Today’s advancements in the cosmetic industry are helping millions of people rejuvenate their appearance. However, while focusing on the face and extra pounds, people often neglect one body area – the neck. As we age, prominent lines, sagging skin, and fat deposits start appearing here as well.
·
Luckily, dermal fillers such as Sculptra effectively address aging signs in the neck area. This article explains how it works and what results to expect.
Yes, Sculptra is one of the most popular treatments for neck wrinkles and laxity. It belongs to a category of semi-permanent fillers, which trigger the body’s natural healing mechanism and stimulate collagen production.
Sculptra is based on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that augments soft tissue, smoothing and firming the overlying skin. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds, smile lines, and other moderate to severe facial wrinkles. It is also used off-label to plump up and smooth the skin on the neck.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, a protein that gives our skin support, shape, and elasticity. The loss of collagen results in the loss of skin volume and the appearance of wrinkles.
Unlike popular dermal fillers based on hyaluronic acid (HA), Sculptra stimulates the production of collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid is injected deep into the dermis, where collagen is stored. The injected PLLA stimulates the body to increase the production of collagen as a defense mechanism because the body views the PLLA microparticles as foreign.
The body degrades the PLLA after a few months, replacing the injected substance with newly produced collagen. This process gradually restores volume to sagging, wrinkled skin on the neck.
Sculptra for the neck is suitable for healthy adults with the following concerns associated with aging and collagen decline:
Patients are typically in their late 30s and older. They understand that Sculptra doesn’t provide instant, dramatic transformation but subtle, gradual, and natural-looking results.
Sculptra is a popular neck treatment because it provides a range of benefits.
The procedure for Sculptra injections is similar to other dermal filler treatments. The medical provider first cleans the neck area with a rubbing alcohol and applies a topical numbing cream to make the procedure painless.
The medical provider then marks the location for the injection and injects Sculptra along the marked spots. The injection process typically lasts 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the neck skin issue. The whole procedure (including the application of numbing cream) takes up to one hour.
After the procedure, the patient can resume their usual daily activities, excluding strenuous exercise and tanning.
Sculptra gradually rebuilds the skin and provides natural-looking results. After a Sculptra treatment, the neck is visibly smoother and tighter.
Patients need one to four treatments spaced several weeks apart. The results appear gradually because it takes time to rebuild lost collagen.
The amount of Sculptra required for the neck varies depending on the patient’s age and the severity of aging signs. Patients typically need one to two vials per session and the treatment is performed over multiple sessions.
The results are not immediate. They become noticeable within several weeks of the treatment and more visible changes appear after several months. Patients can expect a gradual softening of wrinkles and an overall improvement in skin quality over time, with results continuing to develop after each session.
The effects of the treatment typically last up to 24 months after the final session. The longevity of results depends on various factors, such as the patient’s age, skin quality, metabolism, and lifestyle habits. Providers usually recommend maintenance treatments.
Proper aftercare contributes to the quality and longevity of the results of Sculptra for the neck. The following aftercare tips help minimize side effects and enhance the outcome.
Note: For a comprehensive list of recommendations on how to take care of your neck after Sculptra, read our article on dermal filler aftercare.
Sculptra for the neck usually causes temporary side effects, such as the following:
More severe complications are possible if the filler is administered improperly. They include:
If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, contact your medical provider for help.
Note: For more information, refer to our comprehensive guide to filler side effects.
During the initial consultation for Sculptra, the provider reviews the patient’s medical history and overall health to determine whether the treatment is safe and appropriate. Some conditions increase the risk of health complications or require postponing Sculptra. They include the following:
In such cases, providers may recommend alternative neck treatments.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Sculptra costs $900 per vial.
The number of treatments and total cost depend on the severity of the patient’s signs of aging and desired results.
If you’re still uncertain about using Sculptra for aging signs on your neck, these answers to questions from other patients can help.
The choice between Sculptra and Radiesse is a matter of personal preference. Both fillers are collagen biostimulators that help augment, firm, and smooth aging skin on the neck over time. Radiesse also provides immediate volume thanks to calcium microspheres in the formulation, which form an immediate support structure in the target area. However, Radiesse results typically last about one year. Sculptra works more gradually and lasts significantly longer.
Yes, Sculptra for the neck can be combined with other treatments to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. For loose skin on the neck, Sculptra can be very effective in combination with skin-tightening procedures, such as radiofrequency and microneedling.
For pronounced wrinkles on the neck, Sculptra is often paired with Botox, which relaxes the activity of neck muscles and reduces the appearance of neck bands.
Sculptra for the neck is an off-label procedure because the filler hasn’t been FDA-approved for this particular area. However, it is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced medical provider. Make sure to schedule the treatment with a skilled medical professional to avoid complications.
From reducing wrinkles to eliminating fat, cosmetic treatments can improve a range of aesthetic issues from head to toe. If aging signs below your chin have caught you by surprise, consider Sculptra as an effective way to achieve a youthful, elegant neck.
About the Author:
Come Vibe With Us!
We are a Phoenix-based full-service medical spa with a passion for enhancing our clients’ natural beauty from the inside out.
Latest Posts
Browse Topics
