Study Shows This Injectable Can Improve Facial Aging Signs And Deliver Lasting Results
Aging is something we all notice at some point. Maybe it starts with small lines near the mouth, hollow cheeks or skin that feels less firm than before. These changes happen because the body slowly makes less collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin firm and smooth. When it drops the face begins to lose volume and shape.
Because of this many people look for safe and long-lasting ways to refresh their appearance. One injectable treatment that keeps gaining attention is Sculptra. What makes it different is that it does not work like a regular filler. Instead, it helps the skin rebuild its own collagen over time. Several clinical studies now show that this approach can reduce signs of aging in a natural and long-lasting way.
This article explains how this treatment works, what the latest research says, and why it may be a good option for people in the Netherlands who want subtle but real improvement.
What Is This Injectable and How Does It Work?
Sculptra is an injectable made of poly L lactic acid, also called PLLA. This material has been used safely in medicine for years. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that give instant volume, PLLA works as a biostimulator. It helps the skin produce fresh collagen over time.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PLLA is absorbed by the body and replaced with new collagen, which slowly improves the shape and firmness of the face. As the collagen builds, the skin becomes thicker and smoother. This explains why results look natural and develop gradually instead of all at once.
Many people use the term sculptra filler, but experts say it acts more like a collagen stimulator. This makes it strong for issues like volume loss in the cheeks, hollow temples or deep lines around the mouth.
What Studies Show About Sculptra’s Results
Several trusted sources show positive results from Sculptra.
1. A 2024 Clinical Study on Cheek Wrinkles
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2024 followed patients who received PLLA injections for cheek wrinkles. Researchers found that skin quality improved for more than 12 months, and many patients showed higher dermal thickness three months after the treatment. Both doctors and patients agreed the results looked natural and long-lasting.(Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024, Zhang et al.)
2. Systematic Review From 2024 Shows Strong Evidence
In 2024, a systematic review published on PubMed Central looked at multiple clinical trials of PLLA for facial aging and lipoatrophy. Researchers found consistent improvements in:
- skin firmness
- wrinkle depth
- facial volume
- overall texture
They also noted that results often lasted up to two years, which is longer than most hyaluronic acid fillers.(Source: PMC, “Clinical Outcomes of Poly-L-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesthetics,” 2024)
3. Long-term Collagen Growth Confirmed in Medical Journals
A review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2025) explains how PLLA particles encourage the skin to form strong collagen fibers that stay stable for months. This supports the idea that Sculptra builds a deeper, more structural improvement rather than surface-level changes. (Source: PRS Global Open, 2025)
Together, these studies show that Sculptra gives gradual but long-lasting changes. It makes the skin firmer, smoother, and more lifted because it works under the skin, not just on top.
How This Treatment Addresses Common Aging Signs
People in the Netherlands often choose Sculptra to help with several facial aging concerns. These include:
Loss of Volume in Cheeks and Temples
As we age, fat pads shrink, and this makes the face look tired or hollow. Sculptra helps restore the natural curves of the cheeks and temples by stimulating collagen in those deeper layers.
Deep Wrinkles and Folds
Areas like the nasolabial folds or marionette lines can become deeper with time. Because Sculptra builds collagen slowly, these wrinkles soften over a few months without looking overdone.
Skin Quality Issues
Some people do not need more volume but want better texture or firmness. Sculptra improves:
- skin elasticity
- overall firmness
- fine lines
- thickness near the jaw, chin, and mouth
- These benefits come from new collagen forming, which no topical product can match.
Natural Results That Fit the Face
Because the change happens gradually, people often say others notice something fresh about them, but they cannot tell what changed. This is a big reason why this treatment has become popular in Europe and is known for natural-looking outcomes.
How a Sculptra Session Works
The treatment usually starts with a talk with a trained cosmetic doctor. They check your skin, ask about goals, and plan the treatment areas.
During the appointment, PLLA is injected into deeper layers of the skin. The injection process is quick, and most people return to normal activities right after.
Results do not show right away. The body needs time to respond. Most studies show that visible improvements begin after 4 to 8 weeks and continue to improve for several months. Many people need two to three sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
For readers who want to learn more about the procedure, the Dutch clinics often call it sculptra behandeling, and it is known as a treatment that offers gradual and natural structural changes.
How Long Do the Results Last?
One of the biggest advantages of Sculptra is longevity.
Studies from PubMed (2024) and MDPI (2024) confirm that results can last between 18 and 25 months for many patients. This is because the new collagen remains even after PLLA microparticles fade.
This makes it a good choice for people who want longer-term improvements without frequent touch-ups.
Is This Injectable Safe? What Do Studies Say?
Safety is an important part of any cosmetic treatment. Luckily, Sculptra has a long history in medicine.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that side effects are usually mild and may include swelling, redness, or small bumps. These tend to fade with massage and time.
A 2024 clinical review also reported very few serious reactions across hundreds of patients. The most important factor is choosing a skilled doctor who understands facial anatomy.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Treatment?
This treatment is often a good fit for adults who want a natural change instead of a dramatic one. It may help if you:
- notice volume loss in cheeks or temples
- want smoother, firmer skin
- want long-lasting results
- prefer gradual improvements
- want a treatment that works under the skin, not just on it
People who want instant volume may prefer classic fillers, but many choose Sculptra because they want results that blend smoothly with their natural features.
Why This Injectable Stands Out
Sculptra is different from regular fillers in several ways:
- It helps your skin make collagen, instead of adding gel for instant volume
- It lasts longer, often up to two years, based on clinical studies.
- It improves texture, firmness, and deeper structural support.
- It gives a more natural look because changes appear slowly.
This makes it a strong option for people who want aging care that feels subtle but meaningful.
Your Next Step Toward Natural, Lasting Skin Renewal
New research shows that Sculptra is more than just a filler. It is a collagen-building injectable that improves facial aging signs in a natural and long-lasting way. Studies from trusted medical sources like the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, PubMed, and PRS Global Open support these results, showing better skin thickness, smoother lines, and stronger facial volume over time.
For many people in the Netherlands, a sculptra behandeling offers a safe and effective way to refresh the face while still looking like themselves. With long-lasting collagen support and gradual improvement, it gives results that stay consistent and natural.