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Recommended Downtime for Sculptra?

asked 2 years ago by ArubaLover in Arlington, TX
Latest answer by Chris Thiagarajah, MD
Question viewed 1,622 times
Tags: bruising, downtime, healing, recovery, swelling

How much vacation time do you advise workers to take for Sculptra injections? My boss does not allow "bruised and swollen" employees to work in his casino.

8 answers to Recommended Downtime for Sculptra?

+2

Sculptra downtime depends

I know this sounds like a cop out answer, but it is so true. The amount of product you have injected makes a lot of difference. Some people just bruise more than others. Typically though with make up you should be OK in 2-3 days. You must realize though that the result that you will see with Sculptra take place over weeks to months and may need to be repeated to get full correction sometimes up to 3 times. Hope this has been helpful, Dr T
Scott Tucker, MD

Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon
+2

Bruising and swelling from Sculptra

Sculptra may cause bruising. Different techniques, different doctors, different sides of the face, different appointments, there can be more brusing some times than others, with the same patient. Brusing can last up to two weeks or even slightly more. Avoid aspirin for two weeks before, Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko and other herbs may increase your bruising, so you should stop those as well. Some people take Arnica montana and or bromelain to decrease the... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Sculptra downtime

If it is truly a concern I would say 1 week should be enough. Injecting a needle into the skin can create bruising. For the type of injection that is being done, 95% of bruises should resolve or be able to be covered up with makeup within a week after sculptra. 
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Little to no downtime with Sculptra

Although patients heal differently, downtime is seldom factor with Sculptra. Most of my patients return to work the next day. Patients may have a small amount of bruising and some puffiness after Sculptra injections. Frequently the puffiness actually looks good because it replaces some of the lost volume that we are trying to build up. With the first treatment, I suggest that patients have a weekend or at least have one day where they can be off work if needed. This gives them a chance... more
Andrew Coundouriotis, MD

Saint Petersburg Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Almost no downtime with Sculptra

I tell my Sculptra patients they can go to work the next day. I do instruct massages 3x a day for 3 minutes for 3 days. I get very little bruising with scupltra, but some people bleed and bruise more than others. I do note some swelling and redness immediately afterwards, but that should improve within a day.
Robert Schwarcz, MD

New York Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling resolves faster than bruising

The swelling associated with Sculptra injections typically lasts 1-3 days, so Friday injections with a Monday return to work would be fine from the swelling perspective. Bruising, however, will take longer to resolve if it occurs. Each patient has a different reaction with regard to bruising, depending on their current medicines (aspirin, herbal medications, etc.). If bruising does occur, it typically lasts 5-7 days. But bruising can be covered with heavy makeup if that's a possibility... more
Chad L. Prather, MD

Baton Rouge Dermatologist
+1

If you bruise, it typically lasts 1 week

Bruising is always a possibility. Make sure you are off aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, herbal supplements, all blood thinners, and fish oil. This reduces your risk. Pre-use Prevedem lotion twice daily for 2 weeks before, and try Bruise Relief after for several applications for several hours after treatment.
Mary Lupo, MD

New Orleans Dermatologist
+1

Little to no downtime with Sculptra

Besides the risk for bruising which can usually be easily covered up with make-up, there is usually no downtime at all. The swelling that does occur usually is mild and only lasts 24 hours. I hope my answer was helpful.
Steven E. Rasmussen, MD

Austin Dermatologist

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