Sculptra® Pre- and Post- Care Instructions

Sculptra® is a biostimulatory filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), an FDA-approved, biocompatible, biodegradable material. Sculptra® is not a wrinkle filler, but a bio activator or “volumizer.” It works by stimulating the body to produce new collagen at the sites of injection, therefore replacing lost volume while also improving skin texture to restore a fuller, more youthful appearance. Sculptra® does not give results immediately. There is a time factor involved since the true volume effect is created by your own collagen, not the product itself. This collagen replenishment takes place over a period of several months. Patients usually receive two to four injection sessions spaced six weeks apart to accomplish optimum re-volumization.

SCULPTRA PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

The following are important treatment instructions for you to understand to help avoid unsatisfactory results and complications.

• Injectable fillers cannot be done if you have had any dental procedures, including routine cleanings 2 weeks before or after your filler appointment.
• If you are taking medications that may prolong bleeding, you may experience increased bruising at injection site. You must avoid Aspirin, NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc.), and ALL VITAMINS (especially Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ginger, Ginkgo, Green Tea, Garlic, Ginseng, and St John’s Wort) for 10 days prior to your treatment. PLEASE INFORM US IF YOU ARE TAKING ONE OF THESE BEFORE YOU ARE INJECTED. If you are prescribed any of these medications by a different physician, you must consult with them prior to stopping any medication.
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• Arnika Forte tablets contain the herb Arnica and the pineapple derived enzyme Bromelin, which help to minimize bruising and swelling. They can be taken one day before and up to 7 days after your procedure, and can be purchased in our office for $40 plus tax.
• If a laser treatment, chemical peel, or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered 3-7 days before or after an injectable filler treatment, there is a possible risk of an inflammatory reaction at the treatment site.
• Injectable fillers should be used with caution in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, or therapy used to decrease the body’s immune response, as there may be an increased risk of infection.
• The safety of injectable fillers for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in patients under 18 years has not been established.
• The safety of injectable fillers in patients with a history of excessive scarring (eg, hypertrophic scarring and keloid formations) and pigmentation disorders has not been studied.

SCULPTRA POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not apply makeup for 24 hours following filler injections. 
• Sculptra is the only filler hat requires massaging after treatment to prevent nodule formation. Lightly massage the treatment area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days immediately following injections. We recommend massaging with a light moisturizer or cleanser. Your nurse will provide you with a facial map outlining the exact areas that will need to be massaged.
• It is normal to be somewhat red, tender, and swollen for several hours after filler injection, and bruising is always possible.  It is advised that you continue to ice the area for 1-3 hours at 15 minute intervals, as directed by Dr. Hooper or Dr. Jackson.
• Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (like Celebrex) for 24 hours to minimize bruising.
• No alcohol, no smoking, no nicotine, for 24 hours (or forever if you want to look younger, be healthier, and live longer.)  Avoid second-hand smoke as well.
• No upside-down activities (like YOGA) or vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
• No dental procedures, including routine cleanings, for 2 weeks after filler.

Call the office immediately for any extreme increase in pain, tenderness, swelling, or color changes in the skin, especially around the nose.  If you are a first time filler patient, please call for any concerns, no matter how small. For previous filler patients, always call for anything out of the ordinary. Our after-hours number is 504-454-7382.

Thank you for reading this. We can’t take proper care of you without your help!