Aging gracefully doesn’t mean you have to accept every line and wrinkle that comes your way. At Austin Skin & Wellness, we understand that sometimes you want to turn back the clock and restore a more vibrant appearance. Not dramatically, but subtly and naturally. Sculptra offers a unique approach to facial rejuvenation that works with your body to stimulate collagen production, smoothing away the years and delivering results that look beautifully authentic.
At Austin Skin & Wellness, we offer Sculptra injections in Austin, Texas, for patients looking to address the signs of aging and rejuvenate their appearance gradually. We proudly serve patients from Austin, West Lake Hills and the surrounding communities.
Sculptra is an FDA-approved biostimulating injectable made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Sculptra does more than “fill in” unwanted lines and wrinkles. When injected beneath the skin, it increases your body’s natural collagen production and restores the structural foundation of the face, adding fullness and volume from within.
Sculptra’s main ingredient, PLLA, is a safe and biocompatible ingredient. Originally developed to treat HIV-related lipoatrophy, a condition that causes a loss of facial fat in people taking antiretroviral medications, today Sculptra is a leading aesthetic treatment for both men and women looking to improve the appearance of folds, wrinkles and contour deficiencies.
Sculptra vs. Traditional Fillers
While both Sculptra and dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to address the signs of aging, they work in very different ways. Traditional fillers add instant volume by placing a gel-like substance (usually hyaluronic acid) beneath the skin, smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles. Sculptra is a biostimulator that focuses on increasing your body’s own collagen production, restoring facial fullness and structure gradually. Many patients choose Sculptra for its subtle progression, longevity and natural appearance, while others benefit from combining both treatments as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan.
Sculptra vs. Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Sculptra
Dermal Fillers
Substance
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
How It Works
Stimulates collagen production
Adds immediate volume
Best For
Volume loss, skin laxity, overall skin quality
Targeted volume restoration, contouring
Look & Feel
Subtle, natural, progressive
Instant, more defined
Maintenance
Lasts up to 2 years; fewer touch-ups needed
Results last 6 to 18 months; more touch-ups needed
Benefits of Sculptra
FDA-approved injectable backed by clinical studies
Progressive improvements for a subtle, natural look
Long-lasting results that persist for up to two years
Can be combined with your other favorite treatments
Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
Addresses multiple signs of aging, from wrinkles to volume loss
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm and plump. By the time we reach 50, we’ve lost about 30% of our facial collagen, leading to deep wrinkles, sagging and hollowed areas around the cheeks and temples.
Sculptra works to reverse the effects of volume loss by triggering a mild inflammatory response that stimulates fibroblasts, the primary cells involved in collagen production. As the product’s microspheres are gradually absorbed and metabolized over the next 12 to 24 months, they leave behind newly formed collagen structures that support a firm, youthful appearance.
Sculptra is ideal for men and women who want natural, gradual results rather than immediate or dramatic change. Because it works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, the volumizing effects develop over time to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Sculptra may be a great option if you:
Have noticed mild to moderate volume loss
Are bothered by hollowing in the cheeks or temples
Are seeing the early signs of facial aging
Have experienced volume loss after weight loss (“Ozempic face”)
Want gradual, natural-looking results
Prefer long-lasting collagen stimulation over filler
During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your concerns and determine if Sculptra is right for you, creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle and expectations. Every face ages differently, and meeting with our skilled team ensures that Sculptra is used thoughtfully and only when it’s truly the right fit.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your Sculptra appointment at Austin Skin & Wellness begins with a thorough consultation to evaluate your needs and aesthetic goals. The treatment process itself is relatively quick and takes about 30 minutes to complete (depending on the areas being addressed, plus numbing time), but skin prep and numbing add time to your appointment. Expect to spend about an hour at our office.
Using a fine needle, our skilled providers will inject Sculptra into specific areas of the face. You may feel a slight pinch with each injection, but most patients find the discomfort minimal and the experience tolerable, especially with numbing cream. After your injections are complete, the treated areas are massaged to ensure even distribution of the product and optimal results.
Like other anti-aging injectables, from Botox to dermal fillers, Sculptra involves little to no downtime. After your appointment, you might notice some redness at the injection sites, but you’ll be able to resume your normal routine with few restrictions. We ask that you avoid excessive sun exposure, alcohol and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours for the best results.
You’ll also be given specific aftercare instructions that include massaging the treated areas for five minutes a day, five times a day, for five days after your appointment (the 5-5-5 rule).
Sculptra results develop gradually over several months as your body produces new collagen. You may notice some immediate improvement due to its water content, but the true benefits of treatment become apparent over the following three to six months. These results can last up to two years or more, making Sculptra an excellent value for long-term facial rejuvenation.
Why Patients Choose Austin Skin & Wellness for Sculptra
Austin patients who choose Sculptra are after more than just volume restoration. They want results that look natural, balanced and true to themselves. At Austin Skin & Wellness, our Sculptra treatments are designed to do just that, providing subtle yet noticeable enhancement that restores your confidence without changing what makes you look like you.
