How to Treat Sculptra Bumps?

Years ago the recommended dosage for Dilution of Sculptra was only 5cc and the re-constitution of the product was 24 hours. Currently, we know that a larger reconstitution volume and performing it at least 3 days before use, prevents these lumps and bumps forming. These lumps are granulomas. The other cause for these lumps is improper injection technique- Sculptra needs to be injected deeply, and not massaging the treated area for five days, five times a day for five minutes. I haven't seen these lumps but know that they were a problem in the past. These lumps cannot be dissolved. Over time, these lumps will dissipate on their own. That is why it is so important to consult an expert in Sculptra injections. Best, Dr. Green

If you develop bumps or nodules after Sculptra injections, there are several treatment options available to help manage and reduce their appearance. Here are some common approaches:1. Massage: Gentle massage of the affected area can help distribute the Sculptra evenly and break up any lumps or nodules that have formed. Your healthcare provider can demonstrate the proper massage technique to use at home.2. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the injection site can help soften the tissue and promote the absorption of the Sculptra. This can be particularly effective when combined with massage.3. Steroid Injections: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend injecting a corticosteroid medication into the affected area to reduce inflammation and shrink the nodules. This can help alleviate discomfort and improve the appearance of the bumps.4. Hyaluronidase: Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that can break down hyaluronic acid fillers. While Sculptra is not hyaluronic acid-based, hyaluronidase has been used off-label to help dissolve nodules or lumps associated with Sculptra injections. This treatment should be performed by a skilled healthcare provider.5. Laser Therapy: Certain types of laser treatments, such as Nd:YAG or pulsed dye lasers, can help improve the appearance of nodules or lumps by promoting collagen remodeling and reducing inflammation. Laser therapy should be performed by a skilled healthcare provider experienced in treating filler complications.6. Observation: In many cases, small bumps or nodules associated with Sculptra injections will resolve on their own over time without intervention. Your healthcare provider may recommend a wait-and-see approach, especially if the bumps are small and not causing significant discomfort.7. Topical Treatments: Some topical treatments, such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, may help promote collagen remodeling and improve the appearance of the skin over time. However, their effectiveness in treating Sculptra bumps may be limited.It's essential to consult with a skilled healthcare provider who has experience in treating filler complications to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation. They can assess the severity of the nodules, discuss treatment options with you, and develop a treatment plan to address your concerns.

Sculptra bumps are due to accumulation of product. They generally respond to massage. They gradually go away over time, but it can take several years. If they are large and visible, they can be injected with saline to break them up.

Sculptra bumps are rarely seen anymore with new techniques of injecting and diluting Sculptra.  They will go away with time on their own.  If they are noticeable then they can be injected and broken up.  Depending on the location they can also be  surgically removed.  If you only feel the bumps I would let them be.  If they are visible then go see your doctor.  

Since Sculptra stimulates the formation of collagen, if the product is too close to the skin then the collagen can be felt as bumps. Changes in the technique of preparing and injecting Sculptra have contributed significantly to reducing palpable bumps from Sculptra injections. However, some bumps may be due to a more abnormal reaction of the body to the Sculptra and these may benefit from the injection of steroids into the affected sites. I believe that the scrupulous cleansing of skin and adherence to sterile technique can significantly reduce the incidence of granulomas. Nevertheless this problem can occur even if everything is done correctly. If you can feel but not see the bumps and they are otherwise asymptomatic just be patient and expect them to resolve slowly. Best of Luck Dr Harrell

A significant reduction of the frequency of nodules has been achieved with higher reconstitution volume of the injected filler, a longer time between reconstitution and injection (36-48 hours rather than 2-12 hours), injections into the deeper tissue, and post injection massage. In a recent study, 8.5% of patients injected with Sculptra experienced formation of nodules. All nodules could be felt but were not visible. The onset of nodule formation from the time of injection can vary. Early nodules appear one to three months after treatment and most spontaneously disappear. Later nodules can occur from six months to three years and are larger and more inflamed. They usually appear abruptly and are accompanied by swelling and discoloration. These are often referred to as “granulomas”. These can usually be treated by steroid injections.