Sculptra Neck

As a result of the natural aging process, collagen production decreases, which leads to volume loss, increased skin laxity, and fine lines and wrinkles along the neck and décolletage area. Collagen is the protein found in the body responsible for firm, smooth, and youthful looking skin. Starting in your late 20s and early 30s, as collagen production diminishes, the neck may start to take on a crepey, wrinkled appearance. Over time, damage from the UV rays of the sun and other environmental factors can further increase the prominence of volume loss, which leads to greater skin laxity and the formation of even deeper wrinkles along the neck and chest. If volume loss in the neck and décolletage area is making you feel self conscious, injectable Sculptra treatment is a great option.

Sculptra Aesthetic is a liquid injectable filler that works wonders on rejuvenating many areas of the body, including the neck and décolletage, by stimulating the production of collagen for a natural, youthful look. In 2009, the FDA approved Sculptra to treat facial volume loss for patients. Sculptra is a long-lasting solution to volume loss, which requires no downtime. For patients who are uncomfortable with the idea of a surgical facelift or neck lift, Sculptra is a non-surgical rejuvenation option with stunning results. Sculptra differs from other popular hyaluronic acid dermal filler products, such as Restylane and Juvederm, in that it is composed of a substance called poly-L-lactic acid. Sculptra is specifically designed to naturally boost the body’s collagen production for long-lasting, natural-looking results. A great deal of precision is required for safely and effectively performing the injections, so it is best to seek treatment from an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology who has been treating patients in her private dermatology office, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, for more than 25 years. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her expertise in non-invasive cosmetic treatment options including dermal fillers such as Sculptra, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Restylane, as well as other cosmetic injectables like Botox and Dysport. Dr. Green also specializes in laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels, among other treatments, and works with each of her patients individually to create a customized treatment plan for rejuvenation. If you are concerned with sagging skin, volume loss, wrinkles, sun damage, or photo-aging on your neck, Dr. Green is here to help.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra Aesthetic is a injectable dermal filler that restores lost volume to the treatment area for a rejuvenated, non-surgical neck, face, or butt lift. Sculptra is a dermal filler that is composed of the synthetic poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which stimulates the production of new collagen to combat volume loss in a number of regions in the body. As Sculptra triggers the body’s natural collagen production process, the results of the treatment are long lasting and provide patients with a naturally youthful look.

Sculptra was originally FDA approved in 2004 to treat lipoatrophy in HIV patients, which is characterized by the loss of fat cells in the face, sunken cheekbones, and a hollow appearance of the midface. In 2009, Sculptra became approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in non-immunocompromised patients as well to combat volume loss that results from the body’s natural aging process. Volume loss on the face and neck and can also exacerbate the appearance of signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles that become etched into the skin. As such, Sculptra can help to reduce these tell-tale signs of aging with long-lasting results. Weight loss can also lead to the appearance of sagging skin, which can be treated with this unique dermal filler. Sculptra can be used to treat volume loss in many areas of the body, including eliminating common creases in the face such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds without the need for a facial plastic surgeon. Sculptra can also be used on the neck, to contour the jawline, décolletage, chest, and arms, as well as to reduce the appearance of cellulite and for a non-surgical butt lift.

Can Sculptra be used on the neck?

When patients ask, can Sculptra be injected in the neck, the answer is: yes! Sculptra is a perfect filler to address age- or weight-loss-related volume loss, deep wrinkles, and fine lines on the neck. The liquid filler can reverse the crepey look that is associated with the natural aging process on the neck. Collagen loss can lead to increased skin laxity, and a hollow appearance in the neck and décolletage. Sculptra is a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution for neck rejuvenation to restore lost volume for a smooth, youthful look.

How does Sculptra work on neck?

Sculptra differs from other common dermal fillers in its composition. Unlike Juvederm and Restylane, which are hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid, also known as PLLA. PLLA is unique in its neo-collagenesis properties, meaning that it stimulates the production of collagen in the body. When the liquid Sculptra filler is injected into the treatment area, the PLLA solution triggers an inflammatory response in the body, which induces the production of collagen. Collagen in a protein found in the body that gives structure to the skin. As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen, which, over time, leads to volume loss in many areas of the body, including the face and neck. With the Sculptra injectable treatment, the new collagen production restores volume lost in the treatment area over time. Sculptra triggers the body’s own collagen production response, which means that the results take time to show their full effect. However, due to this natural collagen production process, the results of Sculptra are very long lasting, with effects remaining for up to two years.

