest area), as well as to reverse signs of ageing on the hands.
Patients travel from all over the UK and around the world to have Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi perform Sculptra treatments at London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, which is one of the leading training centres for Sculptra in the UK and Europe.
Sculptra FAQS
The answer to some of the most common questions patients may have.
It’s common for patients to have questions about the aesthetic treatments and at the London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, it is essential for us that all our patients should feel confident, knowledgeable and comfortable at every stage of their journey of their treatments at our clinic.
To help our patients finding the answers they need, here are a few of the most common questions that we find our patients frequently asked:
What is Sculptra Treatment?
Sculptra is classed a collagen stimulator that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last up to 2-5 years.
Sculptra is safe and effective as it is a natural product which is totally bio-gradable. Sculptra treatment is an effective method for long-term correction of facial volume depreciation, by creating natural results.
How long does Sculptra last?
The Sculptra results usually last between 2-5 years. Patients who have 2-4 sessions of Sculptra treatments, with intervals of 3-4 week gap between sessions, demonstrate signs of breaking down the Sculptra at around 9 – 12 months post the course of treatment. Clinical studies have repeatedly indicated that the effects of Sculptra treatment could last for up to 2 – 5 years.
How does Sculptra work?
Sculptra works by stimulating patients’ own collagen and it helps to improve shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, resulting in a younger looking skin in a natural way.
Is the Sculptra a dermal filler?
No, the Sculptra is the ultimate stimulator of collagen, which works directly within the skin itself. It is made from Poly-L-lactic acid, which is a natural product produced in the muscles.
Can the Sculptra lift the face?
Sculptra is a natural product, which can deliver a full face-lifting effect without the need for surgery as it adds volume to specific areas of the face where patients lost a significant amount of collagen, fat and soft-tissue.
As Sculptra is a natural bio-stimulator, it improves the texture and restores a youthful glow to the skin.
What are the possible side effects of Sculptra?
The side effects of Sculptra treatment are very rare, especially if the treatment is performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon. The rare side effects include tenderness, redness, bruising and swelling.
One of the very possible delayed side effects of Sculptra treatment is the formation of the small lumps under the skin, nevertheless, this rare side effect can be eliminated by injecting the Sculptra correctly deep into the skin and followed by a delicate but firm massaging of the treated areas immediately after the injection and patients should continue massaging the treated areas of the face twice a day for 5 days.
Is Sculptra safe to use on an organ transplant patient?
Sculptra can be used in immunosuppressed patients, providing that the doctor is very experienced with Sculptra treatment and should speak to the transplant surgeon before conducting the course of Sculptra treatment.
Mr Ayoubi has been using Sculptra at his clinic in London for more than 20 years and has treated a few patients who are on immune suppression medication without any serious side effects. However, the results did not last as long as they did in patients who are not on such medication.
Can I do both Sculptra & IPL treatments on the same day?
It is better not to have the Sculptra treatment and the IPL on the same day, as the patient needs to massage the face / treated area for 5 minutes twice a day for 5 days after the Sculptra treatment and that will be difficult after an IPL and that should be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is advisable to have one week cap between the Sculptra first and IPL or laser treatment.
Can I have RF Micronededling done after Sculptra?
Patient can have RF micro-needling safely done a few weeks after Sculptra treatment and there should be no concerns, as the RF micro needling should not have a negative impact on the Sculptra results and it could be even helpful to stimulate collagen superficially of the skin, while the Sculptra will continue working deep in the dermis.
What is Sculptra buttock enhancement?
Sculptra Buttock enhancement is a very popular treatment, which was developed by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi who has performed hundreds of this treatment at the London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic.
It’s ideal for patients who have a desire to achieve more defined natural-looking buttocks. The treatment is non-invasive and painless with a result lasting up to 2-3 years.
Sculptra Related Medical Articles
1. Facial Enhancement and the European Experience with Sculptra
Danny Vleggaar and Ute Bauer. Drugs Dermatol, 2004
2. Sculptra – injectable poly-L-lactic acid
3. Minimizing Adverse Events Associated with Poly‐l‐lactic Acid Injection
RHODA S. NARINS. Dermatologic Surgery, 2008
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.34250.x
4. Dispelling the myth: appropriate use of poly‐l‐lactic acid and clinical considerations
NJ Lowe, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, 2006
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01515.x
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01515.x
Nick J. Lowe, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2008
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14764170701840074
Lam, Samuel M. Azizzadeh, Babak, Graivier. Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeon, 2006
https://cdn.journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2006/09011/Injectable_Poly_L_Lactic_Acid__Sculptra__.10.aspx
7. Sculptra: A Stimulatory Filler
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0029-1220648#N68260
Ronald L. Moy, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2005
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/25/6/646/189123