As we enter our 30s, many of us begin to notice signs of skin laxity, loss of firmness, and the early appearance of fine lines. This is because the body’s collagen production gradually declines by approximately 1.5% each year at this stage of life. While natural collagen production slows down, it can be replenished through advanced innovations such as the Sculptra program—a treatment that has been carefully developed and clinically studied to stimulate collagen production in a targeted way.
In this article, our doctor will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Sculptra: what it is, who it’s suitable for, how much it costs, how it works to stimulate collagen, and key information you should know before deciding on treatment.
The Sculptra program is a biostimulator treatment designed to stimulate collagen production. It contains Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), a biocompatible polymer that supports the skin’s natural collagen regeneration process. This helps restore youthful-looking skin, improving firmness and volume from deep within the skin’s structure.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is an ingredient approved for medical use by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA Thailand). Since 2009, PLLA has been widely used in aesthetic medicine to help improve skin elasticity and reduce facial wrinkles, especially in individuals experiencing skin laxity or age-related collagen loss.
Collagen is an essential protein naturally produced by the body and serves as a key structural component of the skin, muscles, and bones. In the skin, collagen provides strength and elasticity, helping the skin appear smooth, firm, and lifted. When collagen levels decrease, wrinkles become more visible and the skin begins to lose firmness.
In general, collagen production begins to decline around the age of 25 and continues to decrease each year at an average rate of 1–1.5%. From the age of 30 onward, many people start to notice visible changes such as fine lines, skin laxity, and reduced firmness—largely due to this gradual loss of collagen.
Collagen is produced by specialized cells called fibroblasts. As we age, fibroblasts become less active and decrease in number, leading to reduced collagen production and visible skin sagging.
During the Sculptra treatment, PLLA is injected into the deeper layers of the skin, where it signals fibroblasts to activate and increase in number. This stimulates new collagen production over time.
Approximately 2–3 days after injection, some individuals may notice that fine lines appear slightly more visible. This happens because the water and other components of the product are naturally absorbed by the body—a normal part of the process. Once only the PLLA particles remain, collagen regeneration begins more actively.
Over time, the PLLA particles gradually break down, while the newly stimulated collagen continues to build and remain in the skin. This strengthens the skin’s internal structure, resulting in firmer, fuller-looking skin, improved overall skin quality, and a naturally youthful appearance.
If you are concerned about needle marks or bruising after injections, follow these tips to prevent prolonged recovery
Do not undergo the procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, consult a doctor before getting the injection.
The Sculptra program is a treatment that allows you to resume your normal daily activities immediately after injection, with no downtime required. Post-treatment recommendations are as follows:
Massaging after Sculptra injections helps the product absorb well and distribute evenly. Use the Triple 5 technique: massage for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days.
Sculptra works by rejuvenating the deep structure of the skin, making it gradually firmer and tighter by the 4th week, with significant reduction in sagging by the 3rd month.
3 sessions of Sculptra injections, spaced 1 month apart, allow the skin to fully produce collagen, with results lasting up to 2 years. A single session will provide results lasting about 6-7 months.
Sculptra program is a treatment that requires medical expertise and is relatively high in cost, so careful consideration is essential before making a decision. Here are some recommended guidelines to help you choose a certified clinic, ensuring professional care and results that meet your expectations.
Now that you know how to identify a trustworthy clinic, many people may also wonder how to verify authentic Sculptra products. Let’s take a closer look at how to check the packaging in detail in the next section.
Authentic Sculptra products can be identified by the following five key features:
A: At MEGA CLINIC, there are additional biostimulator treatments available, including the Juvelook program and the HArmonyCa program, allowing patients to choose the option that best suits their needs, concerns, and readiness.
Sculptra addresses skin issues by stimulating the body’s collagen production directly, with ingredients derived from natural sources that break down safely. It’s a worthwhile treatment with clear, long-lasting results, perfect for those wanting to rejuvenate their skin.
A: Doctors usually recommend getting Sculptra injections 2-3 times at first, with about 1 month between each session. This helps boost collagen production and makes the skin firmer.
A: At MEGA CLINIC, we apply numbing cream before giving Sculptra injections, so it hurts very little. However, pain sensitivity can differ for each person depending on how sensitive their skin is. If you are mentally and physically ready, the injection process will feel much more comfortable and relaxing than you might expect.
A: After the injection, there may be some swelling at the injection site, which is normal. The swelling usually goes down within 2-3 days, depending on your skin type. For some people, the swelling is so minimal it’s barely noticeable.
A: While both treatments help lift and firm the skin, Sculptra and Ultraformer III work differently. Ultraformer III focuses on lifting and reducing sagging skin, while Sculptra improves skin firmness and overall skin quality, making you look younger.
A: One bottle of Sculptra contains 10 CCs.
A: Sculptra results can last up to 2 years if you get injections once a month for 3 months. However, if you only get one session, the results will last about 6-7 months.
MEGA CLINIC has multiple locations covering key areas in Bangkok and nearby provinces:
For more details or to book an appointment, message our admin team via LINE Official: @megaclinic (with @). Click the green “Add LINE” button at the bottom of the screen.
