PRE & POST CARE

Set yourself up for great results. Below you’ll find clear, step-by-step tips for what to do before and after your appointment at Highland Park Aesthetics in Dallas.

We cover injectables (anti-wrinkle, fillers, Sculptra), microneedling, and chemical peels—what to expect, what to avoid, and when you can get back to normal routines. If anything is unclear, we’re here to help.

SCULPTRA® PRE-CARE INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure you get the best results from your Sculptra treatment, please review the following recommendations before your appointment:

Avoid These 5–7 Days Before Treatment:

  • Blood-thinning medications and supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. Examples include: Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), Naproxen, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo, Ginseng, and Turmeric.
  • Alcohol intake for 24–48 hours prior to your appointment (may increase bruising).
  • Tanning beds, prolonged sun exposure, chemical peels, or retinoids on the treated area.

  • Hydration is Essential:

    Sculptra works best in well-hydrated tissue. Drink plenty of water daily in the week leading up to your treatment.

  • On the Day of Your Appointment:

    Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, creams, oils, or self-tanner).

    Eat a light meal or snack beforehand to help prevent lightheadedness.

  • If You Have Any History Of:

    Cold sores on the face, please inform us prior to your appointment — you may need antiviral medication.

    Autoimmune issues or significant allergies — we will review your medical history to ensure treatment is appropriate.

POST PROCEDURE

IMMEDIATELY AFTER TREATMENT:

  • Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small lumps at injection sites is normal and should resolve in a few days.
  • You may apply cool compresses in 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours.

The Most Important Step: The 5x5x5 Massage Rule

Massage the treated areas:

  • 5 minutes
  • 5 times per day
  • For 5 days

Use firm, circular motions. This helps distribute the product evenly and reduces the chance of nodule formation.

DO NOT:

  • Skip the massage routine. It is crucial to your final outcome.
  • Engage in strenuous exercise, sauna/steam, or hot tubs for 24–48 hours.
  • Receive facial treatments, microneedling, laser, or facial massage for 2 weeks unless cleared by your injector.

YOU MAY:

  • Wear makeup after 24 hours if there is no broken skin.
  • Continue to hydrate generously — collagen stimulation depends on healthy tissue.

WHEN TO EXPECT RESULTS

Sculptra does not create instant volume. Instead, it stimulates your natural collagen production. Most patients begin noticing subtle improvements around 4–8 weeks, with continued enhancement over several months.


A series of treatments (usually 2–4 sessions spaced several weeks apart) provides the most natural, long-lasting results.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an advanced, collagen-stimulating injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Instead of simply adding volume like traditional fillers, it works by gradually rebuilding your skin’s natural collagen for long-lasting, natural rejuvenation.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is injected deep into the skin where collagen has been lost. Over the following weeks, PLLA microspheres stimulate the body to produce fresh collagen, restoring structure, volume, and firmness.

What areas can Sculptra treat?

Sculptra is ideal for enhancing:

  • Cheeks and midface volume
  • Temples
  • Jawline definition
  • Smile lines
  • Marionette lines
  • Overall facial structure

It can also be used for off-face rejuvenation, such as the chest or buttocks (Sculptra BBL), depending on individual goals.

How soon will I see results?

Results develop gradually as your body builds collagen. Most patients begin noticing improvement at 4–6 weeks, with full results appearing after a series of treatments.

How many Sculptra sessions will I need?

Most patients need 2–3 treatment sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Your personalized plan is based on your age, degree of volume loss, and aesthetic goals.

How long do Sculptra results last?

Sculptra is one of the longest-lasting injectables available, with results lasting up to 2–3 years. Regular maintenance sessions can help extend and optimize results.

Does Sculptra look natural?

Yes. Because Sculptra works from within by stimulating collagen, results look very natural, subtle, and refreshed. There is no overfilled or “puffy” appearance.

What does the treatment feel like?

Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine for comfort, and most patients describe the injections as a mild pressure or pinch. Treatments are generally quick and well-tolerated.

Is there downtime after Sculptra?

Downtime is minimal. Patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness for 24–48 hours, but most return to normal activities the same day.

Is Sculptra safe?

Sculptra is FDA-approved, biocompatible, and has been used worldwide for years. When performed by trained medical professionals, it is considered a very safe regenerative treatment.

Can Sculptra be combined with other injectables or treatments?

Absolutely. Sculptra pairs beautifully with dermal fillers, neuromodulators, lasers, and skin-tightening treatments. It often serves as the foundational injectable to support and enhance overall facial rejuvenation.

What is the “5-5-5 rule” for Sculptra?

After each treatment, patients are advised to massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days to ensure optimal product dispersion and smooth results.

Who is a good candidate for Sculptra?

Ideal candidates include those experiencing age-related volume loss, skin laxity, or those wanting long-lasting, natural-looking facial rejuvenation without appearing “done.” It is also popular for patients seeking preventative collagen stimulation in their 20s–40s.

Is Sculptra the same as filler?

No. Traditional fillers add immediate volume. Sculptra works differently—it stimulates the body to build natural collagen over time, creating longer-lasting structural improvement.