I had a terrible experience with Sculptura. What can I do to look more like my old self? (Photos)

Question

I had Sculptra about a year and a half ago. Around five months ago, I went to South Korea for liposuction after connecting with someone on RealSelf who told me about a doctor who could remove Sculptra using lipo. Now, I’m dealing with the devastating aftermath of both the Sculptra and the liposuction. My face doesn’t feel like mine anymore. I hate how I look, and it feels like I’m losing myself. I don’t know what to do. I need help.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It's important to approach this situation with care and a focus on your well-being. Here are some steps that might help you move forward:

Consult with a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon: Seek a professional who specializes in facial aesthetics and has experience with Sculptra and corrective procedures. They can assess your current situation and provide personalized advice.

Consider Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These can sometimes be used to adjust facial contours and restore volume in areas affected by previous treatments, depending on your specific needs.

Explore Fat Grafting: This procedure can restore volume and improve contour, potentially helping to achieve a more natural appearance.

Laser or Ultrasound Treatments: Technologies like Ultherapy or laser resurfacing might help improve skin texture and elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

Therapeutic Support: Considering the emotional impact of your experience, speaking with a therapist or counselor could be beneficial as you navigate this process.

Follow-Up Procedures: Depending on your consultation results, additional procedures might be recommended to further refine and improve your facial appearance.

Each case is unique, and a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional will guide you toward the best course of action.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Tissue augmentation with Sculptra is always temporary. It is unfortunate that you got scammed into Sculptra and then got scammed into surgery in a foreign country. Small aliquots of 5-FU could have hastened the resorption of the Sculptra.  Liposuction is always permanent. I recommend small fractionated fat injections to smooth the irregularities and provide your own stem cells into the area. You will not be truly augmented, but instead softened.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. I'm really sorry you're going through this—what you're feeling is valid, and you're not alone. When procedures like Sculptra or liposuction don’t turn out as expected, especially in such a personal and visible area like the face, it can have a profound emotional impact. The sense of loss you're describing—feeling like you no longer recognize yourself—is something many people experience after cosmetic interventions that don’t align with their expectations. The first and most important step is to seek support, both medically and emotionally. I strongly encourage you to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has experience managing complications or revisions from fillers and fat modification procedures. They can help assess your current condition and guide you on possible treatment options, whether it's correction, restoration, or a path toward healing. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I am so sorry for your experience. I have seen Sculptra nodules and have removed them by direct excision. The solution is not liposuction as it cannot be liposuctioned. Nodules can be broken down by using saline or 5-FU. DO NOT USE KENALOG. It will leave a dent. Hang in there it will work out. I have a small Sculptra nodule myself, LOL.
Regards
Dr. Janjua

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Sounds like the person that you went to really was not very experience in the administration of Sculptra. As a general principal, the product should never be injected anywhere near or into the muscle. That is the reason why I should never come close to your eyes where the skin is very thin and the muscle is immediately below the skin or the forehead.  The best way to reduce the lumps is with the very dilute form of Kenalog injections. Be patient as these treatments may have to be repeated once or twice more after the initial treatment. You cannot remove Sculptra by liposuction as it is scar tissue, and you will wind up losing fat in the surrounding area only. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery NYC

I had a terrible experience with Sculptura. What can I do to look more like my old self? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Sulptra nodules

Answer: Sulptra nodules

Answer: Dealing with undesirable effects of Sculptra

Answer: Dealing with undesirable effects of Sculptra

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I had a terrible experience with Sculptura. What can I do to look more like my old self? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Sulptra nodules

Answer: Sulptra nodules

Answer: Dealing with undesirable effects of Sculptra

Answer: Dealing with undesirable effects of Sculptra

Browse related questions

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.