Is This Normal Swelling After Sculptra or Should I Be Worried?

Question

I had Sculptra injected yesterday in my temples, upper cheek area and it looks great, I know this is water/swelling and will go back down etc. However, I look like a chipmunk in my lower face as you can see in photo. Is this kind of swelling in the lower area "normal" for some people? If so, about how long until I can expect some relief and is there anything I can do to help it along? I have an ultrasonic (ultrasound) facial cleanser and know this is great for swelling, should I use?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

That swelling looks much worse than normal, you should go back to see your doctor asap to ensure it is not a hematoma.  Although some swelling and bruising is normal, you should follow up with your physician if you are concerned.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Swelling and bruising after Sculptra can definitely occur, just as with any other facial injectable product. One thing that is unique about Sculptra is that large volumes of fluid are used, and this can cause more edema than would occur with other types of fillers. 
Bruising and edema in the face tends to drift inferiorly (toward the feet), so the bruises may tend to congregate near the lower part of the face. That being said, any concerns after injectable treatments should be discussed with your injector, and I always recommend seeing an expert physician injector.
All the best,

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

While bruising is a known side effect, the size of the bruise and associated swelling needs close follow up.  Please contact your injector / doctor asap.  Avoid any medication or supplement that can thin your blood.  If this increases in size, infection may need to be ruled out.
Best wishes,
Dr B

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

When you&rsquo;ve had Sculptra injections, you can get bruised.  And, part of the Sculptra is just water so you have to wait for that to dissipate.  It takes at least a week for the swelling and bruising to go away and possibly even longer. I wouldn&rsquo;t be concerned.  Now if it&rsquo;s painful, tender, or red, I would go see the doctor right away as that could mean there is an infection.  Otherwise, I would just relax and put some ice on it.  There is also a special vitamin K cream for the bruising.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

you have bruising. you may have a hematoma. see your doctor for possible aspiration. it may make the course shorter. good luck

Is This Normal Swelling After Sculptra or Should I Be Worried?

Answers (8)

Answer: When you’ve had Sculptra injections, you can get bruised

Answer: When you’ve had Sculptra injections, you can get bruised

Answer: Not normal

Answer: Not normal

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Is This Normal Swelling After Sculptra or Should I Be Worried?

Answers (8)

Answer: When you’ve had Sculptra injections, you can get bruised

Answer: When you’ve had Sculptra injections, you can get bruised

Answer: Not normal

Answer: Not normal

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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.