Sculptra is a new injectable agent made of poly-L-lactic acid. Approved by the FDA for clinical use in treating lipoatrophy — fat loss — it is being used "off label" to restore volume in the face and contour defects caused by aging. Some call the effect a "liquid facelift." While Sculptra cannot replicate the result of a surgical facelift, the amount of wrinkle and volume correction is often impressive and not achievable with other fillers.

Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible and biodegradable, so Sculptra is harmless to the body. No allergy testing is required. The material is thought to work by increasing collagen production. Improvement in volume occurs gradually over a period of six to eight weeks, as new collagen is formed.

Generally, two to four treatments are required to achieve the desired result. Treatments are spaced three to four weeks apart, depending on the depth of the wrinkles and folds to be corrected, and how fast the patient responds. Some of the most impressive improvements show up in the cheeks, around the mouth, and under the eyes. The neck and hands also can benefit from the increased volume and "tightening" effect resulting from the new collagen.

Side effects from Sculptra are the same as those associated with many filler materials: redness in the injection area, swelling, bruising, and infrequently, small bumps. Using a more dilute solution can prevent bumps from forming, along with massage of the treated area immediately after the procedure and over the following week.