Sculptra: Aftercare Advice
Following the right aftercare helps Sculptra settle evenly and gives your skin the best chance to build new collagen. This advice is based on Galderma's patient information for Sculptra. Nicole will talk you through it at your appointment.
What to expect
It's normal to have some swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness or itching where Sculptra was injected. This usually settles within a week, although some swelling can last a little longer.
Your face may look fuller straight after treatment. This is from the fluid used to prepare Sculptra and goes down within a few days. Sculptra then works gradually as your skin builds new collagen, so results appear over the following weeks and months.
What to avoid
Until any swelling and redness have settled, please avoid:
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Strenuous exercise and alcohol for the first 24 hours
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Aspirin or ibuprofen for a day or two, as they can increase bruising (paracetamol is fine). Never stop a medicine your doctor has prescribed
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Strong sun, sunbeds, UV lamps and extreme heat or cold (such as saunas, steam rooms or very cold weather)
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Touching the area, shaving it or applying creams, other than your massage
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Make-up for the first few hours
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Other skin treatments, such as facials, peels or laser, until the area has fully healed
Massage: the 5-5-5 rule
Massage is an important part of Sculptra aftercare. It helps the product spread evenly as your collagen builds.
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Massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days
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Use the technique Nicole shows you at your appointment
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A cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth, used for a few minutes at a time, can help with swelling
Other things to note
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Results build gradually over several weeks as your skin makes new collagen
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Most people need 2–3 sessions, at least four weeks apart. Your follow-up should be no sooner than four weeks after treatment
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Results can last up to two years after a full course
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Occasionally, small bumps can appear under the skin weeks or months later. If you notice any, please let Nicole know
Need Help?
If you have any questions or feel unsure about anything after your treatment, I'm always here to help. Please get in touch if you notice:
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Swelling, redness or other reactions lasting more than 14 days
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Lumps or bumps under the skin
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Recurring blisters or cold sores
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Signs of infection, such as a fever, spreading redness, discharge or pain that gets worse
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have any change in your vision, signs of a stroke, sudden breathlessness or chest pain, skin that turns white or pale, or severe or unusual pain soon after treatment.