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Sculptra Complications

asked 3 years ago by thenightmarethatdoesn'tquit in LA
Latest answer by Mitchell Schwartz, MD
Question viewed 19,737 times
Tags: under eyes, complication, granuloma, prevention, side effects

Is there a way to remove a delayed side effect of Sculptra that I may be experiencing? It is like a grain of sand or medium size drive-way rocks under the thin skin of my right eye. Easily treatable, for sure, and 'occasionally' will go away on their own but don't, a year later. These little sand like grains are just a wee bit painful 'everyday'. Is an under-eye bag lift by a very qualified surgeon, familiar with PLA the only real solution to this slight problem?

6 answers to Sculptra Complications

+5

There are multiple choices that you can make with your MD to treat these "grains."

I am sorry to learn of the difficulty you are experiencing. If these are effects of Sculptra speak to your physician as there are procedures that can be performed to make you feel more comfortable. Direct massage of the area can have limited success but the sooner it is initiated after the injection the better the chance of success. Injection of Saline by a qualified physician can have the ability to break up granules. "Needling" the granules can break them up as well.... more
Mark Berkowitz, MD

Sterling Heights Oculoplastic Surgeon
+4

Sculptra Complications

In a recent study, 8.5% of patients injected with Sculptra experienced formation of nodules. All nodules could be felt but were not visible. The onset of nodule formation from the time of injection can vary. Early nodules appear one to three months after treatment and most spontaneously disappear. Later nodules can occur from six months to three years and are larger and more inflamed. They usually appear abruptly and are accompanied by swelling and discoloration. These are often referred to... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Sculptra complications--an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure

Complications can occur following any injectable therapy.  Preventing collagen bumps from Sculptra injection is the best treatment for these usually palpable, but not visible bumps.  Ensuring the treating doctor has allowed the Sculptra to reconstitute over a long period of time, in a larger dilution volume, and then injecting deeply in the tissue minimizes the chance of developing a collagen papule. If a papule forms, the good news is they disappear with time.  If active... more
Melanie D. Palm, MD

San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Sculptra near eye

I have removed sculptra nodules from the eyelid and periocular area surgically in the past. It can be done through the inside of the eyelid. Sometimes a steroid shot can take care of it as well.
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Sculptra lumps and bumps

Time is your best friend. Surgery will not necessarily eliminate all the lumps and bumps. Steroids may be of some benefit but are not recommend in the peri-orbital area. 
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sculptra bumps

Complications can absolutely occur. Sculptra can form bumps or nodules months after treatment.  The best way to treat a Sculptra bump is to avoid causing them.  When Sculptra is reconstituted (it comes dry in a sterile vial) properly, injected into areas such as cheeks and nasolabial fold, massaged vigourously at time of treatment and several times a day for 5 days after treatment the risk of bumps declines significantly. In expert hands the benefits outweigh the risks. more
Susan Van Dyke, MD

Paradise Valley Dermatologist

www.vandykelaser.com

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