Were you blessed with many wonderful attributes except for a bodacious booty? Or maybe the years and gravity have robbed you of that pert tushy you used to love in your favourite pair of jeans. Have you scoured the net for info on butt enhancement options but the whole idea of surgery just seems overwhelming? Surgical butt implants or Liposuction, then fat grafting–and what if you don’t have enough fat to harvest for grafting?
The non-surgical Sculptra butt lift and enhancement may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Sculptra, which has been used since 1999, for facial contouring, falls into the ‘filler’ category. However, unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that just add volume, Sculptra induces your own collagen to grow by causing an inflammatory response in your body so that your collagen is called upon to heal that inflammation. The result is an increase in overall volume and this collagen boost also firms the buttocks and improves the skin quality just as it does on the face. And unlike other options, except for some minor soreness, the Sculptra Butt Lift has no downtime.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a polymer synthetically derived from natural components (poly-L-lactic acid) and is a biocompatible substance which means it does not harm the body.
Where is it injected?
Sculptra is injected deep, below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Depending on where the deficits are, the lift is created by injecting high up on the buttocks and on the top of the cheeks. By adding volume to this part of the buttocks, the rest of the buttocks and the skin itself is lifted.
How does it feel?
Patients report that they feel very little if any discomfort at all during the injections. This is partially due to the lidocaine that is mixed with the Sculptra powder to reconstitute it. The areas are numbed throughout the injection process.
How much Sculptra is needed?
Everyone’s enhancement needs are different but most will need 3 treatments, using 3-6 vials per treatment performed every 2-3 months. This is the time it takes for the collagen to begin growing and results start becoming visible.
How long does it last?
Clinical studies saw the results lasting up to 2 years and if yearly touch-up treatments are performed, the results can be maintained for many years. The act of using the cannula under the skin also creates some long-lasting minor scar tissue which provides extra scaffolding to support the enhancement.
What does it cost?
Each vial of Sculptra can range from $800 to $1000 but most clinics have a price package for treatments that use multiple vials making it more affordable.
What can you expect after the treatment?
Although you will see an immediate volume replacement and lift, this is mostly swelling from the liquid that is added to the Sculptra (Saline and Lidocaine). Expect some of this to dissipate in the first week as the liquid is absorbed. You’ll need to be patient for a few months until your results become visible. It’s important to remember that your results will not be as dramatic as a surgical lift but most patients are very happy.
Some minor bruising, redness and soreness may occur but should subside within a few days. It is important for you to continue the ‘5-5-5’ aftercare which is, massage the area 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days. This massage breaks down possible small lumps that can form from the collagen clumping around the product. If these occur even with massaging, they will usually break down on their own as the effects of the Sculptra fades.
Can it be used on the thighs as well?
Yes, Sculptra can be used in most areas of the body to fill in indentations and smooth and tighten skin. It is also effective for the treatment of cellulite.
As with any cosmetic injectables, make sure you have an experienced injector that you trust administering the treatment.
Then, relax and wait for your buns to start rising!
