Joyce, 65, Cleaner

Sculptra

• Why I started

I had tried Botox on my forehead and round my eyes first and had loved the results and was confident with injections. I really have always said that I would not have surgery and as my upper face looked so good I asked how I would rejuvenate the rest of my face to match the work that had been done. I was insistent that I did not want surgery. Personally. I thought I was too old for that and didn't want down-time.

They explained the process of ageing and how the fat had redistributed on my face as I aged. I was even asked to bring in a photograph of what I had looked like 20 years ago. Ageing of the face is all about lines, volume and canvas. They explained the process of Sculptra whereby I could recreate volume, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around my cheeks, mouth and chin, and create volume and lift.  Ideal - and with no knife.

• The procedure

The nurse marked my face with a marker pen and described how, unlike with filler, she would not chase lines or wrinkles but study where I had lost fat. By replacing this fat she would be able to reproduce volume and sculpt my face. Why had I been looking at all these lines all my life? It seemed obvious that in order to recreate a youthful look I had to replace volume.

Because I had already had Botox I knew that the injections would sting, and the nurse explained the injections would be deeper. I had ten to twenty injections which only took about ten minutes. I did feel the injections but the cream applied before did help.

After the procedure I was swollen and tender but it was no worse than a headache. I wouldn't have gone out that night as the area looked puffy but I was reassured that this was normal and that most of the saline injected with Sculptra would disappear in four days.

On the second treatment I was apprehensive as I had not noticed any results; but by the third treatment the results and volume had started to show and I couldn't wait.

• The feedback I have received

People have noticed that something is better, but it’s been so successful that they can't pinpoint why.

I really think the results are superb especially when I see photos of me before the Sculptra treatment.

• Our verdict

Volume replacement is the key to rejuvenation. Take a look at pictures of yourself at ten year intervals. Can you see the change in the volume and roundness of the face? Volume is the key to youth - it is not in the eyes but in volume. Loss of volume can make the face look heavy and if lax skin is present then the problem looks worse.

Before / After		Before / After