It is hard to believe, but even just a couple of decades ago people who had an immunodeficiency virus had very few treatment options. They of course suffered internally, but they also suffered physical affects, such as extreme facial fat loss. However, nowadays, there are more different kinds of medicines available in order to help treat these immunodeficiency viruses, as well as various procedures to help correct the appearance of facial fat loss.
One such procedure that is available to restore facial thickness is called Sculptra. Specifically, Sculptra involves injecting various areas of the face with poly-L-lactic acid. This acid is something that has been designed to be biocompatible, meaning that it works well with the chemistry of the body. Additionally, this acid is also considered to be easily broken down by the body. In fact, this acid has been used in other medical procedures, such as various implants, as well as stitches that dissolve.
Something that prospective patients are especially curious to find out about Sculptra is what the injections actually do to the skin. While it does not actually replace the amount of fat that has been lost, it does, over several sessions, gradually increase the thickness of the skin. So, it is important for prospective patients to know that results will not be immediately visible after the first treatment.
Some patients might actually think that results will be immediately visible after the first session, but what they are actually seeing is the swelling that will initially be caused. A few days after the first treatment, the skin might appear the same as it did before the treatment. So, it is important for the person to have patience. The healthcare provider of the patient will look at how well he or she did with the first treatment, and make additional judgments on how many more treatments the patient will need. On average, a patient might need anywhere from three to six treatments.
Patients who have never had this procedure done before are, no doubt, curious to know whether the injections hurt. Generally speaking, the injections should not be painful. This is because prior to the injections being given, the doctor will usually apply a topical anesthetic cream to the areas that are going to be treated.
Each session will take on a familiar pattern, in which the face is cleaned with an antiseptic, the topical anesthetic cream is applied, and the injections are given. After each treatment session, the patient will be given an ice pack in order to help them in order to lessen swelling and bruising.
There are other kinds of dermal fillers on the market that are designed to give the skin a thicker appearance, but they do not, usually, last any longer than a couple of months. However, in some circumstances, people who have Sculptra done can see their results last for up to two years. After that time, the patient usually has the option of having the injections done again in order to maintain optimal results.
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