A collagen-stimulating treatment for selected facial volume concerns, with gradual change planned around your anatomy and individual response over time.
Volume You Build Yourself
Why You'll Love It
A poly-L-lactic acid biostimulator that prompts your own collagen over several months.
Deep Volume Restoration
Rebuilds the deep structural foundation lost to aging, exercise, or weight loss — restoring volume in the cheeks, temples, jawline, and other treatment areas.
Improved Skin Quality
As new collagen forms over 2–3 months, overall skin thickness and texture improve — a secondary benefit patients often notice alongside the volume correction.
Gradual & Long-Lasting
Results build gradually. Clinical studies support effects lasting up to two years with optimal treatment; this is not a guarantee of duration.
Usually a Series
Most patients need two or three sessions spaced about six weeks apart.
Concerns Sculptra Treats
Sculptra restores facial volume by rebuilding your own collagen — here’s what it addresses and how it works for each.
Temple Hollowing
Temple volume is one of the first areas lost with aging. As the temporal fat pad shrinks, it creates a sunken, gaunt appearance that ages the upper face disproportionately. Sculptra rebuilds this volume gradually by stimulating collagen production in the deep temple tissue, restoring the convex contour that frames the eye area and forehead.
Cheek Volume Loss
The malar fat pads in the mid-face deflate and descend with age, creating flattened cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds. Sculptra is placed deep to the cheek tissue where it acts as a scaffold, triggering collagen that lifts and re-volumizes the mid-face over several weeks. For patients who want immediate cheek volume, hyaluronic acid fillers can be used in combination.
Jawline Definition
Volume loss along the jawline leads to jowling and a less defined lower face. Sculptra placed along the mandibular border builds structural collagen that sharpens the jawline contour over time. This is particularly effective for patients who have lost facial definition due to aging or weight fluctuations.
Nasolabial Folds
Deep smile lines form as the cheek fat pads descend and collagen diminishes. Rather than filling the fold directly (which can look unnatural at high volumes), Sculptra addresses the root cause by rebuilding volume in the mid-face above the fold. As the cheek lifts over weeks, the nasolabial fold softens as a result.
Skin Laxity & Crepiness
Sculptra has approved facial wrinkle indications, including cheek wrinkles. Neck, décolleté and hand applications are different and may be off-label; they should not be described as having the same established benefits or approval as facial treatment.
Hand Rejuvenation
Sculptra use on the hands is off-label. Discuss the evidence, limitations and alternatives with an appropriately trained clinician rather than assuming a facial indication also covers hand rejuvenation.
Sculptra vs. HA Fillers
Both Sculptra and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers restore facial volume, but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms and timelines. Understanding these differences helps determine which approach best fits your goals.
Many patients benefit from combining both: Sculptra for broad structural rebuilding and HA fillers for precise, immediate corrections in specific areas. Your injector can recommend the right approach during a consultation. Explore all of our treatment options.
What to Expect
A Sculptra appointment runs 45–75 minutes. You will look normal when you leave — volume builds gradually over the following months.
Consultation & Assessment
Your injector evaluates your facial anatomy, volume loss patterns, skin quality, and goals. She determines the number of vials needed and maps out injection sites.
Preparation & Numbing
The treatment area is cleaned and marked. Sculptra is reconstituted and mixed with lidocaine for comfort. A topical numbing cream may also be applied depending on the treatment area and your preference.
Injection Process
Sculptra is injected into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer using a grid-like pattern specific to each treatment area. Your injector distributes the product evenly to ensure uniform collagen stimulation. The process is methodical and typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on the number of vials and areas treated.
Post-Treatment Massage
Immediately after injection, your provider massages the treated areas to distribute the PLLA microparticles evenly. You will continue this at home following the 5-5-5 protocol: massage 5 times daily, for 5 minutes each, for 5 days. This is critical for preventing nodule formation.
Results Over Time
Swelling from treatment may be visible before the gradual response develops. Improvement and recovery vary, and your injector will reassess between sessions rather than promise that you will look unchanged on the day.
