Body Sculptra in Apgujeong,
Gangnam, Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Body Sculptra · quick answer
What Body Sculptra does, in one paragraph
Body Sculptra is an injectable collagen stimulator made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), used on larger body areas such as hip dips, the buttocks and contour depressions. Instead of adding instant volume like a gel filler, it prompts the skin and deeper tissue to build new collagen over several months, giving a gradual, soft increase in volume and firmness. At Ever Skin Clinic, a board-certified dermatologist examines your body shape, skin quality and goals first, then plans the areas, dose and number of sessions with you.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D.
Founder & Director, Ever Skin Clinic · Board-certified dermatologist
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Dermatology residency, Hanyang University Hospital
- Master’s degree in Dermatology, Hanyang University
- Regular Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Regular Member, Korean Laser Medicine Association
- Member, World Congress of Dermatology
- Published in JAAD and Annals of Dermatology
- English-speaking consultations
Meet our dermatologists → Last reviewed October 2026
- Ingredient
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator
- Best for
- Hip dips, buttock volume, contour dents, post-weight-loss volume loss
- Course
- Usually 2 to 4 sessions, about 4 to 6 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Swelling, tenderness and bruising for a few days
- Results
- Build over about 2 to 3 months; often last around 2 years, varies
The treatment
What is Body Sculptra?
Sculptra is a biostimulator. The PLLA microparticles are mixed with sterile water and injected into the deeper layers under the skin, where they trigger a controlled collagen response. Part of the initial fullness is just the water carrier and fades within days; the lasting change comes from the collagen that forms over the following weeks and months. On the face it is used to restore lost volume (see our Sculptra page); on the body, much larger amounts are spread over wider areas.
Because the change is gradual, Body Sculptra suits people who want a natural shape rather than a dramatic one. For patients comparing products for the buttocks, our buttock fillers guide explains how Sculptra differs from Ellanse, Radiesse and hyaluronic acid.
Common Body Sculptra areas
- Hip dips to smooth the dip between waist and upper thigh
- Buttocks for modest volume, shape and firmness
- Thigh and knee areas with crepey or uneven skin
- Contour dents such as small post-liposuction irregularities
- Post-weight-loss areas where volume and firmness have reduced
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
Good candidates are healthy adults with a stable weight who want a subtle, gradual improvement and are happy to complete a course of sessions. Body Sculptra adds a moderate amount of volume per area; it is not a substitute for surgical augmentation or large-volume fat grafting, and very slim patients may need more product to see a visible change.
Your dermatologist will also check skin laxity, because loose skin may respond better when Sculptra is combined with tightening such as Onda body lifting or MPR RF lifting.
Body Sculptra may suit you if you want to
- Soften hip dips for a smoother side profile
- Add gentle volume and firmness to flat buttocks
- Improve crepey skin on the thighs or above the knees
- Correct small dents or asymmetry without surgery
- Build results gradually over a few months
Your visit
What happens during treatment
A session usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of areas and vials planned.
- Consultation Your dermatologist assesses the body areas, skin and medical history and agrees the number of vials and sessions with you.
- Preparation The product is reconstituted in advance, the areas are marked with you standing, and the skin is cleaned and numbed.
- Injection Sculptra is placed in a fanning pattern, usually with a blunt cannula, to spread it evenly through the treatment area.
- Massage and plan The area is massaged to distribute the product, and we explain home massage and book your next session.
Real patient · before & after
Volume planning, face and body
This photo shows a full-face filler treatment. It is not a Body Sculptra result, and body cases are not shown on this page. We include it to illustrate our principle of adding volume where the anatomy needs it while keeping proportions natural.
Body results with Sculptra build slowly over months and vary with the amount of product used. Ask your dermatologist about body-specific cases and realistic expectations at consultation.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Swelling, tenderness and bruising are common for a few days, and sitting may feel sore after buttock treatment. The early fullness settles as the water is absorbed, so the area may look close to its original shape before collagen gradually builds. Small firm nodules can occasionally develop, which is why even placement and massage matter.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection at the site, a history of keloids, an autoimmune condition, or a known allergy to any component. Sculptra is not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will discuss alternatives if needed.
Aftercare tips
- Massage the area as instructed, commonly 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days
- Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense exercise for 2 to 3 days
- Avoid sitting for long periods on treated buttocks on the first day if possible
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the area
- Contact the clinic if you notice a lump, increasing pain or redness
Questions we hear every day
Body Sculptra FAQ
How many Body Sculptra sessions will I need?
Most body areas need about two to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, and larger areas such as the buttocks often need several vials per session. The exact plan depends on your anatomy and the change you want, and your dermatologist will give you an estimate at consultation.
How long does Body Sculptra last?
Because the result comes from your own new collagen, it often lasts around two years, though this varies with age, metabolism, weight changes and lifestyle. Many patients choose an occasional top-up session to maintain the shape.
Is Body Sculptra painful?
Numbing and a blunt cannula keep most sessions tolerable, but you will feel pressure and some stinging. Tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal, especially when sitting after buttock treatment. Tell your doctor if you are sensitive so comfort measures can be adjusted.
Can I have Body Sculptra during a short trip to Seoul?
You can start a course during a visit, since downtime is usually a few days of soreness. However, results build over months and further sessions are normally needed, so plan whether you can return or schedule sessions several weeks apart during a longer stay.
Is Sculptra better than hyaluronic acid filler for the hips and buttocks?
They work differently. HA filler gives instant, adjustable volume but larger body volumes are needed, while Sculptra builds collagen gradually and also improves firmness. Your dermatologist will explain which option, or combination, suits your body and goals.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp.
An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
