Sculptra® is an FDA-approved poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles in 2009. It is not a dermal filler. Unlike traditional fillers, the Sculptra formula works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production in the skin’s cells. Collagen is a protein that is largely responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production slows down, causing lost volume, wrinkles, and textural changes. By encouraging more collagen growth in your cells, you’ll see an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, firmness, and an overall youthful appearance of your skin.
Sculptra is an excellent choice for patients seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation with natural-looking results. By stimulating collagen production, patients will see a significant improvement in facial volume with long-lasting results that turn back the clock on the skin’s natural aging process. With a good skincare routine, patients can enjoy their refreshed appearance for many years.
Common uses of Sculptra can consist of, but are not limited to, addressing hollow temples, flattened cheeks, marionette lines, chin wrinkles, and facial folds, as well as improving skin texture throughout the entire cheek area.
Before receiving Sculptra injections, patients will schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or her associates, where she will review the patient’s medical history and assess their facial structure. Most patients in overall good health are good candidates for Sculptra injections. Sculptra is especially beneficial for individuals who want to enhance facial volume, refresh thin or crepey skin, and smooth facial lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to solve facial asymmetry, particularly in the cheeks. Dr. Janiga will create a customized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s unique concerns.
So long as you’re not allergic to any of the components of Sculptra and you don’t have an active infection in the treatment area, you are likely a good candidate for this treatment. We recommend that patients avoid blood-thinning medications, including over-the-counter products like aspirin, for a few days before treatment to minimize swelling and bleeding. If you are taking a prescription blood thinner, you must consult with the prescribing physician to ensure it is safe to stop taking the medication.
Sculptra is a very straightforward in-office procedure performed by Dr. Janiga or one of our certified injectors. First, the injection site will be cleaned, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to minimize discomfort. Sculptra injections are made under the skin using a fine needle or cannula. How long treatment takes depends on the desired results and the size of the treatment area. Typically, patients will wait for about 30 minutes for the topical numbing cream to take effect, then the treatment itself takes only about 20 minutes.
Sculptra comes with minimal downtime, but there is usually some social downtime as you will have some swelling and bruising in the treated area. You will want to avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours, but you can return to most of your other daily activities immediately. You will need to gently massage the treatment area for five minutes, five times a day, for five days after your treatment day. This will help the absorption of the formula.
To ensure optimal results, we recommend receiving 2-4 treatments spaced over a few months based on your age, volume status, and goals. Ongoing improvements can be seen after each injectable treatment. You can repeat the treatment biannually or annually after that, as desired, to help replace the collagen that your body is naturally losing every year.
As new collagen fibers restore the skin structure, patients will see gradual improvements in the texture and overall appearance of their skin. Full results take a few months as this product does not fill the lines directly, as filler does, but instead stimulates your own natural collagen production, which takes time. Once new collagen fibers start to develop, you will have a firmer, smoother, and fuller appearance.
How long Sculptra lasts will depend on a few different factors, and your provider will be able to give you an appropriate range during your consultation. In general, we lose 1-3% of our collagen every year after the age of 30. While this stimulator is meant to replace that collagen loss, you will continue to age, and repeating treatments every few years is recommended.
Choosing JanigaMDs for your Sculptra treatment means entrusting your care to a practice led by highly trained, board-certified specialists who are deeply committed to patient safety and education, guiding patients to make confident, informed decisions for their procedures. JanigaMDs is operated by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Janiga and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Janiga. This unique combination of surgical and dermatologic expertise allows the practice to offer a comprehensive selection of surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, ensuring treatment plans that are tailored to your individual aesthetic goals.
Dr. Jennifer Janiga brings extensive training in medical and cosmetic dermatology, with years of experience and specialized Fellowships in injectables, lasers, and energy-based therapies at Henry Ford. Her thoughtful, patient-focused approach and emphasis on attentive listening help create treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term skin health. Dr. Janiga has earned regional and national recognition for her dedication to quality care and successful outcomes. Awards include Best of Reno Dermatologist, Best of Reno Medical Spa, and Exceptional Women in Medicine. She is also honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and is listed on the American Registry of America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 5%.
At JanigaMDs Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Center, you’ll find a wide range of injectable products, including hyaluronic acid fillers and advanced bio-stimulators like Sculptra, all delivered in a supportive, med spa environment with a focus on a more youthful appearance and natural-looking results. Patients seeking results-driven, medical-based treatments for facial rejuvenation can rely on Dr. Janiga and our exceptional team of aestheticians and board-certified injectors.
Our Sculptra injections are performed in the JanigaMDs office in Reno, NV. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga, Charlotte Mack, APRN, or Mandy Foote, PA, call us at 775-364-0224 or complete our online contact form.
Discover Clearing Up Skin Care by Dr. Jennifer Janiga—a no-nonsense guide to understanding your skin, choosing the right products and treatments, and building a routine that truly works for you. Pick up a copy in our office or purchase online to start building a routine that works.

Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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