Aftercare Essentials
Follow the massage instructions given for your treatment, and ask your provider if pain or skin changes make massage difficult. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners without medical guidance. Swelling, bruising and delayed lumps can occur; report persistent or worsening concerns. Seek immediate medical attention for unusual severe pain, skin discoloration or vision changes. Full guidance is available in our post-care instructions.
Vial-Based Pricing
The total cost depends on the number of vials used, which varies by treatment area and your anatomy. Your provider will finalize a plan during consultation.
Per-Vial Pricing
Vial needs depend on the treatment area, anatomy and response—not a formula based on age. Your provider confirms a staged plan and cost before treatment.
Book ConsultationThe actual number of vials needed varies based on your anatomy and goals. Sculptra treatments are typically split across 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. A consultation is required to finalize your treatment plan.
Who Performs This Treatment
Reviewed by Thao Nguyen, RN, BSN, Aesthetic Nurse Injector.
Treatment information: product and safety information.
How Many Sessions & How Often
Most facial Sculptra treatments require 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Each session builds on the previous one, with your injector adjusting placement as collagen develops and volume emerges.
Swelling may be visible initially, while the intended improvement develops over weeks to months. Response varies and is assessed between visits.
After completing your initial series, a single maintenance session every 12–24 months keeps collagen levels active. Maintenance typically requires fewer vials than the initial treatment course.
The number of vials is individualized; there is no universal vial-per-decade rule. Your provider considers the treatment area and response. Compare dermal filler and Radiesse according to your goals.
How Sculptra Works
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that place a gel beneath the skin for immediate volume, Sculptra is a biostimulator made from Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) — the same biocompatible material used in dissolvable sutures.
Once injected into the deep dermis, the PLLA microparticles trigger your fibroblasts to generate new collagen strands. This process occurs gradually over weeks and months, producing volume that is your own tissue rather than a synthetic filler.
The intended change develops gradually, and studies support effects lasting up to two years with optimal treatment. The degree and duration of improvement differ between patients.
Sculptra Questions
What to know before booking Sculptra at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Atlanta.
What is Sculptra and how does it work?
How is it different from HA fillers (Juvéderm / Restylane)?
How many vials of Sculptra will I need?
When will I see results?
How long do the results last?
What is the “5-5-5 Rule” for aftercare?
Is Sculptra safe, and are there side effects?
Real Patients, Real Results
Verified Google reviews from ELLEMES patients who chose us for Sculptra.
I had Radiesse done with Thao and I'm so happy to have had my appointment with her! She listened to what I wanted, explained everything clearly and was gentle and precise the whole time. My results look natural but noticeable, not overdone. Her technique left almost no bruising and is a sign of her mature skillset. She clearly has a great eye!
I had the best experience with Thao! She listened as I shared areas I wanted to improve, then she worked her magic with Radiesse. I am thrilled with the results and highly recommend Thao! My face (especially jowl area) looks much better than I expected. I’m so happy! Thank you, Thao! The staff at ELLEMES are all amazing. I appreciate their expertise and will definitely be back!
I would highly recommend Ellemes Med Spa and Thao for your needs! | | I had the radiesse hand rejuvenation treatment. It added volume and made a much smoother look to my hands. It was something I didn't know was possibly and I love the results! Thao was great at explaining everything to me in detail and what to expect. The treatment quick and she made it as painless as possible. | | The facility is modern and clean and has a parking deck attached where they validate parking. Would definitely recommend Thao and Ellemes for treatments in the future.
As a first timer in the world of filler, I wanted to make sure I chose a place that would be thorough and answer any and all of my questions; that was found with the staff at Ellemes. I recently came in for Radiesse treatment with Thao and was thoroughly pleased with her professionalism and knowledge of the product.
Thao is amazing. I recently had Radiesse and Botox treatment done. I love how natural looking my results are. I am seeing noticeable improvements right after the procedure. She is very knowledgeable, nice and friendly. Thank you!
When You’re Ready
Schedule a consultation and your provider will assess your anatomy, recommend the right number of vials, and outline a treatment timeline based on your goals.
Book a Consultation →Or call (470) 222-6581