My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Question

Following up my earlier post... Turns out when i asked him whether he prepared the Sculptra 72h beforehand, he said "No, i dilute a few minutes before injection. It's ok because i use a 'shaker' " So it seems i have been improperly treated w Sculptra for several yrs by this guy. He dilutes and injects in both cheeks, all within 15 minutes or so. I'm lodging a complaint. What would be the downside, in terms of results, from this incorrect treatment? Thanks for any information.

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

Sculptra injectable comes to the physician in a powder- wafer form and does need to be hydrated/reconstituted prior to use. We do this several days prior and have found this reduces the clogging issues compared to hydrating this within a few hours. Different injector providers may have slightly different timetable experiences. Sculptra of course works to stimulate one’s own collagen over time, so an understanding of realistic response timetables is also important.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Sculptra should be reconstituted a minimum of two hours but up to several days prior to treatment. Some injectors may not want to do this too early if they are afraid they will not have the volume of business that may leave the Sculptra going unused and wasted. Sculptra requires an experienced injector for best results - a board certified derm or plastic surgeon is your best bet for this treatment. Good luck.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the main reasons for hydrating Sculptra is the difficulty it is associated with injection.  The powder that is not dissolved by hydration is difficult if not impossible to inject.  There are reasons for pre-mixing at certain times.  Despite the manufacturers recommendations it can be mixed at variable times prior to injection; depending on the physician's preference and technique. There is no evidence that results are related to time of hydration.If there are no adverse effects, referring to your injector as "this guy" shows disrespect. If not adverse effects are temporary and treatable.Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sculptra should be diluted at least 24 hours before injection. Theproblem with diluting it minutes before injection is that it can lead to lumps and nodules. Sculptra is a great product to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. It also helps to replace lost collagen.

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD · Answer

We always have pre-mixed Sculptra vials ready for treatment that have been reconstituted days earlier, as we inject Sculptra daily so it is important to have some available at all times. The teaching has always been to mix it at least a day or two in advance of treatment. However, I'm not sure of any studies or data to indicate that this is truly necessary and prevents nodules or bumps. That said, since the company does recommend this, I feel that it makes sense to follow their guidelines.

My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

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Answer: My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Answer: My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Answer: Mixing Sculptra before procedure

Answer: Mixing Sculptra before procedure

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My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Answers (10)

Answer: My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Answer: My Dr. has been diluting & injecting Sculptra within minutes?

Answer: Mixing Sculptra before procedure

Answer: Mixing Sculptra before procedure

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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.