Dermal Fillers Versus Sculptra Injectable Treatment

Sculptra is unique among the dermal fillers due to its formulation, which gives it unique properties. Many common dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Juvederm Voluma, are comprised of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to promote collagen production and hydrates the skin, providing it with a healthy, youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers, however, can last for a relatively short amount of time before the treatment has to be repeated. Sculptra, on the other hand, is comprised of poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen to restore your own natural skin structure and volume. Due to its collagen stimulating properties, Sculptra is able to last longer than traditional hyaluronic fillers. Since Sculptra is able to be injected into the deep dermis, it can provide the scaffolding necessary both for natural looking results and longevity.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be dissolved with a substance called hyaluronidase if the results are not to the patient’s liking. Poly-L-lactic acid, however, cannot be dissolved in the same way. For this reason, it is essential that Sculptra injections are performed by an experienced board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, since it requires particular precision when injection. It is best to seek treatment from a highly experience, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. If you are looking for instantantaneous results, a hyaluronic filler such as Juvederm may be the best option, as the effects of Juvederm injections are visible within several days as opposed to Sculptra, which takes several weeks to take full effect.

When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will discuss your cosmetic goals and the areas that you would like addressed. Together, you will determine the dermal filler that will work best for your situation. Dr. Green utilizes many different forms of dermal fillers in order to best suit each patient’s needs, therefore, it is not that one family of fillers is inherently “better” than another, rather Dr. Green helps to decide which filler is best for you to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Cosmetic Injectable Treatments Procedure

You will begin your treatment process with an in-person consultation with Dr. Green where you will thoroughly discuss your specific aesthetic needs and treatment goals. We are no longer offering virtual consultations. After examining the treatment area and reviewing your skincare routine, Dr. Green will determine the treatment or series of treatments that will best meet your unique goals. When preparing for your Sculptra appointment, Dr. Green recommends avoiding anti-inflammatory medication, vitamins, and other blood-thinners in the week before your treatment in order to avoid bruising or swelling at the injection sites. Dr. Green also recommends refraining from alcohol intake for one day before the treatment to reduce the likelihood of bruising.

A topical numbing cream may be prescribed to your pharmacy and applied to the entire treatment area one hour before the injections in order to minimize any potential discomfort. Most patients experience minimal, if any, discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Green also dissolves the Sculptra solution with lidocaine before injections to further limit any discomfort. Sculptra is then injected deep into the dermis with a thin needle to trigger the body’s natural production of collagen. The treatment works over time and the body can produce new collagen for up to six months post-injections. Dr. Green recommends patients come in for 3-4 treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results.

Sculptra Aftercare

Sculptra Aesthetic is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment to restore volume loss and there is no downtime associated with the procedure, meaning patients can return to their regularly scheduled activities right away after treatment. Immediately after the Sculptra injections, Dr. Green may apply an ice pack to the injection site in order to minimize the potential of bruising or swelling. If swelling or redness does occur following the injections, Dr. Green recommends avoiding direct sun exposure or tanning beds until the swelling subsides. For all patients, the treatment area should be massaged for five minutes, five times a day, for five consecutive days. This will help to spread the liquid injection and prevent nodules or lumps from forming. After the initial 3-4 treatment sessions, the results of the Sculptra injections are long lasting and most patients will only need one touch-up and maintenance session each year.

How soon until Sculptra injection results are visible?

Sculptra is a unique dermal filler product that works by triggering the body’s natural collagen production response in order to restore volume loss. As a result, the effects of Sculptra are long lasting but take some time to become visible and the body works to produce new collagen. Dr. Green recommends scheduling three to four treatment sessions, which should be spaced four to six weeks apart. With the neo-collagenesis properties of Sculptra, collagen production can continue for up to six months following the injections. It may take four to six weeks following each treatment session to see the full effects of Sculptra, however, once the results are visible, they can be seen for up to two years post-injections.

Are Sculptra Aesthetic results permanent?

The results of Sculptra Aesthetic are unique among the contingent of dermal fillers in that Sculptra triggers the body’s collagen production response, which leads to natural-looking, long-lasting results. The volume restoration effects of Sculptra injections can last for up to two years following the treatment process. After that time, the biodegradable PLLA molecules have been fully broken down by the body and the production of collagen has slowed. Dr. Green recommends that for continued results, patients return to her office for a touch-up once a year. While not permanent, the effects of Sculptra can be seen for a lot longer, compared to many other filler treatments and the accessibility of Sculptra is much higher than plastic surgery neck lifts for many patients.

How Much is Sculptra for Neck?

When patients ask, how much does Sculptra for the neck cost, the answer is: it depends on a variety of factors. Your geographic location can play a role in determining the cost of the treatment. In NYC, for example, Sculptra injections performed by a board-certified dermatologist can cost, on average, $1,200 per vial. The total cost, then, also depends on how many vials are necessary to achieve your specific aesthetic goals. Many patients choose to treat multiple areas of the body, such as the face and neck, which can increase the price as more vials will be necessary to treat multiple areas. The size of the treatment area will also determine how many vials are necessary for optimal results. However, for areas that require significantly more vials, such as with a non-surgical butt-lift, there may be discounts or special offers available which will also affect the cost. Dr. Green’s office will be able to provide you with an estimate of the total cost of your treatment during your initial consultation with Dr. Green, where you determine which treatment areas will be targeted in your treatment plan.

