Reconstitution of Sculptra - How Much Time Before Injection Do You Give?

Sculptra is an excellent product for giving a more youthful appearance to one's face.  I have used it for several years for both reconstructing HIV damaged faces as well as for purely cosmetic purposes.  I reconstitute Sculptra 3-4 days before a planned injection with sterile water, but I would not feel uncomfortable having it present for 1 week before an injection.  At the time of injection, I dilute the 3 cc sterile water Sculptra mixture with 5 ccs of 2% lidocaine.  During the injection process, my assistant and I rub the Sculptra into the tissue.  Then I have my patient sit in a separate room where they can massage their face for 30 minutes with both 4x4s and little ice packs to disperse the Sculptra and to decrease bruising.   Next, I have them take home some 4x4s and ice packs and massage for at least 2 hours the day of injection, and for at least 2 hours the day after injection.  Then I see them back 3 days after injection to be sure no lumping has occurred.

The recommendation on the Sculptra package insert is to reconstitute the product 2 hours prior to use.  Many physicians prefer to reconstitute much in advance of this 2 hour mark. The most important aspect of the reconstitution is to make sure that the product is in a good suspension.  While this is easier if the reconstitution is done more in advance of the 2 hour mark, it is not impossible if done in a shorter time span.  If it is reconstituted at a shorter time interval, the vial has to be agitated for a longer time and more vigorously to achieve the same level of suspension.  Once this is achieved, it should not affect the development of lumps (papules or nodules).   

Sculptra is an excellent product to re-establish volume to the face. It may delay a need to consider a facelift in some instances, or supplement a facelift in others.

Time is important in the preparation AND in the use of Sculptra.

 It is important that it be prepared minimum of 12 hours in advance. We like to let it fully dissolve over 48 hours. Also enough dilution should be used.

Technique is paramount. Sculptra is best employed in certain areas of the face, and should generally be placed deeply.

Finally, one should bear in mind that unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra builds volume over time.  For that reason adequate time needs to be given between sessions.