30 year old female, 5 vials of Sculptra, what are my options with overproduction of collagen?

Question

I am a 30 yr old female and received 5 vials of Sculptra over a 3 month period. I feel that I now have overcorrected results which have changed my face shape/smile. What are my options with overproduction of collagen from Sculptra treatments? Will phototherapy for Scleroderma help? Is there anything that will help lessen the volume? Thank you

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

A photo would be very helpful.  Sculptra is considered semi-permanent, so not all that is there will stay there.

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I understand how distressing it can be when cosmetic treatments don’t yield the desired results—especially when they alter something as personal as your face or smile.

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) works by stimulating your body to produce collagen over time, so its effects are gradual and can sometimes continue to develop for several months after your last treatment. With five vials administered over three months, it’s possible that your body has responded strongly to the stimulation, leading to what you're describing as "overcorrection."

Your Options:
Wait and Monitor
In many cases, the volume created by Sculptra softens gradually over time. Since Sculptra works by stimulating your own collagen, the overcorrection may diminish within 12–24 months as your body naturally remodels that collagen.

Steroid Injections (Intralesional Kenalog)
These can be used to selectively break down collagen and reduce excess volume or nodularity. This should only be performed by an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy thoroughly.

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling or Ultrasound-Based Therapies (e.g., Ultherapy, Thermage)
These energy-based treatments can stimulate collagen remodeling and contraction, potentially helping to “tighten” and reduce unwanted collagen buildup.

Phototherapy for Scleroderma
Phototherapy (like UVA1) used in conditions like scleroderma is not typically used or proven to be effective for managing Sculptra-induced collagen overproduction. This therapy works by reducing fibrosis in autoimmune skin conditions but is unlikely to reverse cosmetic collagen stimulation safely or predictably.

Massage
Gentle facial massage may help to redistribute the product and soften any palpable lumps or thickened areas—especially early on. This tends to be more effective shortly after injection rather than months later, but it can still be worth discussing.

What Not to Do:
Do not undergo aggressive treatment without a proper evaluation.

Avoid dissolving agents like hyaluronidase—Sculptra is not a hyaluronic acid filler, so hyaluronidase won’t work.

Recommended Next Step:
I strongly recommend an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has extensive experience with Sculptra. Imaging or detailed palpation may be necessary to distinguish between superficial nodularity and deeper volume changes.

You're not alone—these concerns are valid, and with the right care, we can often improve or reverse unwanted results.

A. David Rahimi, MD · Answer

Dear Patient, Sculptra is basically ground up suture material. They was Sculptra replaces volume is causing a mild inflammatory reaction that causes more Collagen production. 
I recommend that you consider an anti-inflammatory diet.
Additionally cosider injection of very dilute anti-inflammatory KENELOG with large volume of Saline to wash out the inflammation. I hope this is helpful. Dr David R.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately I do not think that there is much to do other than have time pass to reduce the volume from Sculptra injections. Hopefully they were still recent and some swelling will reside. You can certainly consult with a plastic surgeon to have them examine you in person and discuss options.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that stimulates collagen production and is commonly used for facial volume restoration. In some cases, individuals may experience an overproduction of collagen, resulting in unintended side effects. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the results of any cosmetic procedure. Here are some general considerations:

Consult with Your Provider:

Schedule a follow-up appointment with the healthcare provider who administered the Sculptra injections. They can assess the situation, understand your concerns, and determine the appropriate course of action.
Massage and Manipulation:

Your provider may recommend massaging or manipulating the treated area. This can help distribute the product more evenly and alleviate any areas where collagen overproduction may be more prominent.
Hyaluronidase Treatment:

In some cases, hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid (the primary component of Sculptra), can be used to dissolve excess filler or address uneven distribution. This option should be discussed with your provider, as it may depend on the specific circumstances.
Time and Natural Dissipation:

Sculptra is designed to stimulate collagen gradually over several weeks. In some cases, the overproduction of collagen may naturally dissipate over time as the product settles and integrates with your tissues. Patience and monitoring are essential.
Adjustment of Future Treatments:

If you plan to have additional Sculptra treatments in the future, your provider may adjust the quantity or distribution to prevent overstimulation of collagen. Open communication with your provider about your aesthetic goals and concerns is crucial.
Temporary Nature of Sculptra:

It's important to note that Sculptra is not a permanent filler, and its effects are temporary. Over time, the results will gradually diminish as the body absorbs the product.
Remember, every individual's response to cosmetic procedures can vary, and the best course of action depends on your specific situation. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your needs and concerns.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The simplest option to improve over-filling after Sculptra treatment is giving it more time.  It will gradually go down by itself with more time.  I do not think that phototherapy would be helpful to lessen the volume.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hello R,
There are techniques to help you, I have treated patients similiar to you.  It is difficult to recommend what to do without photos.  Please feel free to contact me (818 501-FACE) for either an in person or virtual consult at which time I will use my expertise and advise.  
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

30 year old female, 5 vials of Sculptra, what are my options with overproduction of collagen?

Answers (9)

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