How Can We Be Sure That 1 Vial of Sculptra is Being Injected?

Question

My doctor likes to dilute Sculptra with water to help prevent lumps & with a local anaesthetic. I'm happy with these reasons, but I'm worried how easy it would be for a doctor to over dilute and not use much Sculptra, to save money/make money for the business. How can you be sure a doctor is honest? Is the liquid capacity of the needles the same for all doctors? How many injections should 1 vial of well diluted Sculptra be? 10? I guess more injections but even how can we be sure it's 1 vial?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Sculptra comes as a powder in a vial. You might probably be billed based on the number of vials used. It is usually one or two. The powder must be mixed with both sterile water and a local anesthetic. There has been a trend to increase the amount of fluids used to mix the powder to decrease the concentration of the Sculptra to avoid nodule (bump) formation. A physician could get 5 or 10 ccs of this solution from one vial.  Ask your physician how many vials were used. Sometimes there might be more on one cheek than the other to create symmetry if there was an unbalanced volume noted preoperatively.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

It is absolutely reasonable and appropriate to dilute Sculptra with water and with local anesthetic to decrease the frequency of lumps.  I generally do this at least 24 hours in advance of the time of the patient&rsquo;s appointment.  I have never been asked but I doubt that I would allow a patient to watch me do this.  If there is so little trust on the patient&rsquo;s part, I agree with an earlier responder that it would be better for the patient to go elsewhere for this filler.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

You are right, that it is impossible to know if your docotr is really injecting the product, or amount that you paid for.  This is why you chose a board certified plastic surgeon and ASPS member. They are obligated to adhere to the standards and ethics set forthby the society.  Some unscruptulous doctors may over dilute botox or sculptra or inject less volume than they say they are. There has to be some level of trust in your doctor. Also, if the price seems too low compared to market value, then there is a good chance that the product is over diluted or you are not getting the adequate dose. When I see Botox advertised for $150 per area, I am always a little suspicious.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

it would be easy to fool a pt with a placebo or diluted product. So you have to have faith in your doctor. if the price is too good, then that might be a red flag. ultimately, the leap is yours to take.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

You need to find a doctor with a solid reputation in the community so that you can trust what he/she says.  If you are thinking that your doctor is cheating you , you need to find a new doctor.  The integrity of your doctor is of the utmost importance.

How Can We Be Sure That 1 Vial of Sculptra is Being Injected?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sculptra shenanigans?

Answer: Sculptra shenanigans?

Answer: Sculptra results are dependent on the expertise of the injector.

Answer: Sculptra results are dependent on the expertise of the injector.

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.

How Can We Be Sure That 1 Vial of Sculptra is Being Injected?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sculptra shenanigans?

Answer: Sculptra shenanigans?

Answer: Sculptra results are dependent on the expertise of the injector.

Answer: Sculptra results are dependent on the expertise of the injector.

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.