Sculptra: What It Is & How It Works

Close-up of a woman’s lower face with smooth, radiant skin, paired with a graphic illustration of skin cells, representing skin rejuvenation and treatment effects.

Curious about Sculptra? At Calista Aesthetics in Santa Ana’s South Coast Metro, we use Sculptra to gently stimulate your own collagen for smoother, firmer-looking skin over time. Results build gradually and look natural.

What Is Sculptra Made Of?

Sculptra is an injectable made from poly L lactic acid. It’s a biocompatible, biodegradable material used in medicine for years. The sterile powder is mixed with sterile water before treatment. Each vial contains PLLA microparticles along with carboxymethylcellulose and mannitol.

Sculptra works differently than gel “fillers.” It kickstarts your skin’s own collagen production, so improvement appears gradually over weeks to months.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost?

At Calista Aesthetics, Sculptra is $700 for Radiant Members and $800 for non members. Your total depends on your goals and how many sessions you need.

Industry wide, total treatment packages vary because cost depends on the number of sessions and vials, degree of correction, and local market.

Sculptra vs Filler: Key Differences

  • How they work
    Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers add instant volume. Most HA fillers can be dissolved later with hyaluronidase if needed. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that builds support over time and is not reversible.

  • Timeline
    HA looks immediate. Sculptra usually needs a series of 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with visible change starting around 1 month and building up to 2 years.

  • Feel and finish
    HA shapes and lifts right away. Sculptra improves skin’s structure for a subtle, “you but rested” look.

Sculptra for Jowls and Jawline

Many people ask about Sculptra for early jowling or a softer jawline. Sculptra is FDA indicated for facial wrinkles, including cheek wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles. Using it along the jawline is a common, thoughtful off label approach to improve support and definition. We will assess laxity, skin quality, and your goals, and may combine Sculptra with HA filler or skin tightening for best results.

Sculptra Aftercare Tips

Simple aftercare boosts your results:

  • Massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. This helps distribute Sculptra evenly.

  • Use a cloth wrapped ice pack for brief intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Never apply ice directly to skin.

  • Skip saunas, hot yoga, and heavy workouts for a day if you’re puffy or tender.

  • Avoid excessive sun and UV exposure until redness and swelling settle. Wear sunscreen.

  • You can usually wear makeup several hours after treatment if there are no complications.

Finding a Provider

Look for:

  • Injector with specific Sculptra training and experience

  • A clear, conservative plan that matches your goals

  • Before and after photos of similar cases

  • Transparent pricing and follow up

Calista’s injectors are trained in biostimulatory injectables and will guide you through a step by step plan. If you’re near Costa Mesa or Irvine, our Santa Ana location is easy to reach.

How Long Do Results Last?

Most people start to see change at about 1 month. Results can last up to 2 years after a series, thanks to new collagen. Your plan usually includes 2 to 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Maintenance varies by age, skin, and lifestyle.

What Do Sculptra Results Look Like?

Expect a gradual, natural refresh. Fine lines soften. Cheeks and lower face look smoother. Because Sculptra works with your own collagen, you look like you on a good sleep streak, not “done.” See indications and what areas are officially treated here, and ask us what’s right for you.

Before and after picture of woman with red hair in a clinical setting displaying results of facial rejuvenation treatments, including Sculptra for skin rejuvenation, PRF gel sessions, anti-wrinkle maintenance, masseter Botox for facial slimming, lip asymmetry correction, and chin filler, with treatment areas labeled.
Before and after images of a middle-aged woman showing the results of a facial aesthetic treatment. The "before" image highlights deeper wrinkles and lines, particularly on the forehead and around the mouth. The "after" image shows smoother skin with reduced wrinkles, giving a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Cheek filler, chin shadow, anti-wrinkle treatment for upper and lower face.

Why choose Calista Aesthetics in Santa Ana, South Coast Metro?

  • Warm, unrushed consults that put your goals first

  • Transparent pricing and memberships

  • Thoughtful, combination plans for natural looking results

  • Convenient to Costa Mesa and Irvine with easy parking