Sculptra® in Burnaby (PLLA Collagen Biostimulator)
Your body builds its own collagen, gradually.
Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) is a collagen biostimulator, not a conventional filler: it prompts your own cells to produce new collagen over weeks, rebuilding structure and volume gradually. Manufacturer data reports results lasting up to about two years. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby's Metrotown, Dr. Sharon Fong plans each course individually.
- Up to 2 yrs
- Duration (Manufacturer Data)
- 30-45 min
- Typical Session Length
- 2-3
- Sessions in a Typical Course
- Up to 2 yrs
- Duration (Manufacturer Data)
- 30-45 min
- Typical Session Length
- 2-3
- Sessions in a Typical Course
How Does a Collagen Biostimulator Work?
Sculptra® is not a temporary patch. It prompts your skin's own repair systems.
As collagen production slows with age, facial volume and skin density decline. Sculptra® uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible polymer also used in absorbable sutures, to trigger a controlled fibroblast response. New collagen forms around the PLLA micro-particles over weeks, and the particles then biodegrade, leaving your own collagen network behind. A physician assessment decides whether it suits you.
Gradual, Natural-Looking
Volume develops gradually over 3-6 months, so changes tend to look like you've simply rested. Individual response varies.
Structure Over Volume
Biostimulation aims to provide structural support rather than simply adding volume, which can help avoid an overfilled appearance.
Extended Duration
Manufacturer data reports results lasting up to about 2 years in many people who complete a course. Response varies with course completion and lifestyle.
What Is the Mechanism?
Understanding the PLLA pathway explains why results build gradually.
Inject
PLLA micro-particles are deposited into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer with a blunt cannula.
Activate
Your body recognises the micro-particles and recruits collagen-producing fibroblasts to the area.
Build
Fibroblasts form new collagen around the particles over 6-12 weeks, restoring skin density and contour.
Dissolve
PLLA is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water, leaving the collagen your body built.
Who Might Consider Sculptra®?
Dr. Sharon Fong assesses your medical history and facial anatomy at your visit to decide suitability and plan a course.
Commonly Discussed For
- +Hollow temples, sunken cheeks, or midface volume loss
- +Preferring gradual, structurally natural change over an overfilled look
- +Soft, deflated cheeks or lines around the mouth that need deeper support
- +Skin that looks thin or lacks firmness, and a willingness to complete a course
- +Willing to wait for results to build over weeks to months
Not Suitable If
- –Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- –Autoimmune condition affecting the skin (assessment required)
- –Active infection, inflammation, or open skin in the treatment area
- –Known allergy to PLLA or a numbing ingredient
- –Wanting an immediate result (Sculptra® builds gradually)
- –History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring (tell your physician)
How Do We Plan a Course?
Placement needs precise technique and anatomical knowledge, so each course is planned individually.
Physician-Led
Injections are performed by Dr. Sharon Fong, a physician, under the medical direction of Dr. Charles Jiang, Medical Director.
Cannula Technique
Blunt-tipped cannulas can reduce bruising and help spread product evenly across the treatment zone.
Nodule Prevention
Appropriate dilution and the 5-5-5 aftercare massage rule support smooth, even collagen formation.
Consultations in Your Language
Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Facial areas where volume and support have been lost.
Temples
Hollow temples can make the upper face look older. Restoring volume here supports the brow and facial balance.
Cheeks & Midface
Rebuilds cheek support for a naturally full contour without an overfilled look.
Jawline Definition
Supports the skin along the jaw for a clearer profile and chin-neck transition.
Nasolabial Folds
Softens deep folds by restoring support in the tissue beneath them.
Marionette Lines
Supports the corners of the mouth to reduce a downturned look.
What Happens During a Visit?
The 5-5-5 massage rule supports even results, and consistent aftercare matters.
