What does a butt feel like after Sculptra injections and what can you do if you develop bumps and lumps?

Question

I am interested in doing sculptra injections in the butt and hips but I am curious what they feel like once the collagen has taken full effect. I have also heard that a complication is lumps and bumps and I am wondering what can be done to fix that.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a different type of treatment than other injectable fillers. This formulation works by stimulating the body to produce more collagen, which creates natural fullness from the inside out. Since it is your own collagen creating the additional volume, the results usually feel quite natural and can be very long-lasting. The key is to work with an experienced injector who will place the injections in the proper locations and add just the right dosing amount to create the desired effect. 
Injectable treatments are not invasive, but since you are working with a needle, you can have some swelling and small lumps after your treatment. Your doctor should instruct you to massage the area regularly for the first few days to minimize this side effect. Rest assured if bumps do appear, they typically resolve without intervention within a couple of weeks. Make sure the doctor you choose for your treatment is both experienced and board certified to ensure an optimal outcome.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear kyraindeer, Injectable Sculptra is a bio-active medication which stimulates the human body's fibroblasts to make collagen, elastin and other fibrous, structural molecules below and in the skin. Just as it does in the face, Sculptra will firm, gently fill and thicken the tissues its is injected into. Creases, folds, dimples, wrinkles and lines will lift and contract creating a smoother, firmer volume including a tighter skin cover. Unlike other fillers including fat which add volume and make a "space" (eg., buttocks, hips, face) larger, Sculptra stimulates the overlying skin to contract and firm around the "space". Multiple series of Sculptra injections are required. More vials of Sculptra are needed but are usually diluted and skill and experience are desired in the injector to achieve the desired results. Any needle or surgery through the skin will stimulate a repair response including swelling, bleeding and white inflammatory cells. This will form a natural lump which is edema; it mostly goes away in 2 weeks. Sculptra itself stimulates formation of many structural molecules. If this suspension coalesces into a more concentrated spot, it may make a collagen or white cell (granuloma) spicule / granule / nodule. Massage of the liquid injectable is the first step to diminish this risk. More experienced injectors have other ways to reduce the nodule within weeks before it grows too big and needs surgical removal. Seek the very best injector! Look for Board Certification in Plastic Surgery, ENT or Dermatology.  I hope this was helpful. All the best!

Steve Torres, MD · Answer

Hello,  thanks for the question.  Sculptra is a great way to stimulate collagen production.  There are many ways to mix and dilute the sculptra but the amount of product in each vial remains the same.  So the key is to disperse the little poly-L lactic acid beads evenly into specific areas.  The other very important thing I tell all of my patients is that they have to massage the area 5 times a day, for 5 minutes, for 5 days.  This helps distribute the beads evenly.  Thus if injected properly, and if you massage correctly, the odds of getting lumps are very little especially in the buttock.

What does a butt feel like after Sculptra injections and what can you do if you develop bumps and lumps?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra Butt Lift

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

What does a butt feel like after Sculptra injections and what can you do if you develop bumps and lumps?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra Butt Lift

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