Sculptra

Sculptra is a fantastic, versatile treatment designed to address various common aesthetic concerns. It’s especially effective for facial rejuvenation, creating a natural lifting effect that works wonders for fuller faces or those experiencing volume loss in areas like the cheekbones. We typically target areas like the temples, behind the hairline for that lifting effect, the zygomatic arch, pre-auricular, and malar regions.

When it comes to the neck, Sculptra shines as well. It addresses common signs of aging in the neck, such as fine lines and sagging skin. The gradual restoration of skin thickness delivers long-lasting, natural results, with the rejuvenating effects continuing to improve over months.

Beyond contouring, Sculptra also improves skin texture, addressing concerns like acne scars, pore size, hydration, and accordion lines. Over time, it stimulates collagen production, enhancing volume and giving you a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance.

It's important to note that Sculptra isn’t used in places like the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls, or jawline, as this can create a heavier, older look. Additionally, it’s not recommended for the forehead, nose, or under-eye areas.

Most patients need about three sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to achieve the best results. The number of vials you may need depends on your age and the specific concerns you're targeting:

‍In your 30s, when there’s minimal bone resorption and just slight skin laxity, typically 1-2 vials are enough to maintain youthful contours.

‍In your 40s, as fat pads start to deflate and skin laxity becomes moderate, about 3 vials are often needed for optimal results.

‍In your 50s and beyond, when there’s more noticeable volume loss and sagging, you might need 4-6 vials for a comprehensive lift, volume restoration, and skin rejuvenation.

The beauty of Sculptra is how naturally the results unfold. Unlike traditional fillers that give instant volume, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen. You'll start noticing improvements within about 6 weeks as the collagen boost takes effect.

Results can last up to two years, meaning you won’t need frequent touch-ups. The effects of Sculptra fade gradually, so you’ll always look fresh without a sudden change.

Sculptra is a quick, comfortable treatment that requires minimal downtime. The treatment is typically done with a cannula, which means just one tiny entry point per area. Using this technique, the product is gently placed under the skin, targeting areas that need lifting and volume. This method reduces bruising, swelling, and irritation compared to traditional needle injections. You’ll leave feeling refreshed with subtle volume and a natural post-treatment glow, but no obvious signs of having had any work done.

For extra comfort, we apply a topical anaesthetic before treatment. Plus, the Sculptra formula itself is mixed with lidocaine and saline, providing additional numbing, making the procedure virtually pain-free.

The biggest difference between Dermal Fillers and Sculptra lies in how they work. Fillers, which are typically made from hyaluronic acid, provide immediate volume and hydration in areas where fat has been lost. On the other hand, Sculptra uses Poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate your body’s collagen production. This natural process gives you a gradual, subtle volumising and lifting effect.

While dermal fillers provide quick results that typically last up to a year, Sculptra works more slowly. You’ll start seeing noticeable improvements about six weeks after treatment, and the results can last up to two years.

Sculptra is MHRA-approved and has been safely used worldwide since 1999. Like any cosmetic treatment, there can be minor side effects. The most common are mild swelling, redness, bruising, or slight discomfort at the injection sites, but these usually resolve for most of my patients within 1-2 days.

One rare but potential risk is the formation of small lumps (nodules). These occur in about 0.4% of cases and are typically temporary and manageable.

The 5-5-5 rule is a simple but important aftercare guideline to help ensure the best results from Sculptra. Here’s how it works:

- Massage the treated area for 5 minutes
- Do this 5 times a day
- For 5 days following your treatment
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Following this aftercare instruction helps ensure that your results are even, natural-looking, and last as long as possible!

All treatments are personally performed by Dr Yiannis (that’s me!), a fully qualified medical aesthetic practitioner with over 20 years of experience. My academic and clinical background includes:

• General Dental Surgeon, University of Siena, Italy
• Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry, University College London (Eastman Dental Institute)
• Master of Science (MSc) in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry, University of Manchester

Over the past 20 years, I have also completed extensive postgraduate training in facial aesthetics, participating in numerous advanced, hands-on training modules both in the UK and across Europe. This includes training delivered by internationally recognised experts in medical aesthetics as well as by the pharmaceutical and medical device companies whose products I use in clinic, ensuring my techniques are up to date, evidence-based, and aligned with the highest safety standards.

Everything that happens at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, I personally carry out – ensuring consistency, safety, and care from start to finish.

Yes – every treatment at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic starts with a consultation. This is an important step to make sure the treatment you’re considering is both suitable and safe for you. During your consultation, I’ll take the time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and discuss what’s best for your skin.

Please note that payment doesn’t automatically guarantee a treatment. If anything comes up during your consultation that makes a procedure unsafe or unsuitable, I will explain why and recommend alternative options.

Yes – all injectable treatments at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic are prescription-only and fully regulated under UK medical guidelines. Treatments are prescribed and administered exclusively by Dr Yiannis, following an in-person consultation to confirm suitability.

Rest assured, we follow strict clinical and hygiene protocols, source products only from licensed UK pharmacies.

Sculptra isn’t suitable for everyone, and in clinic I’m always careful to check this properly first. I wouldn’t treat you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have an active skin infection (including cold sores in the area), or if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients.

If you have certain medical conditions, you’re taking blood-thinning medication, or you’ve recently had facial procedures or a vaccination, we may need to delay your treatment for safety.

If you’re unsure, just tell me what’s going on and I’ll advise you on the safest timing.

For the first 24 hours, I recommend all my patients take it easy. You can certainly cleanse and moisturise the skin, but please avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas. Wearing makeup is perfectly fine, but keep it light-handed. It’s also a good idea to skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga for the rest of the day.

For the next 1-2 weeks, I would also recommend staying clear of facials, peels, and microneedling. Importantly, I urge you to use daily SPF (30-50) and keep hydrated.

Remember – good skincare supports great treatment results. If you experience any unusual symptoms – be that pain, discomfort, itching, redness, then please contact the clinic immediately on +44 20 3598 7358