What if we had a way to treat lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging with something that wouldn't only fill the deficits but would also stimulate the body to boost its natural rejuvenation supplier, collagen?
That's possible with Sculptra®, an injectable collagen biostimulator that prompts your skin to rebuild its own collagen. Through a series of treatments, Sculptra® restores more youthful-looking skin, providing results that can last up to two years.
At Symmetry Med Spa by Bengtson Center in Grand Rapids and Byron Center, our master-level injectors have extensive experience with Sculptra® and the full range of cosmetic injectables available today. Our team can customize a rejuvenation plan to suit your skin type, lifestyle, schedule, budget and aesthetic goals.
Sculptra® is an FDA-approved injectable collagen biostimulator used for correcting wrinkles and fine lines, as well as filling hollow areas and sharpening the jawline.
You may see Sculptra® categorized as a "filler" in the media and on some websites. Technically, it belongs to a different category. Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® add volume directly by attracting water to the injection site. Sculptra® does something fundamentally different. It triggers your body's own collagen-building process so the treated area gradually becomes firmer, plumper and smoother.
This injectable is made from Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), a synthetic polymer that has been used medically for suture material since the 1970s. The use of this substance creates a unique reaction at the injection site. Your body is prompted to generate new collagen, which then improves the appearance of that area with a thoroughly natural-looking result.
When Sculptra® is injected beneath the skin, its PLLA microparticles become an internal scaffold. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, activate and build new collagen fibers around and between the PLLA particles. The PLLA particles are eventually absorbed by the body, but the new collagen matrix they stimulated stays behind. This is why the results of a Sculptra® treatment last longer (up to 24 months) than the results of a hyaluronic acid filler.
Sculptra®'s FDA-approved indications cover the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial folds (smile lines), other facial wrinkles, and fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek area.
Sculptra® can also be used to plump hollow facial areas (such as the temples), contour the jawline and chin, restore volume in the backs of the hands, soften the appearance of blunt cheekbones and minimize the appearance of depressed scars.
The benefits of choosing Sculptra® include:
Great candidates for Sculptra® include those seeking volume restoration due to aging or weight loss and those interested in a semi-permanent solution where full results are realized gradually over a few months.
Because of the way Poly-L-Lactic Acid works to restore fullness, those looking for immediate results would likely want to select a different facial rejuvenation option.
Those with certain autoimmune diseases or a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring are also advised not to use Sculptra. Please be sure to note any ongoing health concerns with your provider prior to treatment. If you are prone to certain types of scarring or have other topical skin issues, you will want to discuss those in detail at a consultation to determine if Sculptra® is right for you.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and RHA® work immediately. They add volume at the injection site by attracting and binding to water. Results are visible the same day and typically last six to eighteen months. HA fillers can be dissolved if needed or desired.
Sculptra® works gradually by stimulating collagen production. There is minimal immediate volume change. Full results develop over roughly six to twelve weeks after each injection session, and improvements can last up to two years or longer. Sculptra® cannot be dissolved.
Neither option is inherently superior. The best injectable for a given patient depends on the specific concern, the treatment area, the desired result and the patient's preference for a gradual versus immediate result. Our Master Injectors often combine injectables from different categories for holistic facial rejuvenation.
During your Sculptra® consultation in Grand Rapids or Byron Center, your Master Injector will assess the pattern and degree of volume loss in your face, evaluate your skin quality and elasticity, review your health history and any medications or supplements you're currently taking, and discuss your goals. Based on this assessment, they'll recommend a treatment plan.
A Sculptra® appointment typically takes about one hour. Most of this time is spent in preparation and allowing topical anesthetics to be fully effective. Your skin will be cleaned with an antibacterial solution, and a numbing cream will be applied. Along with topical numbing agents, the Poly-L-Lactic Acid injection is blended with lidocaine to further reduce discomfort. Most patients describe the injection sensation as a mild pressure or pinching rather than pain.
