Sculptra - Can the Effects Be Reversed?

Question

My dr injected sulptra on the sides of my face (temple area) to add volume. The effect has been just terrible, too much volume and not in the right area. It has made me look masculine (and I am a woman). I told my dr how unhappy I was and he suggested injecting the area with a steriod. He said that would help reverse the effects. It has not. I am so upset over this and don't know what to do. The sculptra was done about four months ago. Can anything reverse it? How long does this stuff last.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a good product in ther right hands. Not all patients respond well to Sculptra too. Once there is an issue with Sculptra, it can be difficult to correct. Dilute kenalog injections can help breakdown the product as can some types of ultrasound treatments. Sculptra reversal may not be possible or safe in all cases.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The most important part about a Sculptra injection is choosing the right injector. This product does not belong in the hands of anyone but an experienced injector in one of the four core specialties (Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Occuloplastic Surgery). Sculptra requires specificity in the manner and length of time it is reconstituted (7 days in my practice) and in the technique used for injection. Steroid injections may be helpful depending on the nature of the problem you are having, but are not always advisable.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a wonderful facial injection and can help restore lost facial volume.  I find it wonderful in the temple area and cheeks.  However, if too much Sculptra was put into the temples there is really nothing that you can do now but wait for it to go away.  Depending on the amount used it can take up to two years to fully disappear. There are times when injections of cortisone can break apart the Sculptra a bit faster. Please consult a board certified dermatologist with a great deal of experience in facial injections, especially Sculptra, for the best cosmetic results.

Cheryl A. Hull, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there arent any good ways to fully remove the results of Sculptra. Like previously mentioned, intralesional steroids can be injected for "knots" that may be left from the injections under the skin. As for a complete reversal of this product, there is no good way. This product typically last 18-24 months. If you are still concerned about this problem, you could always go see a different injector for a second opinion for alternatives to de-masculinize your appearance.

Christina Steil, MD · Answer

Only time will reverse Sculptra.  Intralesional steroids can be used to dissove small papules if they occur, however when the product is diluted and injected properly, these rarely occur.Sculptra gives beautiful and natural results when injected over a series of treatments and in the correct facial location.You specifically are concerned with your temples.  The female temple should be more convex than the male temple, so you may consider a second opinion with another provider to see if treating the temple with a hyaluronic acid can promote feminization of your temple area.

Sculptra - Can the Effects Be Reversed?

Answers (6)