I cupped my face after a Sculptra session and I think it moved out of the area. What do you think happened?

Question

Can you lose the sculptra if you cup your face the day of and the next day? I don't feel it anymore and the soreness is gone! I'm going back next month for another vial,and I promise cupping will not be a part of the massage technique! What do you think happened?

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

The reason that you are not seeing any response from the sculptra is because Sculptra is a biostimulatory agent, rather than a true filler.  The response is delayed and requires multiple sessions to be significant.However, cupping, which applies suction to the skin, may not be a good idea. If you continued the massage for 5 minutes 5 times a day for 5 days after cupping, it is unlikely that the Sculptra migrated where you don't want it to be.  There are fat compartments that are divided by fibrous tissue that should keep it in the desired areas. Whether cupping would draw the Sculptra particles closer to the skin, causing papules or nodules, is unknown but seems unlikely since suction does not physically attract one type of tissue over another.All the best to you! Dr, Clark

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I think you are reporting an unusual event. Best t be seen by the injecting doc ASAP to examine the area. I have NEVER seen Sculptra move after injection because it is a liquid/gel consistency, thus incorporates into the tissue immediately....

Jeffrey Schiller, MD · Answer

Since this is the first time I have heard of anyone "cupping" their face, much less after Sculptra, I doubt if any of us have experience with this. Certainly you would not expect to see any effect from the Sculptra for several months, but perhaps the cupping could move the product that was carefully placed around your face. That was not a really good idea, but perhaps it did not do any damage. I don't think we will know until a few months.  One vial of Sculptra is not a huge amount so I doubt you could have caused much problem, if any. Don't do it again, please.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Your results can be compromised when you cupped after Sculptra. It's possible that you could have nodules and irregularities. You must be honest with your doctor about this. The fact that you can't feel or see the result right now is just related to the saline being absorb and not due to cupping. This is normal after 2-3 days.

I cupped my face after a Sculptra session and I think it moved out of the area. What do you think happened?

Answers (4)

Answer: Cupping immediately after Sculptra is a bad idea

Answer: Cupping immediately after Sculptra is a bad idea

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I cupped my face after a Sculptra session and I think it moved out of the area. What do you think happened?

Answers (4)

Answer: Cupping immediately after Sculptra is a bad idea

Answer: Cupping immediately after Sculptra is a bad idea

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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.