Before Your Session
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E for 5–7 days before treatment to reduce bruising risk
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appointment
Eat a light meal before arriving — do not come fasting
Arrive with a clean face; no makeup preferred
The Session (30–45 min)
Consultation & Mapping
Dr. Sharon Fong assesses your anatomy and marks the treatment zones.
Preparation
The product is reconstituted with sterile fluid, and topical numbing cream is applied for comfort.
Injection
A blunt cannula fans product evenly across the deep tissue layer. Each session typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Post-Injection Massage
Massage helps distribute product evenly, and you are shown the technique to continue at home.
The 5-5-5 Rule: Key Aftercare
Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 consecutive days to help prevent nodules.
You will appear temporarily fuller immediately after treatment due to the reconstitution fluid — this subsides within 24–48 hours and does not reflect final results.
Collagen production starts over the following weeks. Many people notice changes at 6-8 weeks, with gradual improvement over 3-6 months.
A typical course is 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Dr. Fong assesses response between sessions.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and avoid strong sun or UV exposure until swelling and redness settle. Most people resume normal activities the same day.
**Many people need 2-3 sessions. Results are gradual and vary by person.
Your Questions
How many sessions will I need, and how many vials?+
A course commonly involves 2-3 sessions about 4-6 weeks apart. The number of vials depends on the areas treated, your anatomy and your goals, and your physician sets it at your assessment. Dr. Fong reviews your response between sessions before deciding on more treatment.
How long do results last?+
Manufacturer data reports results lasting up to about 2 years in many people who complete a course. Collagen turns over naturally, so effects fade gradually, and some people schedule periodic maintenance.
What happens if I do not massage after treatment?+
Skipping the 5-5-5 massage protocol increases the chance of small collagen nodules forming under the skin. They are rarely visible but can be felt. Consistent massage over the 5 days after treatment helps distribution stay even.
Can I combine this treatment with others?+
Often, yes. It can serve as a foundation alongside HA fillers for fine refinement, anti-wrinkle injections or energy-based devices such as radiofrequency. Your physician advises on combinations and timing.
What is the difference between a biostimulator, a filler and Radiesse®?+
Fillers add volume directly with a gel. A biostimulator like Sculptra® prompts your own cells to produce collagen, so change builds gradually over weeks and months. Radiesse® gives immediate lift and also supports collagen. Your physician advises which, or which combination, suits your goals.
Does it hurt, and is numbing used?+
Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and a blunt cannula is typically used. Some pressure or mild discomfort is possible during injection and massage. Tell your physician if you are uncomfortable at any point, and ask about comfort options at your visit.
When will I see results?+
Many people notice early changes at 6-8 weeks, with gradual improvement over 3-6 months. Results develop slowly and vary by person.
Who performs the injections at Skin Art MD?+
Injections are performed by Dr. Sharon Fong, a physician, under the medical direction of Dr. Charles Jiang, Medical Director.
Who is a good candidate, and who should not have this treatment?+
It may suit people with hollow temples, sunken cheeks or midface volume loss who prefer gradual change. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active infection or open skin in the area, with an autoimmune condition affecting the skin unless assessed, or with a known allergy to PLLA or a numbing ingredient.
Is there downtime?+
You may look temporarily fuller right after treatment from the fluid used, which subsides within 24-48 hours. Bruising, swelling or tenderness is possible, and most people resume normal activities the same day.
What are the possible side effects, such as nodules?+
Bruising, swelling and tenderness are possible, and small collagen nodules can form under the skin; they are usually felt rather than seen. Appropriate dilution and the 5-5-5 massage routine help lower nodule risk. Tell your physician promptly about any lump that persists, grows or is painful.
Where can I get this treatment in Burnaby?+
Skin Art MD is at #101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC, near Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line), serving Burnaby and Vancouver. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00, closed Monday. Phone +1 (604) 639-2581. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Book a visit with Dr. Sharon Fong at Skin Art MD Metrotown, Burnaby. Consultations available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
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