Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin’s elasticity, firmness, and hydration. It’s the most abundant protein in the skin, making up to 75% of the skin’s dry weight. Collagen helps prevent the skin from sagging, maintains its smoothness, and retains moisture. There are five main types of collagen, each with different characteristics:

• Collagen Type I: Abundant in the skin, this type provides structure, strength, and resilience to the skin.
• Collagen Type II: Found in softer tissues like cartilage, it supports joints and acts as a cushion to absorb impact.
• Collagen Type III: Works in conjunction with Collagen Type I and is found in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels.
• Collagen Type IV: Found in basement membranes of various organs and is essential for maintaining tissue integrity and functions of the nervous system and blood vessels.
• Collagen Type V: Found in various cellular tissues, such as in the eye’s cornea, and contributes to the orderly arrangement of skin, hair, and nails.

As people age, collagen production gradually decreases, leading to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging, and dryness. Sculptra’s PLLA particles help counteract this collagen loss, resulting in a more youthful appearance by stimulating the body’s own collagen production.

Sculptra is a substance that stimulates collagen production in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. It contains Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for its safety. Sculptra is mixed with sterile water and injected into the subcutaneous layer, providing immediate fullness. Over time, the water is absorbed by the body, leaving behind the PLLA molecules. Sculptra works by triggering the body’s natural collagen production through the immune system. It sends signals to fibroblast cells to increase collagen production, resulting in firmer and more elastic skin. Studies have shown that Sculptra can increase collagen production by up to 66.5%. The effects of Sculptra can last up to 2 years as it gradually dissolves in the body.

In contrast, Sculptra differs from other treatments like fillers. Fillers are typically made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and provide immediate volume to specific areas of the face, addressing issues like volume loss, wrinkles, or lines. Fillers can last from 6 to 24 months, depending on the brand and type used. They focus on augmenting and enhancing specific facial features.

Additionally, there is another filler type known as “skin boosters.” These are lower molecular weight HA fillers designed to improve overall skin hydration, elasticity, and texture. Skin boosters are often used to treat issues like dry or aging skin and can be injected across the entire face.

Sculptra should not be confused with medical skin treatments like “Gouri” or “skin boosters” like Sculptra and Exosome treatments. Gouri is a Polycaprolactone (PCL) filler used to restore volume and stimulate collagen production in the skin. It can last for about a year. Sculptra, on the other hand, consists of PLLA and focuses on enhancing the skin’s elasticity and firmness, with results lasting for up to 2 years.

Exosome is a biological substance extracted from cells, which is rich in growth factors, peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acids, and proteins. Exosome injections aim to rejuvenate and repair the skin, reducing dark spots, wrinkles, and promoting skin brightness and clarity. The results from Exosome treatments are typically seen faster and are more short-term, lasting for a few months.

Sculptra and Rejuran both belong to the category of collagen biostimulators. However, they use different substances. Rejuran consists of Polynucleotide (PN) derived from salmon DNA, which helps stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin, but its effects typically last about 2-3 months. Sculptra, on the other hand, uses PLLA and offers longer-lasting results for up to 2 years.

In summary, Sculptra is suitable for individuals who want to address loose, less elastic skin, noticeable wrinkles, and signs of aging. It is also ideal for those seeking long-lasting results and is willing to wait for the effects to develop over time.