Besides kenalog /steriod shots, is there any other way to minimize lumps caused by Sculptra?

Question

I'm 3 months post first sculptra injection, but this morning I found two large and hard lumps on cheeks, I feel painful when push them. according to may questions&answers here, I guess I may need sever kenalog shots to break them down. However, I've already got 3 shots to reduce the volume since I don't like the sculptra results. I'm allergic to Methlprenisolone, but I'm ok with very very low dose steriod shots(till now). is there any other option I can choose?

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Persistent lumps
after Sculptra treatment are rare if it is injected per manufacturer
recommendations by a competent physician injector with the new dilution guidelines(using 8-10 cc dilution per vial). You may have a mild
infection, granulomas or cysts or other problems causing your
"lumps". The pain or tenderness you have makes me lean more towards an
infectious process. Your lumps may need to be drained.  Kenalog injections may cause skin thinning,
divots, and may also foster or worsen infection....So Beware! You might want to seek
a second opinion if you are not happy with the treatments from and answers you
hear from your physician. Find a dermatologist or plastic surgeon expert
injector well versed in filler treatments who has managed complications like
yours to get the best result! Hope this helps. Best of luck!BTW- I recommend the mantra "5-5-5" after Sculptra treatment to avoid complications- massage areas treated for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days after your Sculptra injection.....

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

One of the most important lessons to learn regarding Sculptra is to inject proper dilutions at room temperature into the appropriate layers of tissue and to abide with the instructions to massage, massage, massage.  We remind our patients of the mantra: 3-3-3.   For the next three days, for 3 minutes, three times a day, ice and massage.   If placed in areas of excess motion, these find particles can migrate and form palpable clumps.  Will anything specifically correct these lumps?  Not really.  Breaking up lumps with injection needles and saline seem to help.  Steroids don't seem to do that much.  I don't see lumps with today's dilution techniques so be sure for all of you to remember to ask your injector what 'the dilution' is as well as you do your part to massage as instructed.

Joel E. Kopelman, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra can precipitate subcutaneous hard nodules several weeks to months following injection.In most cases these lumps are due to the concentration of the Sculptra particles in one place .This occurs more commonly around the mouth where the perioral muscles cause to particles to migrate into concentrated lumps. A subcutaneous reaction occurs precipitating nodules.These nodules are dense scar tissue and are not easily dispersed with Kenalog , other steroids or 5FU. I have found that the incidence of nodules decreases significantly if the Sculptra is diluted to a greater extent beyond the manufacturer's recommended dilution. When nodules do occur then a tiny incision over the nodule will allow your physician to pop the nodule out without telltale scarring .If you are patient some of these small nodules will dissipate over time.I hope this was helpful

Besides kenalog /steriod shots, is there any other way to minimize lumps caused by Sculptra?

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Besides kenalog /steriod shots, is there any other way to minimize lumps caused by Sculptra?

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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.