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These days, there are more options than ever for dermal fillers with fine-tuned formulas of multiple brands of products and manufacturers, all with unique benefits for addressing facial wrinkles, volume loss, and facial contouring. One such unique formula that comes with distinct advantages over other facial fillers for some concerns is Sculptra Aesthetic, an FDA-approved substance that has been helping people combat volume loss and fill deep folds since the early 2000s.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable gel with the active ingredient poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It has been approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles and folds throughout the face to help smooth out a person’s appearance for a younger-looking complexion. Its initial use was to treat lipoatrophy, or loss of facial fat that contributes to a hollow, sunken appearance.
The difference between Sculptra and other dermal fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid is that PLLA triggers the body’s natural production of collagen in the long term, providing long-lasting skin tightening and enhanced support while also yielding quick results.
Recovery:
No Recovery Needed
Cost:
Starts at $1000/ vial
Results:
N/A
What Does Sculptra Help With?
Sculptra Aesthetic is a robust formula that can help restore both lost volume and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its history makes it especially effective in the cheeks and cheekbones to restore volume and contour the face for a more youthful look and feel. Specific wrinkles Sculptra is helpful at combatting include:
- Nasolabial lines (corners of the nose to the mouth)
- Marionette lines (corners of the mouth to the chin)
- Chin augmentation
- Jawline contouring
Sculptra can also be used throughout the body for volume enhancement in desired areas, as a treatment for cellulite, and correcting wrinkles elsewhere on the body. These uses are considered off-label, as they have not been approved by the FDA, although some doctors provide these treatments when they are deemed safe and effective.
Preparing for Sculptra
Preparation for any dermal filler injection starts with a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, who will evaluate your problem areas and listen to your concerns. If you’re interested in Sculptra and it’s a good fit for your needs, you’ll then schedule an appointment after having your medical history taken, including any allergies or other conditions you may have.
Your doctor will also instruct you what medications to avoid taking in the days or weeks prior to your injection as well as what kind of post-treatment care materials you may want to have on hand.
The Sculptra Procedure
The procedure itself for Sculptra is relatively quick and painless. Your doctor will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area and then make several injections of the formula throughout your face. Some people benefit from multiple treatment sessions, however one appointment is effective for most patients to see great results depending on their concerns.
Results and Recovery
The results of Sculptra are not fully apparent immediately following the treatment. This is because the PLLA stimulates collagen over time, taking between a few weeks and a few months to really show the full extent of its benefits. You may notice some improvement nearly immediately, but your results will continue to improve with time.
There is no downtime required after Sculptra, although your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous activity or certain substances to ensure the best results. Common side effects include bruising, redness, tenderness, or bumps in the treatment area.
Sculptra In Bethesda, MD
Our team of plastic surgeons and medical aesthetic experts are proud to provide the full range of the latest tools and technologies that provide confidence-boosting, inspiring results to patients throughout the DC metro area. Discover the results that Sculptra can provide for your facial wrinkle concerns by scheduling an appointment with Cosmetic Surgery Associates today. Get started by calling our office or contacting us online today. is only 11 minutes away from Potomac and 10 minutes away from North Bethesda & Rockville. Schedule your consultation appointment today!
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Juvéderm®
Juvéderm offers a wide range of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, each designed for specific areas of the face. Patients can fill in deep wrinkles like nasolabial folds, contour the cheeks, restore volume loss, and more with this versatile treatment.
Restylane®
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that can address many signs of aging, including moderate to severe facial wrinkles and mild skin laxity. Patients can enjoy natural-looking and long-lasting results with this injectable treatment.
SKINVIVE™
SKINVIVE is an innovative cosmetic injectable used to replenish skin hydration and restore beautiful, glowing skin. SKINVIVE can be used alone or included with other medspa treatments for an added skin boost.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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