Can Sculptra be used for Facial Rejuvenation?

Yes! In addition to rejuvenating the neck, Sculptra Aesthetic can be used for a non-surgical face lift treatment to restore lost volume, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and treat different types of acne scars. Dr. Green utilizes Sculptra to erase the appearance of deep creases, including the nasolabial folds, which are known more commonly as smile lines, and to treat facial jowls and marionette lines. Sculptra can also be used to address sunken cheek bones, sunken temples, along the jawline, and along the chin. When it comes to more delicate, superficial areas, such as under the eyes, the forehead, or in the lips, Sculptra is not the best filler option. For safe and effective rejuvenation in these other areas of the face, Dr. Green typically recommends hyaluronic acid dermal filler products. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to discuss with her in-depth regarding your specific skin concerns and ideal cosmetic results. As an expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology with over 25 years of experience in dermal fillers, Dr. Green will work with you to determine which products are best suited to your needs and create your customized facial rejuvenation treatment plan.

Can you get rid of horizontal neck lines with Sculptra injections?

Horizontal neck lines are creases that run laterally across the neck. While people of any age can have horizontal neck lines, the creases can become deeper and more prominent with age. The increased skin laxity and volume loss that is associated with the natural aging process is generally what makes horizontal neck lines more visible. The presence of neck lines often causes many patients to feel self conscious and can negatively impact self-esteem. Luckily, Sculptra injections can help to reduce or even elimnate the appearance of horizontal neck lines. When Sculptra is injected into the lines, the boost in collagen production leads to rejuvenated, smooth, youthful looking skin that is free of these deeper wrinkles. When you consult with Dr. Green for your neck rejuvenation treatment, she will work with you to determine which non-invasive solutions, including Thermage or Fraxel laser, will provide you with the best cosmetic results.

Can you use Sculptra for neck skin tightening?

Sculptra injections are very effective when it comes to restoring lost volume in the neck, which can be useful for decreasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. However, Sculptra treatment is not specifically designed to address very high skin laxity. If you have particularly loose skin or crepey skin on the neck, Dr. Green may recommend pairing Sculptra filler with a skin tightening treatment, such as Thermage. Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal layers of skin, which leads to the production of new collagen. Collagen is a protein in the skin that provides it with a strong underlying structure. By inducing new collagen production in the skin, Thermage essentially results in a skin tightening effect on the neck for a firm, youthful look.

Combining Anti-Aging treatments with Sculptra aesthetic for neck rejuvenation

For patients who are looking to restore lost volume in the neck and décolletage area, Sculptra injections are often the ideal solution. Sculptra can easily be combined with other non-invasive treatment options to target multiple signs of aging and achieve total neck rejuvenation. Depending on the skin concerns expressed by a patient, Dr. Green may recommend pairing Sculptra with other treatments in order to address issues such as skin laxity, stubborn deposits of excess fat cells, or poor skin texture. In cases such as these, Sculptra treatment is often combined with Thermage, CoolSculpting, Botox, or Microneedling.

Thermage – Thermage radiofrequency laser is the most popular skin tightening treatment available at Dr. Green’s office. This FDA approved skin tightening laser treatment uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to gently heat the inner layer of skin in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This heating of the tissue leads to a controlled injury, which boosts the body’s natural collagen and elastin production. The increase in collagen and elastin, two proteins that give the skin structure, leads to an immediate tightening of the skin. The results are long lasting and can remain visible for up to two years after just a single treatment session. For cases in which skin laxity is particularly high, Thermage can be paired with Sculptra for skin tightening and volume loss restoration. Thermage can be used on the face, neck, jowls, knees, buttocks, hands, arms and stomach.

CoolSculpting – In some situations, there may be a high concentration of fat cells on the neck, leading to the appearance of a double chin or heavy jowls. CoolSculpting is a fat freezing treatment that can “debulk” the area of fat for a slim, contoured look for the neck and décolletage. CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment and is best used for removing pockets of stubborn excess fat for patients that are at or near their target weight.

Botox – Tension in the muscles of the neck can also make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent and pull at the jawline, leading to a hollow look. Botox, which is the brand name for the neurotoxin onabotulinumtoxin type A, can be injected into the neck in order to “freeze” and relax the muscle. In doing so, Botox causes the muscle to stop contracting, which will smooth out the wrinkles in the neck and improve the jawline. If the wrinkles and lines that appear on the neck are due to tension in the neck muscle, Dr. Green may recommend Botox to start for a non-surgical neck lift, also called the “Nefertiti Lift.”

