Sculptra lumps: need help

The use of Sculptra was suggested to me at a reputable clinic where I went to ask about correction of my drawn looking face. I have very thin cheeks and Sculptra was touted as the very best treatment to fill them in. Because I was worried about injecting anything foreign into my face, I asked to speak to another patient about her experience with Sculptra. I was contacted by a patient who was delighted with her results, and encouraged me to enjoy the benefits as well. I had one appointment of injecting, and I asked that we use only the minimal amount for the first time. The clinician avoided using it around my eyes or mouth, concentrating only on the sunken areas of my cheeks. I massaged as prescribed for one week.

About the 10th day I noticed a lump on my jawline toward my ear. It grew similar to a cyst and became the size of a pea. I noticed another lump along my other jaw toward my chin, but it was (and still is) not visible and is not mobile like the first. There are two other very tiny lumps in my cheeks that I can feel, but not see, as well. I went back to the clinic and a procedure was performed to break the one visible lump up with a needle, then followed with an injection of Kenalog (steroid cream). The clinician told me that the other lump did not show and it would be best to leave it unless it began to grow. So far it has not. The treated lump softened but came back shortly after two weeks. I had another round of needle-breaking and steroid injection. It softened quickly while the clinician was working on it, yet returned within a few days. I am going to have the needle and steroid injection done again tomorrow... but wonder if I should simply have the doctor remove this lump.

After reading the negative experiences of many Sculptra users in this website, I am very concerned. My questions are:

1) Is there predictablility regarding how long it will take for any additional lumps to show up in skin if they are going to?

2) Is there a way to prevent lumps or bumpiness from occuring in the future?

3)Is there a reliable and safe treatment for those that do occur?

4)Is the development of bumps very early-- as I experienced-- a precursor to the likelihood of more problems?

5) How long does Sculptra truly remain in the skin, and how long could one truly expect complications to show up if they are going to?

I am glad that I stopped with one treatment. I am happy for those who have had good results with Sculptra, but this has been an unsettling experience for me. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

1 answer to “Sculptra lumps: need help”

A: Sculptra lumps

Brent Moelleken, MD

I'm sorry about your experience.  We do not use Sculptra in our practice because of the risk of chronic lumpiness.  Sculptra is technically approved for use in HIV patients for lipoatrophy but is often used off-label in other areas. Sculptra is made of a material that is reactive, in other words many... more

Comments

Michelle P
91 posts
11 Jan 2009

Dear Rosebur, Please. Do you really think any MD will answer your questions? What is underestimated is, When a woman gets Hurt... Ain't nothing you can do about it...la, de...

Michelle P
91 posts
24 Jan 2009

I Agree with you Doctor, 100%. If this information was available to me 'back than', remember alot has changed in a short time thanks to websites like Real Self. I was 'old school', I guess, and didn't do the doctor's homework. I had never been harmed by an md before, my guard was not up. Nor was I given any true informed consent. I would have run and he wouldn't have my money. Please do not blame the victim.

roseburg
4 posts
27 Jan 2009

Dr. Moelleken Thank you taking the time to provide this information regarding my Sculptra experience. It is very informative and quite frankly, comforting! I still have the very visible lump by my jaw, but I have not asked my doctor to inject any further steroids into it. I plan to request that it be surgically removed. It has been a full 6 months since my first and only Sculptra treatment, and so far the other smaller lumps I experienced are not visible-- my hope is that they will go away on their own eventually. My doctor believes that the lump which continues to show may resolve itself on its own within a couple years and we know that surgically removing the lump will leave a small scar... but truthfully, a scar would make me less self-conscious than the lump I now have. I wonder, do you ever see these larger lumps go away on their own? Again, Thank you. I am grateful for your input and time.

Post your question

Sculptra before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.