Why does Sculptra has to be administered through a bigger needle & sometimes the needle clogs?

Question

I absolutely love Sculptra and Ellanse. Sculptra is suspended Poly-L-lactic acid and Ellanse is polycaprolactone. I love that the polycaprolactone lasts longer than the sculptra. I also love the effects sculptra has when placed deep or on the periosteum I wanted to know why sculptra has to be administered through a bigger needle and sometimes the needle clogs. I have had Ellanse administered through a 30 gauge needle and it is very comfortable. Is Ellanse a smaller particle than sculptra?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Sculptra and Ellanse are both excellent dermal fillers, but they have different physical characteristics due to their distinct active ingredients, which can influence the way they are administered.

Sculptra is composed of Poly-L-lactic acid, which is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic material. It is typically suspended in a carrier solution and requires reconstitution before use. The Poly-L-lactic acid particles in Sculptra are relatively larger and irregular in shape compared to the smoother, smaller, and more uniform particles in Ellanse, which is made of polycaprolactone microspheres suspended in a gel carrier.

The larger and irregular particles in Sculptra require a larger needle (usually 26 gauge) for administration to prevent clogging. If a smaller needle is used, the particles can block the needle's lumen, preventing the solution from being injected properly. This can lead to a less effective treatment and potential waste of the product.

On the other hand, Ellanse, with its smaller and smoother particles, can be administered with a smaller needle (such as a 30 gauge), which can make the procedure more comfortable for the patient.

It's important to note that while the needle size can impact patient comfort, the skill and technique of the injector also play crucial roles in the overall patient experience and treatment outcome.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a powder that is mixed with water creating a suspension.  This is unlike other fillers.  Because the particles are dispersed in the water, sometimes these particles can clog the needle.  This is why a larger needle is normally needed.

Why does Sculptra has to be administered through a bigger needle & sometimes the needle clogs?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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Why does Sculptra has to be administered through a bigger needle & sometimes the needle clogs?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.