Sculptra: The Original Collagen Biostimulator

Sculptra works gradually. Unlike traditional fillers, it does not deliver instant volume instead, your own collagen rebuilds over the following weeks and months. Most people begin to notice subtle improvements within a few months, with results continuing to develop and lasting more than two years.

At The Skin Nurse Clinic in Dublin, Sculptra is priced from €479 per vial, with course pricing available for two, three or four vials (€899, €1,349 and €1,719 respectively). Because the number of vials is personalised to your skin and goals, the final treatment plan is confirmed at consultation.

This is tailored to you. Most people have two or three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, with one to two vials per session depending on your skin and goals. Your practitioner will design your plan at consultation.

Both Sculptra and Radiesse Flush are collagen biostimulators, but they work differently. Radiesse Flush (calcium hydroxylapatite) is delivered more superficially and offers some immediate improvement in skin quality, firmness and radiance. Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) works deeper and more gradually, building over months to address more significant loss of firmness, structure and volume. Neither is “better” the right choice depends on your skin and your goals, which is what your consultation is for. For some patients, the two can be combined as part of a personalised plan.

Nodules are small, sometimes palpable areas of firmness that can occasionally form at injection sites. They are well documented in the medical literature and are typically the result of three preventable factors: insufficient product dilution, injection at the wrong depth or in inappropriate facial areas, or inadequate post-treatment massage. At The Skin Nurse Clinic, we follow current consensus guidance: appropriate reconstitution volume, careful injection technique into the recommended planes (deep dermal or subcutaneous only), and the “5 x 5 x 5” massage protocol five minutes of massage, five times a day, for five days following treatment. With proper technique and aftercare, the risk is low, and most nodules that do appear resolve over time.

Most patients report minimal discomfort. Sculptra is reconstituted with lidocaine for added comfort during treatment, and the procedure typically takes up to 45 minutes.

Downtime is minimal. Anticipated reactions such as transient redness, mild swelling, bruising or tenderness at the injection sites generally resolve within two to six days.

To ensure even distribution of the product and minimise the risk of nodules, we ask you to massage the treated areas at home: five minutes, five times a day, for five days following treatment. Your practitioner will show you exactly how.

For the first 24 hours we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat (saunas, hot showers, sunbeds), direct sun and UV exposure. Apply sunscreen as advised, and do not take any new medication without consulting your practitioner. Makeup may usually be applied a few hours after treatment.

Sculptra is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, have a known allergy to any component of the product, have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area, or have certain medical conditions. A full assessment is carried out at your consultation.