Sculptra Injections: Preparation, Technique, and Treatment Areas

Sculptra injections are a popular choice for facial volumization and improvement of skin texture. Proper preparation, technique, and knowledge of suitable treatment areas are crucial for achieving optimal results while minimizing complications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to prepare Sculptra, the techniques for injection, and the areas best suited for treatment.

Preparation

Reconstitution:

• Reconstitute Sculptra at least two to seven days before treatment with 6ml of bacteriostatic water.
• On the day of injection, add 3ml of lidocaine with epinephrine to make a solution of 9ml in the vial. This reduces the need for a local anesthetic injection before treatment.
• Gently roll the vial to mix the solution without forming bubbles.
• Use a 21-gauge needle to draw the solution and a 25-gauge needle to inject.
• Follow strict aseptic standards to minimize infection risk and clean the treatment area thoroughly prior to injection.
• Most practitioners advocate a subdermal injection, with the depth varying depending on the area treated.

Equipment and Technique

Needles vs. Cannula:

• Either needles or cannula can be used for Sculptra injections.
• Cannulas allow for the fanning technique, covering larger areas with less trauma and bruising. However, they can be harder to operate for inexperienced practitioners.
• Needles are cost-effective and easy to use. Suitable examples include 0.5 Terumo 26-gauge needles and 1.5, 25-gauge needles from other brands.
  

Injection Technique:

• Use a slip-lock syringe for a better grip on the needle hub.
• Do not force if you feel excessive resistive force during extrusion.
• Perform aspiration prior to injection and ensure the needle stays in place.
• Inject slowly and gently to minimize trauma.
• Post-injection, massage the area to spread the filler material evenly.

Treatment Areas

1. Temple:
   • Inject 1 to 3ml of product per side at the periosteal level, avoiding the superficial temporal artery and its branches.
     
2. Zygomatic Arch:
   • Use a 1.5-inch needle for deep injection into the superior surface of the arch with the retrograde injection technique.
   • 2ml of filler material can provide necessary volumization to lift the lower face.
     
3. Mid-Cheek:
   • Inject 2 to 3ml per cheek over the malar region into the periosteum using the fanning technique.
   • Be cautious of the neurovascular bundle in the infra-orbital foramen area.
     
4. Alar Triangle:
   • Position the needle at a 45-degree angle 5mm medial to the alar triangle and pull the nose forward to avoid the angular artery.
     
5. Parotid and Buccal Areas:
   • Use a 1.5-inch needle for deeper insertion, avoiding the parotid fascia and superficial temporal artery.
   • Use the fanning and retrograde injection technique with approximately 2ml of filler.
     
6. Marionette and Chin:
   • Inject at the inferior part of the chin along the mandibular rami with deep, retrograde injections.
   • The mental crease can also be treated with this technique.

Skin Texture Improvement

• The aforementioned techniques can be applied to any skin region, especially thin areas with UV-induced changes or atrophic acne scars.

Aftercare

• Post-treatment care involves massaging the injected areas. Patients should perform two five-minute massages daily for one week.
• Emphasize the importance of massaging to patients to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion

Mastering the preparation, technique, and treatment areas for Sculptra injections can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Proper reconstitution, injection techniques, and aftercare are crucial steps in ensuring patient satisfaction and minimizing complications. By following these guidelines, practitioners can provide safe and effective treatments with Sculptra.

Sculptra Injections: Preparation, Technique, and Treatment Areas

Sculptra injections are a popular choice for facial volumization and improvement of skin texture. Proper preparation, technique, and knowledge of suitable treatment areas are crucial for achieving optimal results while minimizing complications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to prepare Sculptra, the techniques for injection, and the areas best suited for treatment.