Sculptra

Sculptra in Raleigh, NC | Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center

Volume loss can occur naturally during the aging process, especially in the face, as the cheeks become flat and hollow. Dr. Glenn Lyle and his team use Sculptra Aesthetic in Raleigh, NC, a poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler that allows for fuller and longer-lasting volume in the mid-face. In addition to increasing the fullness of the cheeks, Sculptra can decrease the appearance of fine to deep wrinkles and lines, like the nasolabial folds (sometimes known as smile or laugh lines) that run from the outside of the nose down to the corners of the lips.

With a unique formula approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sculptra promotes the natural collagen production in your body, so even if you stop getting treatments, your skin will be stronger compared to before the treatment. Schedule an appointment at Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center in Raleigh, NC to hear about the benefits of this dermal filler.

How does sculptra work?

Following your consultation to determine your unique plan for treatment, you will receive your Sculptra injections in our procedure rooms. The injector may apply a local anesthetic or numbing cream prior to sterilizing and marking the injection sites. Once you are prepared, Sculptra is injected down to the deeper skin layers at the chosen areas. For best results, Dr. Glenn Lyle suggests a series of four injections that are each performed at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center around three weeks apart.

Meet Dr. Glenn Lyle

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Glenn Lyle, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has been proudly serving the Raleigh, NC, community at Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center since 2002. With a deep passion for helping patients reclaim their confidence, Dr. Lyle specializes in transformative breast surgery and body contouring procedures. Whether addressing the effects of weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, his expert care and artistic approach empower individuals to look and feel their best. Dr. Lyle is dedicated to creating beautiful, natural results that reflect each patient’s personal journey and goals.

Is Sculptra Right for Me?

Sculptra is an injectable treatment for adults experiencing age-related facial volume loss, particularly those between ages 30 and 65. Younger patients in their 30s and 40s often choose Sculptra for prevention, while those in their 50s and 60s use it to restore lost facial volume. The treatment works best for women and men with mild to moderate volume loss in the temples, cheeks, or nasolabial folds and desire a gradual, natural appearance.

Sculptra is biocompatible and FDA-approved with a long history of safe use. However, it’s not recommended for those with a history of keloid scarring or certain autoimmune conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Lyle will review your medical history and examine your skin to determine if Sculptra aligns with your aesthetic goals.

How Do I Prepare for My Treatment?

Preparation is essential for best anti-aging results. Two weeks before your appointment, avoid vaccines, dental work, blood-thinning medications (like aspirin and ibuprofen), and supplements like vitamin E and fish oil, as these can increase bruising. In the week before treatment, avoid harsh skincare treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and facial waxing. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain your skin moisturizing routine so your hydrated skin will respond better to treatment. On the day of your appointment, arrive with a clean face free of makeup. If you have a special event planned, schedule your treatment at least four weeks in advance to allow time for initial healing.

What Happens During My Treatment?

Dr. Lyle or a trained provider will start the procedure by cleansing the treatment area and marking specific injection sites to ensure precise product placement. He’ll use a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Next, the Sculptra powder is mixed with sterile water to create a smooth solution. Using a fine needle, he’ll strategically inject the Sculptra mixture into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue of the target areas for volume restoration.

This injection technique and depth vary depending on the treatment area and degree of correction needed. After the injections, the provider gently massages the treated area to distribute the product evenly. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment. You may feel mild pressure or a slight stinging sensation during the injections, which typically subsides quickly.

Is There Any Post-Treatment Downtime?

Sculptra is a zero-downtime treatment, allowing most patients to return to their daily activities immediately. You may experience temporary side effects at the injection sites, including bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness, which typically resolve within 3 to 17 days. To minimize bruising and swelling, apply ice packs to treatment site for 24 hours.

It’s crucial to follow the “5-5-5 rule”: massage the treated areas for five minutes, five times a day, for five consecutive days to ensure even product distribution and prevent lumps. Avoid intense exercise, excessive sun exposure, and blood-thinning medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Additionally, avoid dental work, vaccines, surgeries, tattoos, or permanent makeup for four weeks following your procedure. Results develop gradually over 4 to 6 weeks as collagen production increases, with full results typically visible after several months.

Sculpt Your Youth

Boost the youthful volume and smoothness of your complexion with nonsurgical Sculptra Aesthetic injections at Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center in Raleigh, NC. Plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle will help you determine if Sculptra is best for your needs and goals during your initial consultation before developing your personal treatment plan. Contact our office to schedule your appointment for Sculptra Aesthetic or one of our other services. We’re proud to serve patients from Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and surrounding areas across central and coastal North Carolina.

FAQs: Sculptra in Raleigh, NC With Dr. Glenn Lyle

How many Sculptra treatments will I need?

A series of treatments is typically recommended to achieve optimal results. Dr. Lyle suggests a series of four injections, each performed approximately three weeks apart. The exact number of treatments may vary based on individual goals, the degree of volume loss, and how your body responds to collagen stimulation.

Most patients experience minimal downtime, with possible mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites that typically resolves within a few days. You can return to most normal activities immediately, but it’s recommended to avoid intense exercise and excessive sun exposure for at least 24 hours to allow for proper healing

Discomfort is usually minimal, and a local anesthetic or numbing cream can be applied prior to the procedure to enhance comfort during the injections. Some patients may feel mild pressure or a slight stinging sensation during the treatment, but this typically subsides quickly.

Sculptra outcomes can last up to two years after your initial course of injections. Because Sculptra stimulates your body’s natural collagen production, the improvements continue even after treatment is complete. However, the natural aging process will continue, so maintenance sessions may be recommended to prolong your results.

Yes, Sculptra can be combined with other treatments at Lyle Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Lyle will discuss whether complementary procedures would enhance your results and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Unlike traditional fillers that provide immediate volume, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production. You should see noticeable improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, with full results typically visible after several months and multiple treatment sessions. This gradual process creates natural-looking results that develop over time.

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these thin your blood and can increase bruising. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead if you need pain relief. Avoid intense exercise and excessive sun exposure for at least 24 hours. For four weeks following treatment, avoid dental work, vaccines, surgeries, tattoos, and permanent makeup.

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