Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA),a synthetic gel comprised of the same lactic acid that occurs naturally in the body. Polylactic acid has been discovered to stimulate the growth of collagen. While it often takes a few weeks, the collagen production following injections helps restore facial volume by naturally “tightening” the face, creating a more youthful appearance. Once injected, PLAA gradually induces collagen production that is significant enough to fill out facial contours, grooves, and hollows, and add a lifted effect to cheeks. Injected deeply in strategic areas, Sculptra treats the underlying cause of facial volume loss such as bone loss, collagen, and fat loss rather than simply affecting specific areas where lines and wrinkles are prevalent. The results of Sculptra do not appear immediately, but the effects are the longest lasting. Sculptra is administered over multiple injections and takes several weeks before you see the volumizing effect of new collagen filling and lifting targeted areas.