—
Please Note: This is a paid article that is presented for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. If you have any health concern, see a licensed healthcare professional in person. This article does not constitute an endorsement or approval of this product or any claim, statement or opinion used in promotion of this product.
Gluteal augmentation has been around for a long time, since the 1960s to be more specific. In the 60s surgeons explored different ways to enhance their patient’s backsides. The first method was a gluteal implant. Unfortunately, because it was new, they used a mammary prosthesis as an implant, which turned out to look odd. They later develop implants that were designed to create a more “butt-like” shape, which were made of either semisolid elastomer or cohesive gel implants. Even though this method was effective, implants were associated with discomfort and inevitable downtime after the surgery due to incisions and general healing of the body. In the 1980s doctors developed an additional method to increase the volume of their patient’s backsides, by using fat grafting. Fat grafting is the process of harvesting fat from one part of the body, typically the abdomen, arms, and thighs, and injecting it into another area of the body, in this case, the buttock. The procedure was coined the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and does not involve any kind of implant, however still requires surgical intervention and down time.
In 2004 Poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra) was approved by the FDA for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive people, for the restoration of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) and is now used for enhancements in other areas of the face and body. Sculptra is a common non-surgical alternative to surgical buttocks augmentations and is administered through the injection of Poly-l-lactic acid, a biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic polymer naturally found in the body. The product produces your own collagen, which then wraps around particles in the injected area that would naturally break down, increasing the area in size over the course of 1.5-2.5 months. Possible risks and side effects include bruising, swelling, granuloma formation, discomfort, hematoma, and inflammation, however, there is no downtime post-procedure.
The Procedure
The Sculptra procedure is very common for people who are aiming for a larger backside, without having to undergo surgery. Dr. Schwarzburg, an expert in cosmetic and laser medicine, owns a medspa in New York, and says that the number of Sculptra patients have increased significantly over the course of the past 5 years. “It works almost like a facial filler, except instead of building volume through water, it builds volume over time by stimulating your own collagen production,” says Dr. Schwarzburg. Sculptra is injected into the buttock using a cannula (a long hollow needle) to spread the solution throughout the cheeks. Once the injection is complete, it begins to stimulate collagen production. The collagen then wraps around particles that would have naturally broken down in the body, and over time (2-3 months) grows the injected area.
What Happens Post-Procedure
Once injected the Sculptra compound will begin to slowly dissolve as the body breaks it down. This is a completely natural part of the treatment and is to be expected. While it may seem a little disappointing to see the volume of the compound added to the buttocks disappear, this only means that the treatment is actually working and the body is reacting accordingly.
Once the Sculptra compound has been dissolved the body replaces it with natural strands of collagen. This is all thanks to the Sculptra compound which helps boost collagen production in the area that it is injected into. Collagen is a protein that your body naturally produces to help build up and strengthen your body’s structural integrity. It is essentially what keeps you whole. With new strands of collagen lifting up the buttocks the compound is no longer needed since your body can accentuate the curves on its own.
Even with the Sculptra compound entirely gone you will still retain those gorgeous curves and the buttocks will continue to look full.
How the Results Look
The procedure and all of the things that follow aside: what do the results actually look like?
Many patients worry about the results of their cosmetic treatments. This is a natural reaction since many of us have been wrongfully misled into believing that cosmetic treatments cannot produce authentic results. I’m sure you have seen your fair share of unappealing photos on the internet of famous individuals and celebrities with those plastic-looking posteriors. After seeing enough celebrity news and gossip stories it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your results are going to look the same.
This is not the case for most Sculptra treatments, however, since a little careful observation and searching online will demonstrate just how natural the results of this treatment can look. The injections are performed in such a way that your posterior will look bigger but will retain its natural shape and symmetry. This is where the experience of your practitioner comes in. While some less experienced cosmetic specialists may not get you the results that you are looking for, one who has enough experience and the right qualifications will surely make your butt look curvy without sacrificing its authenticity.
Finding the Right Sculptra Practitioner
Finding a practitioner who specializes in Sculptra will not be a difficult task considering how popular the treatment is all across the country. Many cosmetic sensors offer Sculptras one of their most popular treatment plans and have treated countless patients with this compound. It’s all a matter of looking in the right place and for the right factors.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a cosmetic practitioner is experience and qualification. While getting the price just right is always a priority for most clients, you need to understand that your specialist knows what they’re doing and has enough experience to know what is best. Do not chase after prices. Instead, find someone who understands your needs and who can demonstrate that they have the ability to reach the desired results.
Ask around and see if anyone you know, whether it be a colleague, a friend, or a relative, knows a local practitioner with several years of experience. Consult with other people who have experience with the sculpture and see what they say about the results. With enough research, you will find exactly what you’re looking for and will have no problem in getting the butt lift of your dreams.
—