How long do the actual particles in Sculptra stay in your skin tissue? (Photos)

The particles are gone very quickly but the response to the particles lasts 6-12 months.  I suggest PDT therapy, long term minocycline and NSAIDS and to start long term RF treatments like exilis and/or venus legacy.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hi and thank you for sharing your question here. Sculptra is a wonderful stimulatory filler that induces body to make new collagen at the sites of injection. However, like any other medical treatment, there are some risks and complications, even in carefully selected patients. Having the procedure performed by an experienced physician with good technique and adhering to the post-treatment care instructions (namely massaging the treated areas) can often reduce the risk of complications but they may still happen. The active ingredient of Sculptra is a chemical called Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) which had been used in past in surgical sutures and it is generally recognized to be safe in the body. Once injected, body degrades PLLA and breaks it down over time but complete elimination from the body might take several months (up to 3-4 years in some reports). For patients experiencing long-term complications at side of injection, following up with the physician who performed in injection is the first step. Treatments such as steroid injection and mechanical break down can help. The inflammation and any bumps are expected to eventually resolve as the PLLA is degraded. I hope it helps and good luck!   

Thank you for question! Sculptra in average lasts 24-25 months and it may last longer. Some side effects on the site of injection can last longer than that. I would advise you to have a follow up exam and create a treatment plan to minimize those side effects. You may benefit from steroid injections or radio frequency treatments. Best of luck!