Sculptra®Aesthetic
Your body builds its own collagen. The results look like you — because they are you.
Sculptra® (Poly-L-Lactic Acid, PLLA) is a Health Canada approved collagen biostimulator — not a conventional filler. It signals your own fibroblasts to produce new collagen over months, delivering structural support and volume that clinical studies show lasts 2+ years. At SkinArtMD Burnaby, Dr. Sharon Fong (CPSBC) designs each course individually.
Rebuilding From Within
Sculptra® is not a temporary patch — it re-engages 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) — the same biocompatible polymer used in absorbable sutures — to trigger a controlled fibroblast response. New Type I collagen forms around the PLLA micro-particles over 6–12 weeks. The particles then biodegrade harmlessly, leaving behind a lasting network of your own collagen.
Undetectable Results
Because volume develops gradually over 3–6 months, individual response varies — but most patients report looking refreshed rather than 'done'.
Asian Face Suitability
PLLA biostimulation provides structural support without the overfilled appearance sometimes associated with HA fillers — well suited to the flatter mid-face contours common in Asian facial anatomy.
Extended Duration
Clinical studies show results persisting beyond 2 years for most patients. Individual response varies based on course completion and lifestyle factors.
The Mechanism
Understanding the PLLA pathway clarifies why Sculptra® delivers results no conventional filler can replicate.
Inject
PLLA micro-particles are deposited into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer with a blunt cannula.
Activate
Your immune system detects the micro-particles and dispatches collagen-producing fibroblasts to the area.
Build
Fibroblasts weave new Type I collagen strands around the particles over 6–12 weeks, restoring skin density and contour.
Dissolve
PLLA metabolizes into CO₂ and water — leaving only the collagen your body built behind.
Ideal Candidates
Dr. Sharon Fong reviews your full medical history during consultation to confirm suitability and design a course tailored to your anatomy.
Good Candidates:
- +Hollow temples, sunken cheeks, or midface volume loss
- +Patients who want gradual, structurally natural results without the overfilled look
- +Those looking to smooth hip dip contours or improve gluteal shape non-surgically
- +Crepey or thinning skin on neck, chest, or other body areas
- +Anyone investing in long-term results — clinical studies show durability beyond 2 years
Not Recommended If:
- –Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- –Autoimmune condition affecting the skin (consultation required to assess suitability)
- –Active infection, inflammation, or open skin in the treatment area
- –Known allergy to PLLA or lidocaine
The Art of Sculpting
Sculptra® placement requires precise technique and deep anatomical knowledge. At SkinArtMD, every Sculptra course is designed and performed by Dr. Sharon Fong (CPSBC), with 20+ years of aesthetic medicine experience.
Physician-Led, Every Time
Dr. Sharon Fong (CPSBC) performs every Sculptra injection at SkinArtMD Burnaby — not a nurse or technician. Her deep understanding of facial anatomy ensures product is placed precisely and safely.
Cannula Technique
Blunt-tipped cannulas reduce bruising risk and allow smooth, even product distribution across the treatment zone — important for preventing nodule formation.
Nodule Prevention Protocol
We follow advanced hyper-dilution protocols and the 5-5-5 post-care massage rule. These steps are critical for smooth, even collagen formation.
Multilingual Care
Our team speaks Mandarin and Cantonese — every stage of your consultation, treatment, and follow-up care is available in the language you're most comfortable in.
Where Can We Sculpt?
From temples to thighs — Sculptra® addresses both facial volume loss and body contouring in a single treatment system.
Temples
Hollow temples age the upper face significantly. Restoring volume here lifts the brow and restores facial balance.
Cheeks & Midface
Rebuilds the cheek scaffolding for a naturally full, youthful contour without the overfilled appearance.
Jawline Definition
Thickens and supports the skin along the jaw for improved profile sharpness and chin-neck transition.
Hip Dips
Fills the lateral indentation between the hip crest and thigh for a smoother hip-to-thigh silhouette.
Buttocks (Non-Surgical)
Adds subtle volume and improves skin quality in the gluteal region without surgery or implants.
Neck & Chest
Improves crepey skin texture and thickness in areas that reveal age but are often overlooked.
What To Expect
The 5-5-5 massage rule is non-negotiable. Consistent post-care is what separates smooth, even results from uneven product distribution.
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. For face treatments, this considers Asian facial proportions and structural support points.
Preparation
Sculptra® powder is reconstituted with sterile water and lidocaine. Topical numbing cream is applied to the skin surface for comfort.
Injection
A blunt cannula fans product evenly across the deep tissue layer. Each session typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Post-Injection Massage
Immediate massage ensures uniform product distribution — Dr. Fong will demonstrate the technique you'll continue at home.
The 5-5-5 Rule — Critical Aftercare
Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 consecutive days. This is the most important step for preventing 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 begins over the following weeks. Most patients notice results emerging at 6–8 weeks, with peak improvement at 3–6 months.
A typical course is 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Dr. Fong will assess response between sessions.
**Most patients require 2–3 sessions for full correction. Results are gradual and individual response varies.
Your Questions
How many vials will I need?+
A commonly cited guideline is approximately one vial per decade of age for full correction — meaning someone in their 30s may need around 3 vials total, spread across 2–3 sessions. This varies significantly by individual anatomy, treatment areas, and goals. Dr. Sharon Fong will give you a specific recommendation at consultation.
How long do results last?+
Clinical studies report results lasting beyond 2 years for most patients who complete a full course. Individual response varies. Periodic maintenance (typically 1 vial annually) can extend duration. Results are not permanent — collagen naturally continues to break down over time.
What happens if I don't massage after treatment?+
Skipping the 5-5-5 massage protocol significantly increases the risk of small collagen nodules forming beneath the skin. These are rarely visible but can be palpable. Consistent massage in the 5 days post-treatment ensures uniform collagen distribution and smooth results.
Can I combine Sculptra with other treatments?+
Yes. Sculptra® works well as a foundation treatment paired with HA fillers (for precise refinement), neuromodulators, or energy-based devices like radiofrequency. Dr. Sharon Fong will recommend appropriate combinations based on your goals and timing.
Is Sculptra effective for cellulite?+
Sculptra® can improve the appearance of cellulite by thickening the overlying skin and providing some structural support. Most patients report moderate improvement in texture. It is not a dedicated cellulite treatment, and results vary — managing expectations at consultation is important.
Start Building Your Collagen
Book a consultation with Dr. Sharon Fong at SkinArtMD Burnaby. Consultations available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Also offered at our Richmond location
Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic offers the same treatment. If Richmond is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
110 – 5580 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 0R8 · +1 (604) 277-9006