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!

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Over production of Collagen

Answer: Over production of Collagen

Answer: Time

Answer: Time

Answer: In-person consult

Answer: In-person consult

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Over production of Collagen

Answer: Over production of Collagen

Answer: Time

Answer: Time

Answer: In-person consult

Answer: In-person consult

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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.