Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, and Ibuprofen, and some supplements such as fish oils and Gingko Biloba for 10 days prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising

• Avoid applying pressure or touching the treated area for 6 hours after the procedure
• Avoid vigorous scrubs, exfoliation, or facial treatment in the area of treatment for 72 hours
• Avoid microdermabrasion or vibradermabrasion for 72 hours after
• Avoid prolonged exposure to directly sunlight or UV/tanning beds for 72 hours after the procedure
• Avoid manipulation of the area following the injection unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare practitioner
• For pain/discomfort, use cool packs and over-the-counter analgesics (acetaminophen, Tylenol)
• Oral or topical Arnica Montana, an herbal supplement, may help with reducing swelling. DO NOT take Arnica Montana if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, St. John’s Wort, oral Vitamin E, and NSAIDs may promote the risk of bruising and bleeding in the injection area
• If you are prone to cold sores (oral herpes simplex), take your prescribed medication (Famvir, Famciclovir, Valtrex, Valacyclovir, Acyclovir) as prescribed for the 24 hours after your treatment.
• If signs and symptoms of infection persist (warmth at the injection site, discharge/pus, pain/discomfort) or if you develop a fever, please contact our office so our staff may assist you
• Massage the treated area 5 time sa day for about 5 minutes for 5 days after treatment
• Within the 24 hours post treatment, hold towel-wrapped ice packs on the treated areas gently for about 3-5 minutes a time
• Avoid excess sunlight and UV exposure until any initial swelling and redness go away
• Do NOT get a facial or a massage for 2 weeks after your procedure
• Avoid strenuous workouts and alcohol for 24 hours post procedure if possible
• If bruising occurs, continue Arnica supplements, apply Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster

Patients can expect mild to moderate swelling post treatment. Due to its intricate vasculature, there is also always the possibility of bruising when injecting the face. The level of swelling and potential of bruising is highly dependent on the area treated. Your injector will give you a more detailed explanation of what to expect after your appointment depending on their treatment plan.

A few days after treatment, you will look as you did before treatment. This is normal. Over time, Sculptra will replace lost collagen. It takes several weeks to see the effects of this treatment, and the appropriate way to do this is to "treat, wait and reassess" in 4-6 weeks.

Treatments are typically done in a series. The number of treatments needed will be determined by your injector depending on your age and quality of skin. Follow up treatments should be scheduled about every 4-6 weeks.

Results can last for up to two years post treatment. As PLLA is biocompatible, it is naturally absorbed by the body over time.