Sculptra

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Sculptra (Sculptra®)is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) filler (1) that gradually stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to restore facial fullness, delivering natural-looking improvements that can last up to two years. This biostimulatory injectable is the ideal minimally invasive treatment for patients who want to address age or weight loss-related facial volume loss.

As a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Phelps understands the nuances of delicate facial anatomy. He and his team bring an artistic touch and well-honed technique to every procedure at Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.

To learn more about how Dr. Phelps and his team use Sculptra to help their patients achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation, call (312) 888-5754 or schedule a personal consultation online.

About Sculptra Injections

Injectables continue to grow in popularity due to their low complication rates, convenience, minimally invasive application, and effective results. Sculptra is a biodegradable synthetic polymer that stimulates collagen production. It is effective for treating wrinkles and severe volume loss. (2)

The Science Behind PLLA

The main ingredient in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), has had various medical applications for decades, including in dissolvable stitches. In aesthetic injections, facial tissues absorb the PLLA microparticles, triggering a natural inflammatory response that stimulates the production of new collagen. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that create immediate volume by occupying space alongside natural tissue, Sculptra integrates with your body to rebuild its own structural support over time.

Benefits

Sculptra offers patients a range of benefits that make it stand out among injectables. Some advantages include:

  • Long-Lasting Effects: Results can last up to two years or more, significantly longer than many HA fillers, making it a cost-effective, sustainable solution over time.
  • Effective Volumizing: Sculptra can be used alongside fat grafting or fillers to address volume loss to and revitalize the face.
  • Versatile Treatment: Sculptra is highly effective for treating hollows in the temples and cheeks, defining the jawline, and softening deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It also has non-facial applications. (3)
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a series of injections that we administer in-office in less than an hour, requiring minimal downtime.

Candidates

Potential candidates for Sculptra are adults who are in overall good health and have signs of facial aging, such as volume loss, hollow temples or cheeks, and deep creases. These individuals also:

  • Desire a gradual, subtle, and natural-looking improvement rather than immediate, drastic changes.
  • Are realistic about their results and understand that they may require multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired outcome.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do not have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area.

Your injector will determine your candidacy for Sculptra during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

At your personal consultation, your injector reviews your medical history, assesses your facial structure, and together, you discuss your desired results to determine if Sculptra is the optimal treatment for you. They will explain the Sculptra process in detail, including how it works, the number of sessions you may require, what to expect during and after the procedure, and potential side effects. Based on his evaluation, your injector creates a personalized treatment plan that best aligns with your aesthetic goals. To get started and schedule your personal consultation, call (312) 888-5754 or submit our online contact form.

Preparation

The preparation for Sculptra treatment is straightforward and minimal. Our office may provide you with more detailed information during your consultation, but general instructions include:

  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Abstaining from alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
  • Arriving with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, or facial jewelry.
  • Notifying your provider if you have a history of cold sores, as they may prescribe an antiviral medication before treatment.

Procedure

Each Sculptra treatment session is quick and efficient, typically lasting around 30 minutes. First, one of our skilled team members thoroughly sterilizes the treatment area. They may apply a topical anesthetic cream or lidocaine to ensure comfort.

The number of injections depends on the treatment areas and the required degree of volume correction. Our team’s experience as oculofacial plastic surgery providers ensures meticulous injection placement for symmetric and optimal results.

Recovery

One of the main advantages of Sculptra is that it requires minimal downtime. Patients can typically resume regular daily activities directly after the procedure, but they must avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours. You may experience temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites, but these side effects are usually mild and resolve within a day or two. You can apply ice or a cold compress wrapped in cloth several times a day for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.

Sculptra Results

Sculptra’s results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen. You will notice an initial increase in volume immediately after the treatment due to the water in the injection solution, but this will subside within a few days as the body absorbs the material. The PLLA microparticles stimulate collagen production over the next several weeks to months. Most patients require an average of two to four treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve their desired results. The true, long-lasting results typically appear a few months after the final treatment session. Once patients achieve their desired results, they can receive periodic touch-ups to maintain their rejuvenated appearance.

Corresponding Procedures

Depending on your aesthetic goals, Dr. Phelps may suggest corresponding procedures to help you optimize your facial rejuvenation. Treatments such as chemical peels or CO2 laser resurfacing can improve the skin’s surface texture and tone, enhancing the structural improvements from Sculptra.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve a chemical exfoliant solution that is applied to the face before it is removed during the same appointment. After the skin undergoes a peeling period while it heals, fresher, brighter skin is revealed.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 Laser Resurfacing removes the topmost layer of damaged skin, allowing for complete Rejuvenation that only improves over time. Dr. Phelps often incorporates this into his blepharoplasty procedures, as it can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality even in delicate areas like the eye region.

To learn about the other procedures that can complement your Sculptra injections, we encourage you to reach out to our office today!

Cost of Sculptra in Chicago, IL

The cost of your Sculptra treatment will depend on a few factors, including the amount you receive, the number of treatment sessions, and the complexity of treatment areas. During your consultation, Dr. Phelps’ staff will present you with a comprehensive price estimate that reflects the details of your unique treatment plan. To schedule your personal consultation with our office call us at (312) 888-5754 or submit an online contact form.

FAQ

How is Sculptra different from hyaluronic acid fillers?

The key difference lies in their mechanism of action. HA fillers provide immediate volume by physically placing a gel substance under the skin. The results are instant, but the body naturally absorbs the substance, with results typically lasting 6 to 18 months. Sculptra is a biostimulator. It does not provide immediate volume itself; instead, its PLLA microparticles stimulate the body’s natural production of new collagen. The results appear gradually over several months but last significantly longer, often up to two years or more. HA fillers are excellent for precise volume correction in small areas (like the lips), while Sculptra is ideal for broad volume restoration and structural improvement across larger facial areas (cheeks, temples, jawline).

How long does a Sculptra treatment session last?

A typical treatment session takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the injection dosage and number of areas being treated. If you are incorporating other treatments into your appointment as well, the treatment time will be a little longer.

How many Sculptra injection sessions will I need?

Most patients require an average of two to four treatment sessions to achieve their desired level of correction. These sessions are usually spaced four to six weeks apart. The exact number of sessions depends on the degree of volume loss, your body’s individual response to the PLLA, and your ultimate aesthetic goals.

Can I get Sculptra alongside any other non-surgical treatments?

You can! During your consultation, our providers will assess your concerns and recommend treatments that can comprehensively and cohesively rejuvenate your appearance.

References

  1. Sickles CK, Nassereddin A, Patel P, et al. Poly-L-Lactic Acid. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/
  2. Ouyang R, Su X, Liang Y, Lu S, Zhang Z, Wei Q, Hu J. Advances in Poly-l-lactic Acid Injections for Facial and Neck Rejuvenation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Aug 5;13(8):e7029. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12323926/
  3. Sarubi J, Guarnieri C, Del Nero MP, Kamamoto C, Honda M, Saito F, Haddad A. Targeted and Individualized Gluteal Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injection for Optimal Aesthetic Results in the Gluteal Region. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Jun;16(6):30-36. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10286883/