The WaveLift XL

Ameela® is a polynucleotide injectable; Sculptra® is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable. Both originate in wound-healing medicine and are biodegradable. Both stimulate the production of fresh, rejuvenated skin cells; but whereas Ameela® is derived from salmon DNA, Sculptra® is a synthetic polymer. Where Ameela® is great in delicate areas like the tear-trough, Sculptra® excels as a rejuvenating, revolumising treatment for the mid-to-lower face.

What Sculptra® does brilliantly is build or rebuild volume. Loss of volume is a particular concern for many clients as they age; and ‘hollow-faced’ or gaunt looks are currently subject to scrutiny in mainstream media in the wake of Ozempic’s current popularity as a miracle weight-loss drug – coining the phrase ‘Ozempic face’ to signify a hollowed-out, gaunt face that is unintentionally ageing in appearance. The WaveLift XL – the combination of Sofwave™ skin-tightening with Sculptra®’s volumising qualities – is perfect for these concerns, and better suited for those who want natural-looking volume restored in their middle and/or lower faces.

Only one treatment initially, with a maintenance treatment advised from 18-24 months. On its own, Sofwave™ is a remarkably effective ultrasound treatment that lifts and tightens the skin; and can tackle sagging skin all over the face and neck – a brow lift, mid-face lift, jawline and neck lift, all in one session. And Sofwave™ is unique in that most clients only need one treatment (unlike competitors such as Ultherapy, which require multiple sessions). While some lift will be evident immediately after your WaveLift XL, true results emerge over the next 1-3 months. You will see a natural-looking rejuvenescence of your face that will look both healthy and plump – when the Sofwave™ lifting and tightening is further complemented by the regenerative and volumising effects of Sculptra®. And then there is the safety of Sofwave™ compared with other ultrasound devices (where there is the risk of fat contraction – causing laxity rather than firmness in some cases). Sofwave™ is FDA approved for skin lifting and tightening, as well as for the treatment of lines, wrinkles, and cellulite; while Sculptra® has FDA approval for the treatment of fat loss in the facial area.

Yes: 5 days’ worth. Sculptra® differs from other injectables in that the client needs to adhere to a self-massaging regime for 5 days following treatment. For 5 days, the client needs to massage the areas treated with Sculptra® for 5 minutes and perform this massage 5 times a day. This aftercare is very necessary with Sculptra® – where there is a risk of granuloma and nodule formation in the treated areas if not massaged properly (albeit that Sculptra® has improved considerably since its launch in aesthetics over 25 years ago).

So: for 5 days following a WaveLift XL, you are required to massage the specific areas treated with Sculptra® for 5 minutes, and to perform these massages 5 times a day. And while this is not necessary for The WaveLift™ (which combines Sofwave™ with Ameela® polynucleotides) or for the other injectables we offer at The Clinic Holland Park, bear in mind that the rejuvenating and volumising effects of Sculptra® last much longer than these other products, up to 2 years (as opposed to 6-9 months with polynucleotides).