YNN.com

Ithaca / Cortland

Change region

  67º

You are not signed in  |  Sign in here  |  Help

You're viewing a lite version of ynn.com

Time Warner Cable customers: Sign in with your TWC ID for video access.

Get my TWC ID. | Get TWC service. | Read the FAQ.

Updated 07/06/2012 05:00 AM

Healthy Living: Injecting youth into your appearance

There are not too many people who would say they want to look older. In fact, as Americans are living longer, they are searching ways to feel better. Marcie Fraser reports.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

70–year-old Nancy, who's enjoying her retirement, wanted to 'freshen up her look’ but did not want to go under the knife. Wanting a less invasive procedure, she opted for a product called Sculptra.

"This product is a collagen stimulator, therefore it is not the product itself that actually fills the face, it is the response of the body of the produce which grows new collagen," said Dr. Lucie Capek, a plastic surgeon.

Sculptra is being used to add volume in the face and re-inflate tissue.

“Sculptra may used in the cheek to add volume, lift the cheek, near the temple where patients are hallow,” said Dr. Capek.

Treatment begins with a topical numbing cream, the doctor then marks the targeted area. Sculptra is then injected. On an average, two vials during each visit are used at about $850 per vial. Most patients need three treatments, four to six weeks apart, each treatment taking about thirty minutes.

There is literally no down time, and ice is used for comfort. Patients can see ongoing changes and improvements for up to six months, as the body's collagen forms. The results can last up to two years but that can vary.

"Lifestyle plays a role it, if you are someone older or in the sun a lot, you are probably more likely to have more rapid aging," said Dr. Capek.

Side effects, while not common, can include bruising, infections and or nodules. But according to Dr. Capek, who's never had a patient with nodules, says only experts should be injecting the Sculptra.

Nancy's results? Her face is less hollow, her cheek and jaw line is pulled up, giving her a fuller look.