Our team is led by Brandi McMurry, owner and managing director of Austin Skin & Wellness with more than 30 years of experience in aesthetics. Brandi’s background includes clinical training as a U.S. military medic, 25 years working alongside one of Austin’s leading dermatologists, and pioneering one of the city’s first medspas within a dermatology practice. Our team also includes experienced nurse injectors trained by industry leaders such as Allergan and Galderma.
Patients throughout Austin come to us for the kind of personalized care they can’t find elsewhere. We carefully plan every Sculptra treatment based on factors like facial structure, collagen loss and long-term goals, favoring a thoughtful, more individualized approach to facial rejuvenation. Our providers take the time to educate patients, recommending only what is truly needed to create results that enhance, rather than change, your natural features.
“Brandi is absolutely incredible! She eased ALL my concerns with getting my first injections at age 37, and she continues to give me the most natural looking results to age gracefully and look like a well rested youthful version of myself. She is completely honest with you, and will never advise you to do more than you need. I could not recommend her more, you will be BEYOND pleased each and every visit you have with her. She is so gentle handed, you barely feel a pinch when she is doing her injectable treatments. She has more experience than any other provider I have researched, I would go so far to say she is the BEST in the business.”
- Jaime M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Collagen, and Why Is It Important?
Collagen is the building block of smooth, youthful skin. It is a naturally occurring protein that gives the skin firmness and structure, but production declines by about 1% each year after the age of 25. Some lifestyle factors, including smoking, sun damage and stress, can accelerate collagen loss. As collagen levels diminish, the skin thins and loses its support structure, leading to lines, wrinkles and sagging. Biostimulating treatments like Sculptra help restore collagen levels to reduce these signs of aging.
Is Sculptra Better Than Filler?
Sculptra and traditional dermal fillers serve different purposes, and one is not necessarily “better” than the other. While fillers provide immediate volume, Sculptra works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production over time. Many patients prefer Sculptra for its gradual, natural-looking results and long-lasting improvement, especially when treating widespread volume loss or early facial aging. During your consultation, your provider can help determine which option (or combination of treatments) best aligns with your goals.
Can Sculptra Restore Volume/Fullness After Weight Loss?
Yes. Sculptra is often used to help restore facial fullness following weight loss, a concern sometimes referred to as “Ozempic face.” Rapid or significant weight changes can lead to volume loss in the cheeks, temples and mid-face, creating a more hollow or tired appearance. By stimulating collagen production, Sculptra helps rebuild underlying support gradually, improving facial structure and skin quality without creating an overfilled look.
How Long Do Sculptra Results Last?
Sculptra can last for two years or more, significantly longer than hyaluronic acid-based fillers. The longevity of results varies among individuals based on factors such as age, skin condition and lifestyle habits. Because Sculptra stimulates your body’s own collagen production, the improvements are more durable than treatments that temporarily add artificial volume.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Sculptra may provide some initial plumping due to its water content, but your final results will develop gradually over several months as new collagen is produced. Most patients start to see a difference in skin firmness and quality four to six weeks after their Sculptra treatment.
Can Sculptra Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Sculptra works beautifully as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan and can be artfully combined with other treatments such as Botox, laser therapies or traditional dermal fillers. During your consultation, we’ll discuss how Sculptra can fit into your overall aesthetic goals and recommend the most appropriate treatments for enhancing your results.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients receive two to three treatments to achieve their desired results, while others are happy after a single treatment. The number of treatments (and injections) you’ll need varies depending on factors like your aesthetic goals, skin quality and individual treatment plan.
Can Sculptra Prevent Future Volume Loss?
Sculptra does not stop the natural aging process, but it can help support the skin’s underlying structure by stimulating collagen production. When used earlier, it may help maintain facial volume and skin quality over time, making it a valuable option for patients who want to take a proactive, long-term approach to facial rejuvenation.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
Sculptra is considered safe when administered by a qualified professional. Its active ingredient, PLLA, is absorbed naturally and has been in use for decades as a main component of dissolvable sutures. Additionally, it does not contain any human or animal-based components and no allergy test is required before treatment. As far as side effects after treatment, these are typically minimal and may include: redness, swelling, itching, lumps and bruising at the injection sites. You can minimize side effects by closely following all aftercare instructions.
Who Should Not Get Sculptra?
Sculptra may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with a history of keloid scarring are not good candidates for treatment. Certain autoimmune conditions can also make results less predictable, so talk to your provider if you have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or celiac disease. The safety of Sculptra has not been evaluated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you nurture both your skin and soul, and answer any questions you may have.
Uncover Your Radiance with Sculptra – The Ultimate Skin Rejuvenation
Ready to transform your look? Sculptra is your key to restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles and revealing a more youthful, vibrant you. At Austin Skin & Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve stunning, natural results. Take the first step toward luminous, revitalized skin — your transformation starts now! Call us at (512) 551-8551, text 512-216-5808, or click here to book your appointment today!
