Immediate nodule/lump after Sculptra injection, do I continue massaging hard the nodule area?

A lump 12 hours after injection could be inflammation or a sign on infection.  I would return immediately to consult with your treating physician.  With the right dilution there is little risk of nodules and you should not have them develop this quickly.  For the best cosmetic results please consult an expert in Sculptra.  Best, Dr. Green

Dear chisp79:

It takes 10-14 days before injury or Sculptra will actually start the collagen making process and cellulitis within 12 hours would be life threatening so this could be other things:

·        Sculptra or the methylcellulose clumping within the product

·        Most probably a small hematoma due to the needle striking a small vessel

·        It could also have stimulated a parotid gland cyst and should be followed or aspirated

It is most important for your injector to know what has happened and provide the support you need.

Discuss the following options with him / her as it pertains to you:

1.   Aspiration to determine what the lump is

2.   Injection of a local anesthetic if it is the Sculptra mixture to further dilute, numb and allow for deep and firm massage to break up the lump

3.   Non-steroidals such as ibuprofen or naproxen

4.   Warm compresses.

5.   If it does become a granule or nodule, consider the tiniest dose of Kenalog to reduce / stop the inflammatory response and  collagen formation.

I hope this helps. All the best!

Thank you for your question. The most likely cause of your lump is a small hematoma given the time of onset. I would recommend following up with your injector so that they can better assess what is going on and to rule out something more serious.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

So sculptra effect is cumulative. It generates scar tissue by instigating an inflammatory reaction. As such, any lumps you feel so soon after in section and unlikely to be the sculptra effect. My advice is don't do too much massage as you may move the sculptra around and creat some unevenness down  the line. The advantage of sculptra is that it is applied over a couple of sessions or more so any irregularity can be addressed at your next visit. Hope that helps, Adam Goodwin

Hi chisp79,
In the past, Sculptra had bad press about nodules but recent techniques like a different dilution, proper injection technique, and massage have significantly reduced the incidence. Nodules forming some time after injection are usually granulomas (specially in people with auto immune disease) or collagen build-up, but if it occurs soon after injection, it may be Sculptra that has pooled. The best thing to do is to go back to your Injector so he can assess what could be done - and remember most lumps dissolve spontaneously.
All the best,
Justin Harper, M.D.