Lump of Sculptra felt but not seen. Will it progressively become more visible and larger if I don't massage it away?

Question

I had first Sculptra treatment 2.5 months ago and a 2nd treatment done 2 weeks ago. Just two days back I felt a hard lump on left cheek toward teh top, around my nose. Since discovery I have been really pushing on it to try to force it to get smaller and break up. It is still there. Should I continue to vigorously push and massage it? Will it grow bigger if I can't massage it down? And do these usually become visible to others? Right now it feels like a large pimple size deep under the skin.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Lumps and nodules are common from sculptra. They usually stay the same size, typically a pea size and disappear over two years. Massage will help to reduce some of them but not all of them. As long as it is not visible, do not do anything. RegardsDr. Janjua

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

Hello, this is a common complication after Sculptra and typically self-resolve.  The lump usually does not increase in size and forcefully massaging it may cause unnecessary irritation.  However, it may be worthwhile to express your concern to your physician if the lump is persistent.  Chase Lay

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Lumps following sculptra will resolve with time. Massage, in my opinion, does not help tremendously and, in fact, sometimes causes irritation and swelling. I have had some success injecting the lumps with saline to break them up. I would not recommend steroid injections especially if the lump is not visible. Good luck.

Anita Saluja, MD · Answer

Hello, in some instances, a small or small Sculptra bumps can be felt under the skin surface. If the bumps are not painful or not visible, the recommendation is to leave them alone and they will gradually diminish with time. Please have your treating physician evaluate in person to confirm.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing complications after your Sculptra treatment.  Unfortunately, lumps and nodules are a known complication of Sculptra injections.  Generally speaking, in most cases, these nodules can only be felt and are not usually visible.  They also often tend to resolve on their own over the course of a few months.  That said, it's impossible to specifically predict how the lump you are noticing will progress.  Gentle massage can be helpful in some cases.  I would recommend following-up with your injector to discuss your concerns - if the nodule is growing, he/she may be able to inject it with steroids and other medications to help it resolve sooner.  Best of luck!

Lump of Sculptra felt but not seen. Will it progressively become more visible and larger if I don't massage it away?

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