Sculptra®
Subtle Volume.
Long-Term Confidence.
At Radiance Wellness, in the Hillcrest and Bankers Hill area of San Diego, we believe that aging gracefully doesn’t mean changing your face—it means nurturing the structure beneath it. If you're noticing changes in skin firmness, elasticity, or quality, Sculptra Aesthetic offers a regenerative, long-lasting solution that enhances your features—not overwhelms them.
Sculptra is ideal for those looking to improve skin firmness and texture over time by replenishing lost collagen. Whether you’re preparing for a milestone moment or simply want to feel more aligned with how you look, this injectable offers a safe, subtle, and effective path toward natural-looking results.
Book a consultation today
Sculptra at a Glance
Sculptra supports long-term skin rejuvenation by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. Ideal for improving skin firmness, elasticity, and overall texture, this FDA-approved injectable works in the deeper layers of the skin to rebuild structure gradually—delivering subtle, natural-looking results without the need for surgery or volumizing fillers.
A Regenerative Approach to Volume Loss
Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Sculptra doesn’t create instant change. Instead, it works with your body, using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)—a biocompatible, biodegradable compound—to stimulate natural collagen production. This process helps restore the skin’s foundational support, improving its tone, firmness, and overall appearance over time.
Once injected into the treatment area, PLLA microparticles activate your skin’s regenerative process, replenishing collagen that naturally diminishes with age—up to 1% per year starting in our 20s, and accelerating around menopause. Most clients undergo 2–3 treatment sessions, spaced several weeks apart, with noticeable improvement in elasticity, texture, and skin quality over several months. One annual maintenance session is recommended thereafter.
How Sculptra Works
What Sculptra Treats
- Nasolabial folds and smile lines
- Marionette lines
- Hollow cheeks, temples, and jawline
- Facial thinning due to age or weight change
While Sculptra may subtly improve the appearance of volume loss, it is primarily used to support skin integrity and firmness—not as a direct replacement for dermal fillers. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to delay or avoid plastic surgery, offering a restorative and empowering way to support your skin’s natural function.
What to Expect
Your journey at Radiance Wellness begins with a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert providers. Together, you'll review your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and ideal timeline. Your provider will design a personalized treatment plan, identifying precise injection sites to support natural collagen production and strategic skin rejuvenation.
Each session is performed with your comfort in mind. Lidocaine may be used during injections to ease sensitivity, and appointments typically last under an hour.
Downtime & Aftercare
Sculptra is a nonsurgical treatment with little to no downtime. Most patients return to regular activities the same day. You may experience minor swelling or tenderness post-treatment, but these effects are temporary.
To ensure best results, we recommend following a simple aftercare protocol:
- Apply ice packs as needed in the first 24 hours
- Gently massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days
- Avoid strenuous workouts, facials, blood-thinning medications or alcohol for 24–48 hours
- Follow a skin care routine approved by your provider to support healing and collagen synthesis
Your provider will walk you through each step and remain available for ongoing support throughout your treatment series.
Why Radiance Wellness?
At Radiance Wellness, we offer more than aesthetics—we offer care that considers your whole self. Our team is dedicated to healthcare-level safety, dermatology-informed protocols, and relationship-based care that prioritizes your comfort and goals.
Our experienced aesthetic injectors bring a holistic, patient-first philosophy to every appointment. With advanced training in treatments like BOTOX® and Sculptra Aesthetic, they focus on natural-looking results that enhance your features without compromising your individuality. Whether you're navigating facial wrinkles or looking for subtle volume restoration, our team is here to support you with thoughtful, personalized care.
Come in as you are—our job is to help you feel radiant from the inside out.
FAQs About Sculptra
How many Sculptra sessions will I need?
Most clients benefit from a series of 2–3 Sculptra sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by yearly maintenance to preserve collagen stimulation and facial structure. Your exact plan will depend on your goals and areas of treatment.
Is Sculptra painful?
Sculptra injections are typically well tolerated. A topical numbing cream or local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort, and most clients describe the treatment as a quick series of small pinches or pressure points.
When will I see results?
Sculptra works gradually, stimulating your body’s own collagen production. You may begin to see subtle improvements in volume and texture within a few weeks, with continued enhancement over 3–6 months as collagen develops. Results can last up to two years or longer with maintenance.
Can Sculptra be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Sculptra pairs beautifully with neuromodulators (like BOTOX®), dermal fillers for facial balancing, and skin-rejuvenating treatments such as microneedling or BBL. Your provider can recommend a customized plan to achieve natural, harmonious results.
Is Sculptra safe for all skin types?
Sculptra is FDA-approved and safe for most skin types. Common side effects—such as mild swelling, redness, or tenderness—are temporary and typically resolve within a few days. During your consultation, your provider will discuss your medical history and ensure Sculptra is the right fit for you.
¹ Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38206151/. Accessed June 18, 2025.
How much does a Sculptra treatment cost?
Pricing varies depending on the number of vials needed, your treatment areas, and your unique collagen goals. During your consultation, we’ll create a personalized plan and discuss expected treatment costs in detail.
For the most current pricing, visit our Service Menu or schedule a consultation at Radiance Wellness.
Pre/Post Treatment Instructions
Pre-care
- Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks before a special event. Redness, swelling, and bruising may occur.
- To reduce risk of bruising, avoid blood-thinning agents for 3–7 days prior to treatment (aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, flaxseed oil, garlic, St. John’s Wort, etc.). Always consult your physician before stopping any prescribed medications.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and niacin supplements for 24–48 hours pre- and post-treatment.
- Consider starting oral Arnica montana 2 days prior to injections to minimize bruising.
- Let your provider know if you are prone to cold sores—an antiviral may be prescribed to reduce risk of outbreak.
- Treatment cannot be performed over areas with active skin infections, acne flares, or rashes.
- Discontinue IPL, laser treatments, microneedling, and waxing on or near the treatment area for 7 days before your appointment.
- You may not be pregnant. If breastfeeding, we require clearance from your pediatrician.
- For men, please limit facial hair to a short stubble.
Your Appointment
- We’ll start with a consultation to determine your treatment goals and assess whether injections or microneedling with Sculptra is the most appropriate option.
- A topical anesthetic may be applied for your comfort.
- Using a fine needle or cannula, your provider will inject Sculptra into the targeted areas.
- Gentle post-injection massage helps ensure even distribution—this is often performed both during and after treatment.
- You will not see immediate volumization—Sculptra works gradually by stimulating your body’s own collagen production. Results typically begin to appear around 6–8 weeks and continue to improve for up to 12 months.
- A series of treatments (usually 2–3 sessions spaced ~4–6 weeks apart) is often recommended for best results
Post-care
- Redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising are common and typically resolve within 1–2 weeks.
- Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed for any discomfort.
- Follow the 5-5-5 rule: Massage the treated area(s) 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days post-treatment. This helps prevent nodules and promotes even product distribution.
- Avoid facials or other cosmetic treatments in the area for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
- Avoid applying makeup for 24 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, or prolonged sun/heat exposure for 24–72 hours.
- If needed, apply a cold compress for 15 minutes every hour on the day of treatment to reduce swelling.
- An oral antihistamine can be taken to manage swelling, if recommended by your provider.
- Sleep face-up with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to minimize swelling.
Get in Touch
Book now
Feel like yourself, just fresher.
Book your Sculptra consultation today at Radiance Wellness in Banker's Hill, San Diego, just next to Hillcrest.
Let’s create a plan that helps your features feel refreshed, not replaced.
