A Sculptra BBL (Brazilian Buttock Lift), also known as gluteal augmentation, is an aesthetic procedure in which Sculptra, a cosmetic injectable, is used to improve the appearance of the buttocks. Sculptra can be used to enhance buttock shape, increase buttock size, or both. Dr. Smith will work with you to design your customized Sculptra procedure using state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology.
Dr. Darren Smith, MD, FACS
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a cosmetic injectable that is used to increase the volume and enhance the shape of the target area. Sculptra is made from a synthetic polymer called Poly-L-Lactic Acid, or PLLA. PLLA has a long track record of safety and reliability, having been used for medical purposes in various applications since the 1960s.
How does Sculptra work?
Whereas hyaluronic acid fillers work like small implants, Sculptra is very different. Instead of directly providing volume like HA fillers do, Sculptra consists of PLLA particles suspended in sterile water. The water acts as a vehicle to help the PLLA particles diffuse into and spread out within the target tissue. The PLLA particles do not themselves provide volume increase. Instead, they induce the body to produce collagen, and this in turn builds volume. So, while hyaluronic acid-based fillers directly add volume to very targetted regions, Sculptra indirectly causes the volume of larger target areas to increase.
NYC Sculptra for Buttocks: The “Sculptra Butt Lift” or “Sculptra BBL”
How long does a Sculptra BBL last?
Sculptra-based gluteal augmentation is not permanent and lasts for varying amounts of time based on several factors. We advise our patients that they can reasonably expect to update their Sculptra BBL approximately every 2-3 years.
How many vials of Sculptra will I need?
The amount of Sculptra required to achieve your desired aesthetic outcome will depend on your anatomy, your ideal result, your metabolism, and other factors. We advise our patients to expect most Sculptra BBL treatment plans to start with at least 2-3 vials per side, generally repeated 2-3 times for optimal results. There is significant variability here, and Dr. Smith will work with you to determine your optimal plan.
Is Sculptra better than a BBL?
Sculptra butt lifts (gluteal augmentations) and traditional brazilian buttock lifts are very different. Sculptra butt lifts are non-surgical and tend to offer softer results without any downtime. Traditional BBLs use fat harvested by liposuction to achieve their results. These procedures tend to be more dramatic and fairly permanent. The decision between the two can be fairly nuanced, and Dr. Smith will guide you through the process.
Can you sit after a Sculpta butt lift?
Yes! Unlike a traditional BBL with fat grafting, it is fine to sit on your buttocks immediately after your treatment.
How can I maximize my results?
We love to combine Sculptra with Emsculpt Neo to further enhance buttock appearance. Emsculpt Neo is a noninvasive treatment that combines electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency energy to deliver the equivalent of over 20,000 squats in 30 minutes. Sculptra can also be combined with Qwo and Emtone to offer smoother skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Sculptra for Hip Dips
How is Sculptra used in hip dips?
“Hip dips” are depressions on the outside of the thighs that can produce a break in continuity of the silhouette as the buttocks transition to the lateral thighs. Sculptra can be used to fill in this concavity and improve the aesthetics of this transition.
How long will Sculptra last in the hip dips?
The longevity of Sculptra in the hip dips can vary substantially from person to person based on anatomy, activity level, and other factors. We generally advise our patients to expect to repeat their Sculptra hip dip treatments every 2 – 3 years.
How many vials will I need?
The number of vials one will require for Sculptra hip dip treatment will vary with the depth of the hip dips, the desired result, and other factors. Dr. Smith will use 3D imaging technology to help you design your customized treatment.
Sculptra for Face
How is Sculptra used in the face?
Sculptra can be used for general facial volumization, such as to improve the appearance of hollowed cheeks or temples. It is not recommended for more focussed volumization such as refinement of the tear troughs, lips, nose, eyes, or facial lines. We prefer hyaluronic acid fillers for this purpose.
Does Sculptra lift the face?
Sculptra can volumize the face, and this can produce significant rejuvenating effects, but it will not offer a true lift. Dr. Smith can review your options with you during your consultation to ensure you are choosing the optimal treatment plan.
How long will Sculptra last in the face?
Sculptra will last for different amounts of time in different people. The exact length of time is hard to predict and depends on many factors. We generally counsel our patients that it is reasonable to expect to refresh Sculptra face injections every 2 -3 years.
How many vials will I need?
The volume of Sculptra required for ideal facial aesthetic results will be determined by you and Dr. Smith during your consultation with the aid of 3D imaging technology. Often one vial is sufficient as a starting point, but may need to be repeated 2-3 times over a few months for the desired effect.
Sculptra FAQ
How is Sculptra different from other fillers?
The majority of cosmetic injectable fillers used in the United States (such as Juvederm and Restylane are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). These gel-like products directly add volume to the areas treated and are dissolved by the body over time. Since they are designed to stay where they are placed, almost like a small implant, HA fillers are excellent when very precise volumization is required (such as for under-eye “tear trough” filler, lip filler, jawline definition or cheek augmentation). Sculptra, on the other hand, is designed to diffuse into the treatment area and cover a more generalized area (think broader cheek or buttock volumization).
Are Sculptra results permanent?
Sculptra injections are not permanent.
How often do you need Sculptra injections?
While Sculptra is not permanent, its effects last for varying amounts of time based on several factors such as the amount used, the area in which it is placed, and the individual patient’s metabolism. We generally advise our patients to expect to replace their Sculptra treatment every 2-3 years.
What are our favorite uses for Sculptra?
Dr. Smith likes to use Sculptra as a volumizing agent primarily in the buttocks, hip dips, and face.
How much does a vial of Sculptra cost?
Dr. Smith will evaluate you and work with you to design a customized treatment plan. The cost of the procedure varies widely based on the area being treated and the amount of Sculptra required. Generally these procedures fall between $3,000 and $10,000 in price.
Is Sculptra worth the price?
Dr. Smith is an expert injector known for his bespoke, natural results. Only you can determine the personal value of these outcomes.
How long after Sculptra do you see results?
You will see an immediate increase in volume after Sculptra injection. However, this is a temporary effect caused by the water used to distribute the Sculptra and resulting swelling. This volume increase generally fades within a week. You will see the actual results of your Sculptra treatment once collagen growth has had time to take place, generally in about 6 weeks.
Do Sculptra injections hurt?
Sculptra injections generally cause minimal discomfort.
What is the Sculptra treatment protocol?
Your Sculptra treatment will be customized by Dr. Smith, and will vary based on the size of the area being treated, your desired result, and how quickly you metabolize the product. For areas of moderate size, we advise our patients to generally plan on 2 to 3 Sculptra sessions several weeks apart.
Are Sculptra injections safe?
While there are risks associated with any medical procedure or aesthetic treatment, Sculptra injections are considered extremely safe. Dr. Smith will have a detailed informed consent conversation with you as part of your consultation.
We’re actively doing Sculptra in the following nearby locations:
New York, NY
Service Areas:
- Astoria, NY
- Ditmars Steinway, NY
- Mt Vernon, NY
- Bronx, NY
- Forest Hills, NY
- Jackson Heights, NY
- Elmhurst, NY
- Sunset Park, NY
- Crownheights, NY
- Bushwick, NY
- Williamsburg, NY
- Greenpoint, NY
- Hell’s Kitchen, NY
- Greenwich Village, NY
- Lower Manhattan, NY
- Harlem, NY
- Upper Manhattan, NY
- Midtown East Manhattan, NY
- Upper West Side Manhattan, NY
- Upper East Side Manhattan, NY
