With the increase of noninvasive options available to treat almost any area of your body, there are a lot more solutions that don’t call for going under the knife. The “Sculptra Butt Lift,” a technique that involves using a long-lasting dermal filler off-label (meaning for a purpose other than what it’s FDA-approved for), can give your backside a fuller look. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this noninvasive booty-boosting injectable treatment.
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What is a “Sculptra Butt Lift?”
“For patients that need a little projection or aren’t candidates for surgery due to personal preference or medical reasons, we offer Sculptra, an injection that builds the collagen over time,” explains Houston, TX, plastic surgeon German Newall, MD. “This does not give the same results as a Brazilian Butt Lift would though.”
Sculptra, or poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), is a dermal filler used for skin and soft tissue augmentation—PLLA stimulates the body’s own collagen production—that can be used for volume restoration and skin rejuvenation. “Currently, the only FDA-approved indication for Sculptra is in the face,” says New York dermatologist Hooman Khorasani, MD. “In recent years, an off-label application for use in the buttocks has been explored with good results.”
What does the procedure entail?
First, topical lidocaine is applied to the area to be injected. Once the skin is numbed, Sculptra is injected to the upper buttock with very small needles. “Depending on the desired level of augmentation, most patients require about three treatments, six weeks apart,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. “Typically I’m using up to four vials at a time during each session.” Although results can be noticed as early as six weeks after the treatments, the optimal outcome is not noticed until about six months after the procedure.
Who is an ideal candidate for a “Sculptra Butt Lift?”
Ideal patients are between 25-45 years of age, near their ideal body weight and wish to improve volume and texture of the buttocks. It will take time for results to develop, so it’s not for anyone in search of a quick fix.
How long does recovery take? How long do results last?
There is minimal downtime—you may have some bruise marks at the injection site that may last for 7-10 days, but that is it. Other rare complications include the formation of small nodules under the skin, which may have to be treated by a doctor for resolution. Patients are encouraged to massage the area throughout the day for the first five days after the procedure. “When injected, Sculptra causes collagen formation in a three week to three month window,” notes Dr. Allenby. “It’s effect is usually obvious for about a year but can last up to two years.”
What are the benefits of a “Sculptra Butt Lift” versus a surgical procedure like a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Patients who want a “Sculptra Butt Lift” are those who don’t have time for the downtime. Some want to avoid going under general anesthesia and don’t want the scars associated with surgery. Also, some patients may not be good candidates for the fat transfer portion of a surgical butt lift, as they may not have enough fat for the procedure. “Sometimes a fat transfer to the butt can leave patients looking too bottom heavy or unnatural,” adds Dr. Allenby. “It definitely is more of a natural look, but it’s not for anyone who prefers exaggerated results.”
