What can be done to resolve lumps after Sculptra?

Question

In January I had one vial of sculptra done in my neck. I notice lumps over a month after. Some of them are visible and bothers me a lot. I spoke to the doctor that did it and she said this was a reaction of my body and will disappear. I’m not sure it will and I don’t know what to do. Can I still massage it? How do I know if it is a surgery case? She said that saline water could be applied to resolve it faster, but I’m not sure I want to go back there. Will this disappear?

Anshu Gupta, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Lumps after Sculptra treatment are uncommon but can occur and are sometimes unpredictable. While massaging the area may help early on, the fact that these lumps have persisted for several months suggests additional treatment may be needed.
At this stage, I would recommend considering steroid injections or a combination of steroid and 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) injections to help reduce the lumps. These treatments should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is skilled in managing Sculptra-related complications.
While saline injections have been suggested by your original provider, it’s completely understandable if you prefer to seek a second opinion elsewhere. With proper treatment, these lumps can often be resolved effectively. I encourage you to consult with a qualified expert to evaluate your options and ensure the best possible outcome.
Wishing you a smooth and quick resolution&mdash;happy holidays!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It's not uncommon to experience lumps after Sculptra injections, as it is a biostimulatory filler that encourages collagen production, which can sometimes lead to nodule formation. Here are some steps that can be considered to address this issue:

Massage: Gentle massage of the affected areas can sometimes help to redistribute the product and reduce the appearance of lumps. It is generally recommended to massage the area for about five minutes, five times a day, but please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Time: Often, the lumps will resolve on their own over time as the body metabolizes the product and the collagen production stabilizes. This can take several months.

Saline Injections: Your doctor mentioned saline injections, which are sometimes used to help dissolve the lumps. This involves injecting saline solution into the area to help break down the product more quickly. If you are unsure about returning to your previous provider, consider seeking a second opinion from another dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections might be used to reduce inflammation and resolve the lumps, but this should be done by a professional experienced in treating complications from dermal fillers.

Surgical Intervention: Surgery is usually a last resort and is rarely needed. It is typically considered only if the lumps persist and cause significant discomfort or aesthetic concerns.

It's important to follow up with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can assess your specific situation and provide tailored advice. If you feel uncomfortable with your current provider, seeking a second opinion is a reasonable step.

What can be done to resolve lumps after Sculptra?

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What can be done to resolve lumps after Sculptra?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.