Most patients return to their normal routines the same day. You may experience some swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising at the injection sites. These reactions are common and typically resolve within a few days. Stop intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours, avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs, prolonged sun exposure) and do not schedule other facial treatments for about two weeks.
The most important aftercare step is massage. Following the widely used "5-5-5 rule," you'll massage the treated areas five times a day, for five minutes each time, for five days after each session. This helps distribute the product evenly and reduces the risk of nodule formation. Your Master Injector will demonstrate the proper technique before you leave your appointment.
Sculptra® is not designed to provide immediate results. The product may initially add a little fullness to your face, but expect that to fade away within a day or two. The most powerful effects of the treatment evolve gradually over four to six months as Sculptra® stimulates collagen production.
Sculptra® is intended to be used as a series of treatments, usually up to four injection sessions that are booked at least four weeks apart. Once a complete outcome is reached, you can expect to see these results for up to two years. Sculptra® is eventually broken down by the body and maintenance treatments may be required to extend the benefits of the treatment.
Our goal is to give you the most natural-looking results available and the most welcoming experience you can have.
Every injectable treatment at Symmetry Med Spa is performed by highly skilled Aesthetic Experts, Master Injectors who are committed to providing our patients with state-of-the-art, naturally rejuvenated results. Our team works under the supervision of three board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Bradley Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso and Dr. Narges Horriat.
Our commitment to innovation, advanced training and our passion for our patients keep patients coming back for Sculptra® and other advanced non-surgical treatments.
Symmetry Med Spa by Bengtson Center is conveniently located in Grand Rapids and Byron Center, serving patients throughout West Michigan and statewide.
If you're curious about whether Sculptra® could help you achieve a refreshed yet natural appearance, we'd love to talk through your options. Call us at 616-202-5640 or book your consultation online to get started.
Sculptra® injections are easy to tolerate and are pre-mixed with lidocaine to help ease discomfort. Most patients experience a pinching or pressure sensation.
As with most injectables, risks include bruising, swelling and redness. We are glad to discuss any concerns regarding side effects during a consultation.
Since no specific safety studies have been conducted with Sculptra® for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it's best to wait for treatment.
There is virtually no downtime after Sculptra. You will be able to drive and go back to work, although you may have some swelling at the treatment site.
The cost of Sculptra® filler depends on the number of injections needed and your particular beauty goals. Pricing and payment options will be detailed during a consultation. We offer financing through PatientFi to make treatment more accessible.
Sculptra® is not a permanent filler, but improvements have been shown to last up to two years. Patients usually return for upkeep and maintenance treatments.
Yes. You can use Sculptra® by itself or with other skin rejuvenation treatments. Common combinations include BOTOX® or DAXXIFY® for expression lines, hyaluronic acid fillers for immediate volume, laser treatments for skin texture and tone, and medical-grade skincare products to support and extend your results. Our surgeons have also used Sculptra® to restore facial volume in facelift patients.
Most patients receive two to three Sculptra® treatment sessions. Your Master Injector will assess your progress after each session and adjust your plan accordingly.
Sculptra® results appear gradually. You may notice some initial fullness immediately after treatment, but this subsides within a few days. The real improvement begins as new collagen forms, which typically becomes visible over six to twelve weeks after each session.
No. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which can be dissolved by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase, Sculptra® cannot be reversed once injected. This is one reason why choosing an experienced injector is critical with this particular product.
The results don't disappear as rapidly as they might with a hyaluronic acid filler. First, the PLLA particles in Sculptra® are absorbed by your body, but the collagen they stimulated remains. Over a longer period of time, the collagen also breaks down, just as other collagen in your body does, and your appearance will slowly return to your pre-treatment baseline. Many patients schedule maintenance sessions approximately once per year to sustain their results.
Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Horriat, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.
Grand Rapids
2155 E Paris Ave SE, Suite 100,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 588-8880
Byron Center
4020 Del Mar Dr SW,
Wyoming, MI 49418
(616) 730-8332
Monday 8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 5pm
*Saturday 9am -12pm
Sunday Closed
*Open select Saturdays.
Please call the office for details.
