Sculptra
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Looking for a non-surgical way to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles, or enhance the shape of your buttocks? Sculptra® is a collagen-stimulating injectable made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible material that works gradually to rejuvenate your appearance. FDA-approved for treating volume loss and facial wrinkles, Sculptra injections are a popular choice in Manhattan and New York City for patients seeking subtle, natural-looking results. Whether you’re targeting hollow areas, smile lines, marionette lines, or exploring a non-surgical butt lift, Sculptra offers long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Sculptra is one of several injectable treatments we offer. Explore our full range of dermal fillers here.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible and biodegradable compound that acts as a collagen stimulator. Once injected beneath the skin, Sculptra triggers your body’s natural collagen production—rebuilding structure and improving skin elasticity over time. Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that provide immediate results, Sculptra works gradually to enhance facial volume and improve skin thickness from within.1
Sculptra injections are commonly used to treat areas of volume loss such as the cheeks, temples, jawline, and nasolabial folds, as well as deeper facial wrinkles and marionette lines. It’s also a popular choice for non-surgical gluteal augmentation, offering a subtle butt lift and contour enhancement without implants or surgery. Most patients begin to see natural-looking results within a few weeks, with continued improvement over a series of treatment sessions tailored to their individual treatment plan.2
Benefits of Sculptra
Sculptra offers several benefits for those seeking a non-surgical solution for facial rejuvenation or enhancing the appearance of their buttocks. Some of the benefits of Sculptra include:
Sculptra offers a powerful solution for patients in NYC and Manhattan looking to restore youthful facial volume or achieve subtle buttock enhancement—without plastic surgery. As a biocompatible, FDA-approved injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), Sculptra delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results by stimulating your body’s own collagen production.
Key Benefits of Sculptra:
- Minimally invasive – A non-surgical alternative with no incisions or general anesthesia required
- Natural-looking, gradual improvement – Enhances facial contours and buttocks over time with subtle, progressive changes
- Long-lasting results – Enjoy volume restoration and skin rejuvenation that can last up to two years or more
- Collagen stimulation from within – Boosts natural collagen production to improve skin texture, elasticity, and volume
- Safe and biocompatible – Made from biodegradable PLLA, safely absorbed by the body
- Low downtime – Most patients return to their normal activities immediately following treatment sessions
- Customizable treatment plan – Targeted areas and number of sessions are tailored to your anatomy, goals, and desired results
Whether you’re targeting smile lines, marionette lines, hollow areas, or seeking a non-surgical butt lift, the benefits of Sculptra make it one of the most versatile injectable treatments available today.
Sculptra For The Face
As we age, natural collagen loss and facial volume loss can lead to hollow cheeks, deep facial wrinkles, and a tired or sunken appearance—especially around the eyes, jawline, and temples. Sculptra injections offer a non-surgical solution to these common signs of aging by working beneath the skin to stimulate new collagen production.
Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that provide immediate results, Sculptra treatment improves skin structure and elasticity gradually. Over a series of treatment sessions, this injectable volumizer enhances facial contours and restores a more youthful appearance—without the need for plastic surgery or extended downtime.
Patients in Manhattan and throughout New York City turn to Sculptra for natural-looking facial rejuvenation that targets fine lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other visible signs of aging—delivering subtle yet long-lasting results.
Sculptra vs Fillers
Sculptra differs from traditional fillers in how it works, what it treats, and how long it lasts. While fillers like Juvederm use hyaluronic acid for instant results, Sculptra stimulates collagen production over time. It’s best for facial volume loss, with long-lasting results that may exceed two years.
Who Is A Candidate For Sculptra For Face?
You may be a good candidate for Sculptra if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Have facial volume loss in areas like the cheeks, temples, or jawline
- Want to reduce facial wrinkles, folds, or hollow areas
- Prefer gradual, natural-looking results over time
- Are seeking a longer-lasting solution than hyaluronic acid fillers
- Want a non-surgical option to refresh your appearance
Sculptra is ideal for patients who want a customizable treatment plan that fits their facial structure and goals—without the downtime of plastic surgery.
