Jenna’s First Time: Trying Sculptra at ProMD Health Bethesda

If you’ve followed me for more than five minutes, you know I’m not afraid to try a beauty treatment. Botox? Of course. Filler? Been there. Microneedling, hydrafacials, peels, threads. I’ve played in the sandbox of needles, swam in the chemical pool, and reported back.

So when Sculptra started buzzing in the aesthetic world, I booked my appointment and added it to my “why not” list.

This one felt different though. Not instant. Not flashy. Just quietly powerful, like that nerd in high school who grew up to be a tech billionaire.

I went to ProMD Bethesda, a Sixx Cool Moms Approved partner, and let Leigh Mazzei, PA-C, MSHS, work her magic. Here’s the rundown.

ProMD Health At Bethesda owners Leigh Mazzei and Mandy Fawcet

Wait, What Is Sculptra Again?

Sculptra, manufactured by Galderma, is not your classic filler. It is a biostimulant, which means it encourages your body to produce its own collagen instead of adding volume immediately. The active ingredient, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), has actually been used for years. It was approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat facial fat loss, also known as facial lipoatrophy, in patients with HIV.

That medical background is part of what makes it feel so legit. Now, it is widely used for cosmetic purposes too, especially in areas where we tend to lose structure as we age like the cheeks, temples, and jawline.

Sculptra will not give you that instant plump you get with traditional filler. Instead, it works gradually over a few months. Think of it as the slow burn plot twist in your face’s comeback story. You still look like you, just slightly more supported and less melty.

Hey Bestie!

Where I Got It

We focused on my cheeks and jawline. I’ve had filler in my cheeks before, but this time I wanted something a little more subtle. My face had started to feel a little flat, especially in photos, and I was losing that snatched lower face that I like to pretend is genetic.

The plan was to add support in the cheekbones, restore some contour along the jaw, and let my body do the work.

The Appointment

PROMD Bethesda is always a vibe. Beautiful, calm, and professional without being stuffy. They numbed my face, talked me through everything, and the injections themselves were fast. You can hear a little squish as the product goes in. Don’t worry, no one else can hear it but you. It’s a little weird, but it’s fine.

Right after, they massaged the areas to help everything settle. You are sent home with a clear instruction. Massage your face five times a day for five minutes for five days.

It sounds like a lot, but it’s kind of meditative after the first few rounds. I added it to my skincare routine and made it a little ritual.

How Often You Need It

Sculptra is a series, not a one time deal. Most people need two to three sessions spaced out every six to eight weeks. Then you maintain once a year.

It’s not cheap, but you are paying for collagen that is yours and results that last up to two years. For me, that’s worth it.

What I’m Seeing So Far

This is the opposite of instant gratification. For the first couple of weeks, I looked exactly the same. Then one morning, about a month in, I caught a glimpse of my reflection and noticed my cheekbones again. Subtle. Natural. The kind of shift where people say “You look great” but can’t quite place what’s different.

No puffiness. No overfilled look. Just a refreshed version of my face that looks like I maybe started sleeping, drinking water, and saying no to things that drain me.

Shhhhh...I didn’t. It was Sculptra.

You can't catch me yet gravity!

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. This is going into my regular rotation. Sculptra isn’t dramatic or trendy. It is a quiet power move. I wouldn’t do it if I had an event the next day, since you can get a little moon facey afterwards. The water in the product can make you look bloated for a few days, but it fades quickly.

If you’re into long-term results and don’t mind playing the slow game, it’s a no-brainer.

PROMD Bethesda got it exactly right. No pressure. No overselling. Just smart placement, clear expectations, and the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’re in the hands of people who actually care.

Got questions about Sculptra or want the behind-the-scenes before your consult? DM me. I’ll always tell you exactly what it felt like, what it cost, and whether it was worth it.

This has been another episode of Jenna’s First Time, where I try things so you don’t have to. But honestly, this one might be worth putting on your calendar.

Because real confidence doesn’t need to scream, sometimes it just shows up in your cheekbones three weeks later.

Author: Jenna Levine Liu, Founder and President of Sixx Cool Moms. You can follow Jenna on Facebook, Instagram, and begrudgingly TikTok