Injectable Treatments
Sculptra
A poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) biostimulator, injected in a short course of sessions to work with your skin's own collagen production over several months.
Authored by Kelly Rafique, published 13 August 2026.
Clinically reviewed by Kelly Rafique, last reviewed 29 August 2026.
Sculptra® is an injectable collagen-stimulating treatment made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Rather than providing an instant "filler" effect, it works gradually by encouraging your skin to produce more of its own collagen, helping to improve facial volume loss, skin firmness and overall facial support over time. It may be suitable if you want a progressive, natural-looking refresh—particularly for midface, temples, lower face and jawline support (area selection depends on anatomy and goals). Sculptra® is not a quick-fix for immediate volume on the day, and it isn't suitable for everyone. It may not be appropriate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin infection/inflammation, a history of keloid scarring, certain autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, or if you have permanent filler in the area. A typical appointment takes around 60 minutes, including consultation, consent, treatment and aftercare.
Sculptra is Galderma's poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable — the same manufacturer behind Restylane and Azzalure. Rather than simply adding volume, it's designed to work with your skin's own collagen-production process over time.
Gallery
Concerns Addressed
- Volume Loss
- Skin Laxity
Products We Use
- Galderma
Who It May Suit
- Those with volume loss or skin thinning who want a gradual result rather than an immediate one
- People happy to commit to a course of sessions rather than a single treatment
Who It May Not Suit
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Active skin infection in the treatment area
- Known allergy to any Sculptra ingredient
- A history of keloid scarring
Performed by
Kelly Rafique
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Why Choose a Registered Nurse Prescriber?
Because your safety means everything to me.
- Over 17 years of NHS experience
- A degree in adult nursing
- A Master's in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Registered as a non-medical prescriber with a V300 qualification
- Level 7 qualification in History Taking and Physical Examination for Advancing Practice
What Happens During Treatment
Your appointment starts with a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, previous aesthetic treatments and suitability. With your consent, we will take photographs for your confidential record. The skin is cleansed and disinfected, and we'll mark the planned treatment zones. A topical numbing cream may be used, and Sculptra® is typically prepared with local anaesthetic to improve comfort (where appropriate). The product is then placed into the planned areas using a cannula technique (chosen for safety and suitability). We'll review tissue response during treatment. Before you leave, we'll go through aftercare in detail—including post-treatment massage guidance—and arrange your next session if you're having a course.
Expected Results
Sculptra® results develop gradually as collagen builds, so changes are typically seen over several weeks (6-8 weeks), with improvement continuing across a treatment course. Many clients have 2–3 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart, then maintenance as needed.
How long results may last: Results are variable and individual; longevity is often described as up to 2 years, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your metabolism, age and lifestyle.
Downtime & Recovery
Most clients have mild downtime. Common effects include tenderness, swelling, redness and bruising at injection sites. You may feel temporary firmness or small bumps that usually settle as swelling reduces and the product integrates. These effects typically improve over a few days to 1–2 weeks, depending on the area treated and individual healing.
Side Effects, Risks & Contraindications
Possible side effects
- Tenderness, swelling, redness and bruising at injection sites
- Temporary firmness or small bumps as the product integrates
- Typically improves over a few days to 1–2 weeks
Risks
- Delayed-onset lumps or nodules, which can rarely persist
- Uneven collagen response leading to irregular texture
- Inflammatory reactions
- Bruising and infection, as with all injectables
- As with any injectable treatment, there is a rare but serious risk of vascular occlusion — urgent assessment is required for severe pain, blanching, mottling or colour change, blistering, worsening swelling, or any visual symptoms.
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, particularly if uncontrolled
Aftercare
For the first 24–48 hours, avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas/steam rooms and very hot showers to reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid touching the area with unwashed hands and don't apply makeup for 12–24 hours (as advised). You'll be given specific guidance on post-treatment massage, which is an important part of aftercare for Sculptra® to support even distribution. The rule of 5-5-5 applies – massage for five minutes, five times per day for five days to help prevent formation of nodules. Avoid facials, dental work where possible, and skin treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels or energy-based procedures on the treated area for 1–2 weeks. Use gentle skincare and daily SPF. Contact us urgently if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness/heat, discharge, significant colour change (white/grey/blue), or any visual symptoms.
Pricing
| One Vial — Single Treatment | £300 |
| Two Vials — Single Session | £550 |
| One Vial per Session — Two Sessions (6–8 Weeks Apart) | £550 |
| Two Vials per Session — Two Sessions (6–8 Weeks Apart) | £1050 |
| One Vial — 2nd Treatment (Course Only) | £0 |
| Two Vials — 2nd Treatment (Course Only) | £0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an appointment for Sculptra take?
Around 60 minutes
Is there any downtime after Sculptra?
Most clients have mild downtime. Common effects include tenderness, swelling, redness and bruising at injection sites. You may feel temporary firmness or small bumps that usually settle as swelling reduces and the product integrates. These effects typically improve over a few days to 1–2 weeks, depending on the area treated and individual healing.
What results can I expect from Sculptra?
Sculptra® results develop gradually as collagen builds, so changes are typically seen over several weeks (6-8 weeks), with improvement continuing across a treatment course. Many clients have 2–3 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart, then maintenance as needed.
How long do the results of Sculptra last?
Results are variable and individual; longevity is often described as up to 2 years, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your metabolism, age and lifestyle.
Sculptra® is a collagen-stimulating injectable with gradual, variable results. Improvements develop over weeks and typically require a course of treatments; outcomes and longevity cannot be guaranteed. This treatment is not the same as hyaluronic acid dermal filler and is not reversible in the same way.