Microneedling – Microneedling in another treatment that can performed at Dr. Green’s office to stimulate the production of collagen and improve the texture of the skin. For patients who are struggling with increased pore size, acne scars, or rough textured skin, microneedling is a good pairing with Sculptra. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) works by creating small micro-injuries on the surface of the skin with a handheld device equipped with surgical grade needles. The controlled injuries to the epidermis stimulate collagen production, which in turn helps to improve skin texture. When working with acne scars, for example, Dr. Green may start by injecting Sculptra into the scar and then employing the microneedling device for smoother skin.

Fraxel laser – Fraxel laser effectively removes sun damage, sun spots, photo aging, fine lines and wrinkles from the face, neck, and décolletage. Fraxel works by creating columns of thermal energy which remodel the collagen in the skin. Fraxel works at removing deeper wrinkles as well as acne scars as well. The rejuvenating effects of Fraxel can be used on the arms, hands, and legs as well. Combining Sculptra injections for the neck with Fraxel laser will cause increased skin turnover and new collagen production. The result will be smoother, younger looking skin.

Is Sculptra good for neck wrinkles and volume loss?

Yes! The neck skin and decolletage has a relatively low amount of collagen compared to other areas of the face and body. As collagen breaks down over time as part of the aging process, fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent, especially in the neck area. This can cause a hollow appearance due to volume loss, a crepey skin texture, and increased skin laxity. Sculptra injections are a safe and effective treatment option for diminishing the appearance of these signs of aging, with consistently long-lasting and natural-looking results. Dr. Green has been expertly performing Sculptra injections for years to rave reviews from her patients.

How long does Sculptra last?

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that provides long-lasting and natural-looking results. Patients typically require a series of four treatment sessions with Sculptra injections to obtain their ideal final results. After completing the series, the cosmetic effects of Sculptra can last more than two years. Many patients choose to engage with maintenance treatment sessions on an annual basis to keep up the best cosmetic results. Patients enjoy the non-surgical rejuvenation benefits that Sculptra injections offer, including minimal discomfort and downtime.

Does Sculptra work on neck?    

Yes! Not only is Sculptra an excellent treatment option for addressing volume loss in the midface, it is also beneficial for correcting the appearance of various signs of aging on the neck and décolletage. In order to guarantee that your treatment is safe and effective and provides ideal cosmetic results, it is always important to have your injections with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Dr. Green is an expert injector with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning patients from around the globe with non-invasive cosmetic solutions for pan-facial rejuvenation. When you consult with Dr. Green for your Sculptra injections for neck rejuvenation, you’ll achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.

How long will my neck be swollen after Sculptra?      

A mild amount of swelling and bruising at or near the sites of injection are the most common side effects of Sculptra treatment. These side effects typically resolve on their own within 48 to 72 hours of treatment. Tylenol is recommended for any discomfort following the procedure. Arnika Forte is an herbal remedy that expedites the healing time of bruising and swelling, available as an oral supplement or a topical gel. Patients may also choose to take the oral Arnika several days in advance of their dermal filler injections in order to help prevent bruising.

How to sleep after Sculptra

Typically, patients may sleep in whatever position is most comfortable following Sculptra treatment. If you are experiencing tenderness at the injection sites after having treatment with Sculptra, it may be recommended to sleep on your back in an elevated position to keep pressure off of the treatment area. Sleeping in another position, however, will not affect the cosmetic results of Sculptra injections. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding your Sculptra treatment, she will provide you with the pertinent aftercare information necessary for achieving the optimal results.

How do I get started with Sculptra injections for neck rejuvenation today?

The neck skin is particularly thin and delicate, making it susceptible to developing signs of aging more quickly than the face or body. Fine lines, sun damage, and loose skin can form on the neck long before they appear elsewhere, causing one to look and feel much older than they truly are. If you are frustrated by the appearance of an aging neck, but are not yet ready for a neck lift, Dr. Michele Green in New York City can help. Dr. Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist that has over two and a half decades of experience providing the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including injectable dermal fillers, Botox, laser treatments, microneedling, Thermage, and chemical peels.

Dr. Michele Green is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York by New York Magazine, Castle Connolly, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and practice, her holistic approach, and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to rejuvenation treatments. Dr. Green works with each of her patients individually to create a customized treatment plan that is best suited to addressing their specific skin concerns and achieving their unique cosmetic goals. At the forefront of anti-aging and skin rejuvenation, Dr. Green will help combine the best treatments for your non-surgical neck treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, please contact us online today or call our NYC office at 212-535-3088.