Does Watering Down Sculptra Decrease a Lot of the Risks?

Question

I had a consultation regarding "Sculptra" . I brought up the fact I was scared it could block an artery or go into an artery causing vascular occlusion (heart attack) as stated on the Sculptra website as one of the risks. She said she dilutes it extremely well and asked me if I think this would clog it...please advise.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Yes.  Proper dilution of Sculptra drastically reduces its risks.  Naturally, complications can occur with the use of any injectable filler.  Fortunately, such complications occur only rarely.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Sculptra is always diluted as it comes as a powder which must have a liquid added. Over time the amount of liquid that doctors choose to add increases. Both sterile water and lidocaine, anesthetic, are added. This mixture is not a solution and some Sculptra can accumulate if not mixed well.  Lumps can form.  Particulate material could theoretically block small arteries but I am not aware of this clinical risk from experience or conversation with colleagues. I avoid the  high risk areas for vascular occlusion to play it safe.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

Watering Down Sculpta DOES decrease some risks, but not all.  We call it 'diluting'.  

	Diluting Sculptra does reduce the risk of lumps and bumps (ie nodule formation), but it is unlikely to reduce the risk of vascular injury.  The mechanism of vascular injury from injectables are related to the needle inserting into a blood vessel.  The risks are quite rare with sculptra.  There is a higher likelihood with hyaluronic acids such as juvederm and restylane.

	Always make sure you go to an expert injector to avoid risks.  if you are in the Beverly Hills area feel free to come see me.

Lori Stetler, MD · Answer

Sculptra is packaged in a sterile vial in powder form.  Prior to injection into the skin the Sculptra crystals are mixed or "diluted" with sterile water and generally a local anesthetic.  When the product was first used in Europe minimal amounts of water were added resulting in a higher incidence of small "bumps" under the skin.  We now dilute the product with more sterile water resulting in a significant decrease in this side effect.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The reconstitution of Sculptra powder has trended up to more dilute solutions.  The particles of Sculptra seem to dissolve better and spread more evenly in less concentrated solutions.  Your doctor sounds up on it!

Does Watering Down Sculptra Decrease a Lot of the Risks?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sulptra Dilution

Answer: Sulptra Dilution

Answer: Adding More Water Should Help

Answer: Adding More Water Should Help

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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.

Does Watering Down Sculptra Decrease a Lot of the Risks?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sulptra Dilution

Answer: Sulptra Dilution

Answer: Adding More Water Should Help

Answer: Adding More Water Should Help

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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.