SCULPTRA™ (also known in Europe as New-Fill) was approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with HIV and has been clinically proven to be an effective, well-tolerated and long-lasting treatment for the signs of this condition. It is the only filler on the market that is a "volumizing" agent designed to add volume and contour to the face.

SCULPTRA™ has also been used extensively around the world as a cosmetic filler. Dr. Eviatar has years of experience with facial fillers and uses SCULPTRA™ for cosmetic purposes as well as for the treatment of lipoatrophy.  He is a physician trainer for DERMIK Laboratories, the manufacturer of the product, and travels extensively to train other physicians in how to best use this product for cosmetic purposes.  He is also a member of the company's prestigious National Education Faculty.

                                              

SCULPTRA™ is a synthetic injectable material known as “poly-L-lactic acid”. Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants and other types of implants.

SCULPTRA™ is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss and provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions. Treatment sessions are spread out at monthly intervals to allow a gradual and natural looking correction.  The product will not correct the underlying cause of the facial fat loss but will help improve the appearance by increasing skin thickness in the treated area.

No skin testing is required prior to use.

No. The day of your treatment it may appear that SCULPTRA™ worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute the product. In a few days, when the swelling goes down, and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. SCULPTRA™ takes several weeks to gradually correct the depression in your skin and add volume to the face and temples.  It can also be used to lift areas of the face as in a face lift, lift areas over the brow and reduce lines and depressions around the mouth and hands.  Dr. Eviatar will suggest the areas that he feels might benefit from SCULPTRA™ injections in your face.  After the treatment he will see you again in a month to decide if you need more SCULPTRA™ injections.

Dr. Eviatar will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of SCULPTRA™ you will need at each session. Most patients require 2-4 treatment sessions.  Patients with severe fat loss often require more treatments.

Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years in most patients with facial wasting and longer in cosmetic applications.  Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.

Dermik offers a patient assistance program for patients with HIV-related lipoatrophy who may benefit from SCULPTRA™.  Through this program patients receive product at a reduced fee.  Contact our cosmetic counselors for more information about this program.