Is it ok to ask a doctor to open vial and fill syringes in front of me?

Question

I had 3 sessions of Sculptra injections (1 vial)) with good results. On my 2nd and 3rd visit, unlike 1st, the doctor didn't open vial in front of me but brought 5 prefilled syringes. I am not saying he diluted Sculptra but I do have small doubts. Is it ok to ask a doctor to open vial and fill syringes in front of me? I don't want to sound like I don't trust him or accusing him but this is a very expensive treatment and I just want to make sure I am getting 100% of what I am paying for Thank you

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is a powder in a vial that requires reconstitution 48 to 72 hours in advance.  It would be impossible to open a vial in front of you and inject without adding Bacteriostatic water.  The incidence of "clumping" of the Sculptra is too high and is not advised.  I would hope that you trust your physician.  Even if the vial was brought into the room, and Sculptra drawn up in the syringe, you wouldn't know the exact dilution, etc.  It is not unusual for pre-filled syringes to be brought into the room just prior to injection.  Sculptra is a fabulous product and has no competition in its field.  Other injectables used for volumizing do present pre-filled.

	Good question.  I would recommend discussing with your provider.  This will probably ease your mind

	Thanks so much and glad you like your results.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sculptra has to be diluted and be mixed prior to the treatment.  Whether you add 6cc, 8cc, 10cc, it is still the same amount of Sculptra.  More dilute is possibly even safer.  A vial has powdered Sculptra.  Adding different amounts of fluid do not change the total amount of Sculptra you are getting.  If you trust your Doctor, then have them do your procedure,  and avoid letting your mind speculate.  Sculptra should be premixed 48 hours previously, and put in 3 syringes when ready for injection.  This all sounds normal. I hope this helps!

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

It's more important to go to a doctor you can trust than trying to "get what you paid for" by seeing the vial opened in front of you, because in the case of Sculptra you will have the best results when the vial is opened and reconstituted 24-48 hours before the actual treatment.  If it's simply a matter of drawing up the syringes in front of you, your doctor may be slightly offended (maybe not) but should not have much of an issue with it.  Just keep in mind that if the vial was reconstituted correctly, the seal will already have been broken at this point.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Each vial of Sculptra is purchased by the Physician in a powder form and mixed with sterile water and lidocaine 5-7 days prior to injection.  I cannot comment on why your Doctor had the syringes pre-filled upon entering the room other than this is likely to be his personal preference.  I think the major issue in play is the results you have noticed.  Since you seem to be pleased with the overall results, I doubt that there is any impropriety.  If you opt to have Sculptra treatments in the future, you may want to voice your concerns with your Doctor.

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculptra is packaged in a vial of particles (poly L lactic acid) and is prepared by suspending the particles in liquid in order to perform treatment injections.  Each physician dilutes the particles hours or days prior to injection.

Is it ok to ask a doctor to open vial and fill syringes in front of me?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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Is it ok to ask a doctor to open vial and fill syringes in front of me?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

Answer: Sculptra Dilution

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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