Can Sculprta Cause Breakouts?

Question

I have had Sculptra done for the first time about two weeks ago. I didn't have perfect skin before, 1-2 pimples at a time max, but literally overnight my whole face broke out with acne. Not right away after injections, about two weeks later. I am 33, but look like I am going through puberty again, can this be caused by Sculptra, or is it something I ate or put on my face? my diet is not different, I am not using new skin products, nothing changed really, but my face looks horrible, please help

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Acne can appear during puberty and also adult life. It can be due to hormonal changes, genetics etc. I would recommend being treated under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist for safest and best treatment option. I hope this helps.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the breakouts you are experiencing. Side effects of Sculptra may include the following:

	1) Lumps, or "nodules."
	2) Redness or swelling at the injection site
	3) Bruising
	4) Itching

	The breakouts are a coincidence, and not likely related to your Sculptra treatment. Are you taking any new medications or supplements? I would recommend speaking with a qualified dermatologist to determine how you may treat the breakouts. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely that Sculptra is the cause of your breakouts. If you are massaging the treated areas with a moisturizer, this may be the cause of you breakouts. I recommend that you use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and cleanser.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Most likely when you were doing a lot of massage with an oil based moisturizer you clogged the pores. Sculptra does not cause breakouts, however any filler can irritate the skin and lead to a break out. It is very similar to getting breakouts on the nose after a rhinoplasty.

	Also make sure you are not using any new skin products. Treat it like any other break out and it should go away.

	Start using Cetaphil cleanser multiple times a day and then ask your physician to give you a prescription acne cream. DO NOT TOUCH OR PICK YOUR ACNE, PLEASE. I always tell patients, acne comes from your finger tips.

	Regards

	Dr. J

	Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Sculptra is normally injected into the deeper tissue layers below the skin. I have not seen it cause an acne breakout in the past. Acne is normally a problem that develops in the superficial portion of the skin, where Sculptra would have no effect. I would think that it is most likely coincidence, but you should probably contact your treating physician so that you can be evaluated.

Can Sculprta Cause Breakouts?

Answers (5)