At Capital Skin and Laser in Columbia, South Carolina, collagen-stimulating treatments such as Sculptra® are used to help restore the skin’s underlying framework by encouraging the body to rebuild its own collagen. This approach allows for gradual, natural-looking improvement in skin quality and facial structure.
Collagen is the skin’s primary structural protein, responsible for firmness, elasticity, and a smooth, youthful appearance. Over time, natural collagen production slows, and existing collagen can be degraded by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, chronic stress, and poor sleep. In women, collagen production starts declining in the mid-to-late 20s at a rate of 1% per year. After age 40, collagen loss becomes much more dramatic, with many women experiencing a 30% loss over 5 years. As collagen diminishes, skin gradually loses volume and support, leading to sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and thinning of the skin.
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which provide immediate volume by physically filling areas beneath the skin, Sculptra® works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production. This process restores volume gradually, resulting in a subtle, natural-looking enhancement that continues to improve over the weeks to months following injection and can last for years.
Dr. Leah Spring completed an advanced fellowship in cosmetic dermatology. She is highly skilled in injectable treatments and is known for prioritizing natural, refined, and long-lasting results. As a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who routinely treats skin cancer of the face and neck, Dr. Spring has an expert understanding of facial anatomy, ensuring that every injection is performed with the highest standards of precision, safety, and aesthetic excellence.
Your treatment begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. Sculptra is administered in-office using either a small-gauge needle or a cannula. In the hands of an experienced injector, discomfort is minimal.
Sculptra may be performed as a single treatment or a series of 2-3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to achieve optimal collagen stimulation. There is little to no downtime, and patients may resume normal activities immediately following treatment. Mild redness, tenderness, or swelling at injection sites can occur and usually resolves within a few days.
In the weeks to months following treatment, newly formed collagen gradually improves skin firmness, smoothness, and overall facial structure. Results are long-lasting, with maintenance treatments typically recommended every 1–2 years.
If you are interested in treatments that support long-term collagen renewal and gradual structural restoration, a consultation at Capital Skin and Laser allows for a detailed evaluation of your skin and facial anatomy. Dr. Leah Spring will review your concerns, assess areas of volume change, and determine whether Sculptra® is an appropriate option for your treatment plan. Treatment planning emphasizes subtle, natural-looking improvement that develops over time as new collagen forms. To schedule an appointment, please complete our online contact form, and our team will follow up to coordinate your visit.
"*" indicates required fields