The use of Sculptra was suggested to me at a reputable clinic where I went to ask about correction of my drawn looking face. I have very thin cheeks and Sculptra was touted as the very best treatment to fill them in. Because I was worried about injecting anything foreign into my face, I asked to speak to another patient about her experience with Sculptra. I was contacted by a patient who was delighted with her results, and encouraged me to enjoy the benefits as well. I had one appointment of injecting, and I asked that we use only the minimal amount for the first time. The clinician avoided using it around my eyes or mouth, concentrating only on the sunken areas of my cheeks. I massaged as prescribed for one week.
About the 10th day I noticed a lump on my jawline toward my ear. It grew similar to a cyst and became the size of a pea. I noticed another lump along my other jaw toward my chin, but it was (and still is) not visible and is not mobile like the first. There are two other very tiny lumps in my cheeks that I can feel, but not see, as well. I went back to the clinic and a procedure was performed to break the one visible lump up with a needle, then followed with an injection of Kenalog (steroid cream). The clinician told me that the other lump did not show and it would be best to leave it unless it began to grow. So far it has not. The treated lump softened but came back shortly after two weeks. I had another round of needle-breaking and steroid injection. It softened quickly while the clinician was working on it, yet returned within a few days. I am going to have the needle and steroid injection done again tomorrow... but wonder if I should simply have the doctor remove this lump.
After reading the negative experiences of many Sculptra users in this website, I am very concerned. My questions are:
1) Is there predictablility regarding how long it will take for any additional lumps to show up in skin if they are going to?
2) Is there a way to prevent lumps or bumpiness from occuring in the future?
3)Is there a reliable and safe treatment for those that do occur?
4)Is the development of bumps very early-- as I experienced-- a precursor to the likelihood of more problems?
5) How long does Sculptra truly remain in the skin, and how long could one truly expect complications to show up if they are going to?
I am glad that I stopped with one treatment. I am happy for those who have had good results with Sculptra, but this has been an unsettling experience for me. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (3)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
The great thing about Sculptra is that it's a product that can easily be tailored to the individual. While number of sessions can vary based on the patient, typically it's anywhere from 2-4 sessions spaced about 1 month apart. The amount of product used at each session also...
Dear Pretty:
Nodules from Sculptra? No problem.
First, you should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or Oculoplastic surgeon to make an accurate diagnosis. In decades of using Sculptra I have not seen granulomas form, but have treated them in patients who have...
Sculptra is not for average physician injectors. It requires good understanding of anatomy, volume restoration of upper 1/3 of face, dynamics involved with lifting of skin. While any physician injector must start somewhere, somehow, it should be disclosed especially for paying clientele.
