Sculptra Side Effects

In 2000, at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, Pierre Andre reported cystic, nodular, and granulomatous lesions when this agent was used in individuals with normal immune functioning (non-HIV+ patients). Additionally, long-term allergic reactions have since been described, which are very difficult to manage. In another report concerning its aesthetic use in 100 patients with normal immune functioning, 20% of the treated individuals experienced significant adverse reactions.... more

Sculptra is actually the powder form of a suture, Vicryl, that has been used in surgery for many years without significant problems. The body absorbs the powder and eventually turns it into carbon dioxide and water. The benefit of Sculptra is that during this inflammation to degrade the Sculptra collagen formation is being carried out by the body in a scar like reaction. It is this collagen that creates the new volume. With this inflammation there is the risk of infection. However the... more

Risks include hematoma or blood pooling beneath the skin, and although rare, infection and necrosis or skin loss is possible. The greatest risk occurs when dermal fillers are injected by someone who is not properly qualified to perform injections. Semi-permanent and permanent fillers may carry a risk of clumping (the particles form a granuloma or lump that can be felt or seen beneath the skin), which can occur months later. Particles may also migrate or displace from the injection site.... more

Thank you for your question. Although our experience in the US has only been for a couple of years, we do have good data sharing the experience of our European physicians for almost 10 years. The most commonly cited delayed complication is the development of nodules under the skin. These can be quite small or as big as the tip of your finger. They represent a "clumping" of the product and your body's reaction to it. This can be treated by breaking it up with a needle or injecting... more

Since Sculptra works by making the body make collagen (part of the foundation of facial structure) it cause a natural boost in making one of the building blocks of youthful appearance. It could overstimulate an area and cause a nodule or lump, but these are rare now that the product is diluted at least a day before use and diluted with more sterile water than done years before to help spread the product over a larger area. If nodules do occur they are usually only... more

Sculptra was first approved by US FDA in 2004 for HIV lipoatrophy, but has had extensive track record for the past 10 years, initially gleaned from the European experience. The material in Sculptra, Poly-L-lactic acid has been used for buried sutures for the past couple decades with excellent track record. As with all injectables, the clinical outcomes depend on the physician injector. What you are paying for any cosmetic service, besides for the actual material, is the risk premium, i.e.... more

Sculptra has been around for about 10 years, it was originally used for patients with the HIV virus to rebuild volume loss in the face.  Sculptra was recently FDA approved for cosmetic purposes, it is very safe with only a few rare side effects which include redness and small lumps under the skin.  Scuptra lasts about 2-3 years.

There is "dirt" out there about Sculptra, as there is on all injectable products. The source? You should understand a few things. Much of the negative you may have read about may be old news. There have been some changes in the way the product is used over the past 10 years. It is now prepared at least several hours in advance (most at least one day) which is thought to result in a more uniform product. Next, it is now diluted in more water than in the past.... more