Sculptra® Aesthetic (Poly-l-lactic Acid Filler)

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra® Aesthetic is the first facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time by stimulating collagen. It gives you a more natural-looking appearance, without giving you away. A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, which consists of an average of three injection sessions over a few months, can last more than two years so you have more time to see how sensational subtle can be. Discover anti-age for the modern age.

Julie Holesh, PA

Physician assistant Julie Holesh is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. With both an artistic eye and medical expertise, she can help you achieve optimal skin quality with injectables, laser treatments, and other med spa services.

Meet Julie
Julie Holesh, PA-C

How Sculptra works

Sculptra Aesthetic is a type of facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles, and folds that appear with aging by replacing lost collagen. The main ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians for decades.

Key Benefits
  • Stimulates collagen
  • Gradual, natural-looking results
  • Long-lasting effects, up to two years
  • Minimal recovery time
Glossary

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA): The main ingredient in Sculptra. It’s a biocompatible (meaning it won’t harm the body), biodegradable synthetic substance.

Collagen: A protein in the skin and other parts of the body. It provides structure and strength. Dermal fillers like Sculptra stimulate collagen production.

Volumization: The process of restoring or adding volume to the face. Sculptra is known for its volumizing effects.

Subdermal: Beneath the skin. Sculptra is typically injected into the subdermal layer.

Microparticles: Tiny particles that can stimulate collagen production when introduced to the body, as with Sculptra.

Biostimulatory: Products or substances that stimulate the body’s natural processes, like collagen production.

Reabsorbable: Materials that can be broken down and absorbed by the body.

Nasolabial Folds: The deep wrinkles or lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Marionette Lines: The lines that run downwards from the corners of the mouth.

Facial Lipoatrophy: The loss of fat beneath the skin, which can cause sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra is sometimes used to treat this condition.

Aesthetic: Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty, often in relation to procedures that enhance one’s appearance.

Dermal: Relating to the skin.

Injection Technique: The method or approach used by practitioners when injecting dermal fillers.

Contraindications: Factors or conditions that serve as reasons to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm it would cause the patient.

Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It’s essential to discuss any allergies with the practitioner before receiving treatments.

Biodegradable: Something that can be broken down by natural processes.

Touch-up: A secondary procedure or treatment done after the initial one to refine or maintain the results.

Downtime: The recovery period after a procedure during which one might experience swelling, bruising, or need to limit certain activities.

Enhance your at-home routine: 

Boost skin rejuvenation with Omnilux LED Masks

Extend the glow of your in-office treatments with Omnilux, a professional-grade LED light therapy system you can use at home. These FDA-cleared, flexible masks use red and near-infrared light to:

  • Stimulate collagen
  • Reduce fine lines
  • Calm inflammation
  • Heal and prevent acne
  • Treat under-eye puffiness
  • And more!

Omnilux can support healing and enhance your results between your treatment visits with just 10 minutes a few times per week!

Learn more and get your device »

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Address the deeper causes of hair thinning—like stress, hormone fluctuations, or nutrient deficiencies—with Nutrafol, a clinically backed, natural supplement that works from within to support stronger, fuller hair. Available in targeted formulas for women, men, postpartum, and even vegan options, Nutrafol can help extend the benefits of your treatment beyond the skin.

Learn more about Nutrafol and how it works »

Schedule your Philadelphia Sculptra treatment today

Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor and physician assistant Julie Holesh perform all injectable treatments here at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. We offer a full range of premium products to meet your goals for your appearance, including Botox, Xeomin, DAXXIFY, Dysport, and Kybella, as well as the dermal fillers Juvéderm®, Restylane®, the RHA® filler collection, and Bellafill®.

To learn more about Sculptra Aesthetic, call our Bryn Mawr office at 610-527-4833 or contact us online.

References »

Lacombe V. Sculptra: a stimulatory filler. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2009 May;25(2):95-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1220648.

Sherman RN. Sculptra: the new three-dimensional filler. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2006 Oct;33(4):539-50. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2006.09.001. 

Baumann K, Alm J, Norberg M, Ejehorn M. Immediate Use After Reconstitution of a Biostimulatory Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2020 Dec 1;19(12):1199-1203. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.5228. 

Han WY, Kim HJ, Kwon R, Kang SM, Yon DK. Safety and Efficacy of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler (Gana V vs. Sculptra) Injection for Correction of the Nasolabial Fold: A Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority, Randomized, Split-Face Controlled Trial. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023 Aug 25. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03600-y. 

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Portrait of Dr. Claytor smiling

Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Apr 9, 2025