Sculptra before & after photos
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211 reviews
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Sculptra Cost $2,200 average cost

Horrible Experience

13 posts
Comments (8)
Updated 2 Dec 2011
Posted 16 Apr 2008
Not Worth It
Spent: $800 in Bakersfield, California

I wish I would have seen this website prior to getting my Sculptra injections. I had injections done under both eyes. First in November 2007 and again in January 2008. After the first injection, I developed a pea sized lump under my left eye. My dermatologist told me it would go away. I had the second injection performed and now have large lumps under my left eye and a medium lump under my right eye. My dermatologist has been using the V-beam laser on these bumps with a little bit of success. To anyone considering Sculptra - Do not use it!!!! I am extremely self concious now - I hate the side effects of Sculptra. I have reviewed websites on Sculptra and they speak of small lumps that will go away. Well mine are not small and they have yet to go away! None of the websites or pamphlets talk about the large lumps that you may get and the fact they may never go away. By the way, I was extremely diligent in massaging the injection sites. I followed the after care instructions and I still had horrible side effects!

Updated on Aug 14, 2009:

Here is my update:  I am 21 months out from having Sculptra injected under both of my eyes.  I followed the after-care instructions, and I massaged down to the exact minute.  In fact, I didn't stop massaging until approximately 3 months ago when I realized that the bumps weren't going away, and all I was doing was irritating my skin.

After numerous V-beam laser treatments failed (my derm was giving them to me at no-cost), I finally decided to have a facial plastic surgeon perform a subscision procedure.  I had two subscision procedures performed 4 weeks apart, and there has been a significant amount of change in the bump size.

I hope this gives some of you hope that your horrible experience may be reversed.



Updated on 2 Dec 2011:
It has been 4 years since I had Sculptra injected under both of my eyes and 2 years since the subscision procedure.

The subscision procedure was a success as I am lump/bump free.

Updated on 2 Dec 2011:
In case anyone was wondering, the subscision procedure consisted of the doctor numbing my face (it still was not a pain free procedure), and using a needle to break down the Sculptra lumps/bumps.

I can only compare it to using a needle to scrape at a ball of hardened sand. And just to clarify he did not cut anything out of my face.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

My Doctor:

My rating:
I would recommend my subscision Dr. as he was very compassionate and was willing to perform the subscision procedure.
Vote: 44 members found this review helpful

Comments (8)

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R Nelson (12 posts) 28 Dec 2008
Hello, Is your lump any better?
Sandchic (13 posts) 14 Apr 2009
It's been a while since I've posted and apparently there have been some major changes to this site. My lumps are better, but are still very noticeable. I have undergone 12 V-beam laser treatments, with some success. The lump under my right eye is barely visible, but the lumps under my left eye, although smaller, are still very visible. A year and a half has passed since my first injection, and I am still devastasted by the effects. (Especially when I catch my reflection under florescent lighting). At this time I am going to seek the consultation of a plastic surgeon as I see no other option to get rid of these lumps. P.S. There is no way I would allow anyone to inject Kenalog into these lumps - - The horror stories from that are extreme!
tried but failed (804 posts) 11 Sep 2009
You courage in posting photos is commendable, especially as they are a visible warning to anyone considering Sculptra. I am so happy for you that your photos show so much improvement. Unless you knew what you were looking for, it is not noticeable at all. Really. What a long, long time for this to be a part of your life. Good luck and hopefully you are close to the end of this terrible experience. Cheers
Sandchic (13 posts) 25 Oct 2009
Wow! Thank you so much for your reply. You actually brought a smile to my face and that's hard to do when we're talking about Sculptra! Thank you for your support!
Danrose (1 post) 2 Mar 2010

Sandchic, My name is Danny and my wife - Rosemarie - had Sculptra treatment done under her eyes about 1 year ago. She has two bumps under her left eye since then and has done everything other than laser and subscision. We live in Jacksonville, FL. She has been so depressed about this and her DR. just keeps saying - there will go away! I am hoping you can find the time to please email us to give her advice and hope. Thanks very much for your consideration and for sharing your story which is so much like what she is experiencing right now. Danny7

Dru11 (42 posts) 18 Aug 2009
hi, ugly sculptra inflammatory nodules led to infection and now i have been diognosed with maxillary osteomyelitis. this sculptra was injected 2/20/08. i have been in pain ever since. i am now looking at the nest year of surgery and antibiotic treatments. sculptra is a dangerous product.
ms-lead (103 posts) 15 Jan 2010
Dear Dru, Sculptra is classified as a medical device. I do not know why it isn't a drug. The information the manufacturer supplied on Wickipedia just changed once again...
6748anon (16 posts) 18 Mar 2011
My sympathy to all the people who have the unfortunate experience of lumps caused by fillers. It causes extreme self paranoia and awareness.
I did the same thing four years ago, I have been told by two plastic surgeons that there is nothing that I can do. It may go away one day. I've been told that it does not look too bad... I see it and am stuck with the results.

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