How to Inject Sculptra

Intended for use as a cosmetic implant, Sculptra Aesthetic, may only be administered by a physician. Composed of sterile water, carboxymethylcellulose, poly-L-lactic acid and non-pyrogenic mannitol, Sculptra Aesthetic may be injected under facial skin to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Unlike other popularized wrinkle fillers, a patient may require up to four treatment sessions to achieve desired results as change is gradual and dependent upon the depth of a person's wrinkles. In addition, patients must support the treatment process by massaging a facial moisturizer into their treatment areas for five minutes, fives times per day for five days after each session.

Instructions

• 1

  Use a water-soluble pencil to create a grid pattern that is both parallel and perpendicular to the nasolabial folds on the patient's face.

• 2

  Attach a sterile 26 gauge needle to a syringe and fill with Sculptra Aesthetic. Plunge some of the treatment out of the needle to expel excess air and check for any blockage in the needle. If the needle is blocked or becomes blocked during the procedure, replace it with a new one and reevaluate for blockage.

• 3

  Use your thumb and index finger to stretch the area of medial to the nasolabial wrinkle. Insert the needle at a 30 to 40 degree angle. Push the needle through to the second layer of skin, the dermis. If the needle is being injected too far, you will feel tissue resistance. If the needle is not injected deep enough, the area of skin will turn white. In this event, remove the needle and rub the skin in a circular motion. If the skin does not return to its normal color, do not re-inject.

• 4

  Do not inject Sculptra yet. Pull back the plunger on the syringe first. If blood returns to the syringe, remove it because the needle is in a blood vessel. Apply pressure to the injection site to stop bleeding. If no blood returns, place the needle at a 10 to 20 degree angle so Sculptra Aesthetic will reach the deep layer of the dermis. This is called the tunneling technique.

• 5

  Inject .1 to .2 ml of Sculptra Aesthetic at the base of the nasolabial fold while simultaneously withdrawing the needle slowly. This maneuver is referred to clinically as a retrograde injection. Space the next injection at a .5 to 1 cm distance from the first injection. Do not use more than 2.5 ml of Sculptra Aesthetic per treatment session. Massage the treatment area after every three to four injections for even distribution.