Can massaging redistribute the sculptra in my face? I would like it to focus more on the under eye area and less on cheeks

Question

I have had sculptra injections but I'm not happy with how my cheeks look. I only wanted to improve my under eye hollows but the sculptra has made my cheeks really fat. I had the injection done recently. If I massage upwards will this move the filler away from my cheeks and towards the under eye area? Also, will losing weight help my cheeks to look less full?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

where sculptra is injected is where it works best.  Massaging only prevents clumping.  If you want more under the eye or upper cheek then have more injected in that area.  But do it conservatively there. Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Massaging can help smooth out the Sculptra injections. In some patients, we recommend twice daily massage with Plato's Scar Serum. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Massage isn't going to "move" the Sculptra. I would suggest that you see your surgeon about what could be done to get your desired outcome in the cheek area. Although I will remind you that full cheeks are a sign of a youthful face. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a unique filler in that its effects are primarily achieved via stimulation of collagen synthesis.  It is injected as particles suspended in solution which distribute finely throughout an area of injection.  Therefore, it cannot be repositioned by massage.  The advice to apply massage with Sculptra was developed in the early days of Sculptra use to reduce the possibility of nodule formation.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Massaging the sculptra is an essential part of distributing the material throughout the tissues early on to create more collagen. If you are still experiencing swelling in the area lymphatic massage may be helpful. Massage will not necessarily remove the collagen. I would talk to your surgeon about this and additional filler around the lower eyelids may help alleviate some of your concerns.Good luck!

Vijay K. Bindingnavele, MD, FACS · Answer

It takes four weeks to get the final appearance of sculptra injections.  Massaging may help diminish the prominence but massaging upwards will not move it.  If it is tear troughs that you are worried about, you may need to return to get a Restylane injection into your tear troughs.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. I tell my patients to continue massaging for 5 days after the Sculptra treatment. If you are concerned about the hollowness under the eyes, then Belotero or Restylane would be good options.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

Sculptra massage is important for even distribution of the microparticles in the injected areas as a means to minimize the risk of micronodules.  You can't really massage it with the intent to move the particles.  Sculptra is not my go to product for use around the eyes as the risk of palpable and visible lumps increases in such soft thin skin.  Products better suited for periorbital skin are Restylane for deep placement and Belotero for superficial placement.  Often a combination of both in deep and superficial layers give optimal results for tear troughs and eye hollows.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

You can't move the Sculptra around with massage. Massage helps prevent nodule formation. It can be injected in the areas you describe but only by the most experienced injectors. Losing weigh causes fat loss all over, particularly in the face in some people.

E. John Serrao, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Sculptra placement is based on the assessment of your facial volume loss and is key to the overall global correction.  I massage my patients immediately after the injection of Sculptra to ensure even distribution.  My patients are instructed on massage post-injection following the 5-5-5's rule. I also recommend that they massage twice a day in week two. The facial massaging is done to avoid "clumping" of the product and not to redistribute the injection placement. Photos would assist with further evaluation, but based on your comments you needed correction in the tear trough area.  My rule is always to under-correct not over-correct, especially with a product such as Sculptra Aesthetic, which stimulates the growth of your own natural collagen. Share your concerns with your provider and take care.Visit the link below to learn more about Sculptra AestheticBest Regards,Dr, John Serrao

Can massaging redistribute the sculptra in my face? I would like it to focus more on the under eye area and less on cheeks

Answers (10)

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