The Sculptra Butt Lift
The Sculptra butt lift is a non-surgical treatment that enhances the shape, volume, and contour of the buttocks—without implants or fat transfer. Instead of using traditional fillers, Sculptra injections stimulate natural collagen production in targeted areas to gradually create a fuller, more lifted appearance.3,4
By improving volume and firmness from within, this minimally invasive procedure delivers natural-looking results over time. Many patients in NYC and Manhattan choose Sculptra for buttock enhancement because it offers a customizable treatment plan with long-lasting results and little to no downtime.
Sculptra vs. Fat Transfer
Sculptra is a non-surgical alternative to fat transfer for restoring volume in the face or buttocks. Fat grafting requires liposuction, anesthesia, and recovery time. Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production, offering subtle, natural-looking results without surgery, incisions, or downtime.
Who Is A Candidate For A Sculptra Butt Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a Sculptra butt lift if you:
- Want a fuller, rounder shape without surgery
- Have flat or sagging buttocks from aging or weight loss
- Prefer a non-surgical option with minimal downtime
- Are not eligible for fat transfer or want to avoid implants
- Want gradual, natural-looking results that build over time
The best way to determine if this treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Broumand or our Allergan Certified RN Injector, Tamara Spaide. We’ll help you decide if Sculptra injections can safely achieve your desired results.
Preparing for Sculptra
Before your Sculptra injections, you’ll meet with your experienced aesthetic provider to discuss your goals and create a customized treatment plan. To minimize bruising, it’s best to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin or fish oil for a few days before your appointment. You’ll also receive specific instructions based on your treatment area.
The Sculptra Treatment
Your Sculptra treatment begins with a discussion of your goals and a personalized treatment plan. Your provider will map the targeted areas—such as the cheeks, temples, jawline, or buttocks—based on your desired results.
A topical anesthetic may be applied to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Sculptra is then injected into precise injection sites using a fine needle, with care taken to ensure even distribution and natural-looking enhancement.
The treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of treated areas. After your session, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including massage techniques to help the poly-L-lactic acid settle smoothly and support optimal collagen stimulation.
Sculptra Recovery & Aftercare
Sculptra involves little to no downtime. Most patients return to their normal activities the same day. You may experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Gentle massage of the treated areas—usually five minutes, five times a day for five days—is often recommended to support even collagen stimulation and best results. Your provider will give you complete aftercare instructions at your appointment.
FAQs About Sculptra
Is Sculptra safe?
Yes — Sculptra is FDA-approved and considered safe when administered by a qualified, board-certified provider. Mild side effects like swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites are common and usually fade within a few days.5
How long does a Sculptra treatment take?
Each treatment session takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of injection sites and the size of the treatment area.
How many treatments are needed for optimal results?
Most patients need 2 to 4 treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve their desired results.
What is the downtime after a Sculptra treatment?
There’s little to no downtime. Most people return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. Ice packs can help reduce swelling if needed.
How long do the results of Sculptra last?
Results can last up to two years or longer, especially with proper maintenance and follow-up treatments.
Are there any side effects associated with Sculptra?
Common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, or mild discomfort at the injection site. Rarely, small lumps or nodules may form under the skin. Your provider will review potential side effects and how to manage them.
How much does Sculptra cost in NYC?
Sculptra cost varies based on your treatment plan, the number of vials used, and the targeted areas. You’ll receive a customized quote during your consultation.
Schedule Your Sculptra Consultation
If you’re ready to restore facial volume, enhance your curves, or simply refresh your appearance with subtle, natural-looking results, Sculptra may be the ideal solution for you. Our experienced team—led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stafford Broumand and Allergan Certified RN Injector Tamara Spaide—offers personalized Sculptra treatments designed to fit your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, our New York City practice provides a welcoming, professional setting for injectable treatments with little to no downtime.
Schedule your consultation today to learn how Sculptra can help you achieve long-lasting results through collagen stimulation and a customized treatment plan.
1 StatPearls. Poly-L-Lactic Acid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507871/. Accessed June 17, 2025.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Sculptra. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24676-sculptra. Accessed June 3, 2025.
3 Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Collagen Stimulators in Body Applications: A Review Focused on Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9233565/. Accessed February 8, 2023.
4 Dermatol Surg. Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Gluteal Augmentation found to be Safe and Effective in Retrospective Clinical Review of 60 Patients. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32976171/. Accessed February 8, 2023.
5 Sculptra USA. Safety & Side Effects. Available: https://www.sculptrausa.com/about#safety-side-effects. Accessed February 8, 2023.
Dr. Stafford Broumand has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.