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Are Granulomas a Common Side Effect of Sculptra?

I was amazed at the prospect of permanent disfiguration from granulomas due to Sculptra. I assume that technique (dilution, placement, etc) play an important role in their formation, but was a bit scared by the delayed nature of the reaction, up to 2 years.

What percentage of patients experience this? Is it idiopathic, just a strange immunological response? Being that there is no product left, how does it evolve? Would you as physicians reccomend this product to your own relatives? Interestingly, the satisfaction rate is the same as Juvederm, so what gives?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by jennyct

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Sculptra Granulomas Are Not Common

There is a lot of confusion about papules, nodules and granulomas from Sculptra. Granulomas are very uncommon but papules and nodules can happen in up to 10% of the patients. These are felt like beads under the skin and are usually not visible. This is related to exagerated response of skin to Sculptra. With time all of these go away. They do not cause pain or any other side effects. It is rare for them to cause cosmetic issues. The way to avoid is to have a well trained doctor do the... more

Granulomas are rare

The incidence of granulomas is reduced when the Sculptra is mixed well in advance, when dilutions are greater than 5 cc, and when the injections are done deep rather than into the dermis. I also think experience has an impact on the result. I find Sculptra invaluable in my practice.

Sculptra Aesthetic is a different product than other injectables

We have been using Sculptra in over 100 patients during the past five years. I teach the current Sculptra techniques which have evolved during that time. The product should never be used in the lips or in or about the eyelids. They currently will only sell their product to those who have taken their training courses and have demonstated the ability to inject correctly as well as how to give the appropriate aftercare. (I am one of their trainers as well as a lecturer for the proper ways to... more

Nathan Mayl, MD

7 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

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Sculptra nodules

Not all Sculptra nodules are granulomas. In fact, granulomas, which are the body's local immune response to the product, seem to be very very rare and develop as a delayed consequence to the treatment. Nodules, or bumps, may occur more quickly and might just be more development of your collagen around a focus of Sculptra, or a more dense collection of Sculptra that was deposited in that one area compared to the rest of the treated areas. Sculptra is not a solution, it is a mixture , so... more

Granulomas a rare side effect of Sculptra

I have not used Sculptura for over a year now. Not because of the rare granulomas but it really has a slowwwwwww onset of results. Patients do not want to wait months to achieve a result. The reports of rare granulomas are stated is the legal/medical ones. Just my thoughts From MIAMI

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.