Injection of filler material into a vessel can cause blockage of the vessel with loss of blood supply to the nearby skin/structures. Pain and a dusky appearance to the skin occurs relatively quickly (usually within 30 minutes). Since Sculptra is such a watery filler, blockage of vessels is very uncommon. In addition, most injectors place Sculptra deep in the temples, where there are no blood vessels. If you hear a pop during injection, this indicates that the injection is in a safe, deep pocket where blood vessels do not travel. Injection of the temples, however, can cause pain with chewing temporarily. This is not an indication of intravascular injection.
All manufacturers of any devices present in the description of their product any possible untoward effects, even theoretical. Injection of Sculptra into an artery has never been reported in the US. The way Sculptra is now diluted: 5cc of sterile water and 4 cc of 1% Lidocaine, makes it unlikely to be able to occlude a blood vessel. Also, a well trained MD will know to inject Sculptra deeply, under the muscle in the temporal area. No vessels or nerves are there. Sculptra is an excellent , very safe filler that can last for 1-2 years. Eugene Mandrea M.D.
