If a physician is a Master Injector and he/she offers Sculptra injections to patients, will this ensure a safe outcome?

Question

I realize that no facial injection is 100% safe, but is selecting a MasterInjector the best way to reduce the risk to the greatest extent possible? Are Sculptra TRAINERS by Galderma the best of the best in this regard? If so, then how do I find a Sculptra trainer near my home? This information is not found on the physician directory on the Sculptra website, nor is it available by calling Galderma customer service.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you view the term "master injector" as more of a marketing term than anything else.  Some Facial Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists have busy injectable/ filler practices and some do not.  In this regard, the quality of the injector is determined by the quality of the work and hence market forces.  Galderma purchased Medicis some years ago and to date have been updating their guidelines for the reconstitution and injection technique of Sculptra.  Having been a Sculptra instructor for Medicis, the guidelines I used for reconstitution and injection were much more in line with the Vleggaar technique than the original guidelines. With this in mind, I would definitely only see a Facial Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist if you are thinking about Sculptra because knowledge of anatomy and experience are critical with his product.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Though there is no training required to be a "master injector" it is best to be evaluated by a physician well-versed in the use of Sculptra.  Sculptra can be used in various parts of the face and body to create an increase in a patient's own natural collagen slowly, and predictably over a series of treatments.  Hope this helps.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I do training for Galderma on their Restylane filler family of products, Dysport and in the past Sculptra.  I say in the past, since Galderma has decided to hold off on promoting Sculptra training since last year.  I do a considerable amount of Sculptra in our practice including non-facial areas such as arms, knees, abdomen, buttock, etc...  Galderma does select trainers from amongst their most experienced injectors, but also those with a passion for teaching.  They don't publish their trainer list so it is hard to say who is close to you.  I would recommend that you find out how experience your injector is with Sculptra since there it is an injectable product that requires a more nuanced approach on how to use and explaining what to expect.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There really is no credentialing to be designated a "Master" injector. I have seen this for some nurses or nurse practitioners but it is a self implemented title. Sculptra is no longer being trained by Galderma. The reason is that the use of Sculptra is mostly off label and Galderma is only allowed to train on label, how it was approved by the FDA. The prior trainers were the most experienced with the product and that was the reason they were selected by the company. I am currently a trainer for Galderma and was a Sculptra trainer. I use blunt cannulas for Sculptra injections which makes the procedure safer than using needles. There are very few injectors using cannulas for Sculptra. The risk of intravascular injection can never be zero, but it is less with cannulas and an experienced injector.

If a physician is a Master Injector and he/she offers Sculptra injections to patients, will this ensure a safe outcome?

Answers (4)

Answer: Are Sculptra trainers likely to be safer injectors of Sculptra?

Answer: Are Sculptra trainers likely to be safer injectors of Sculptra?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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If a physician is a Master Injector and he/she offers Sculptra injections to patients, will this ensure a safe outcome?

Answers (4)

Answer: Are Sculptra trainers likely to be safer injectors of Sculptra?

Answer: Are Sculptra trainers likely to be safer injectors of Sculptra?

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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.