Why Was Sculptra Injected Directly into Bone?

Question

I had Sculptra injected under my eyes 6 weeks ago to plump up my sinking tear troughs.  A bean size lump has developed ON the bone of my eye socket, on the edge close to my eye. It does not sound like the lumps I have read about.  When I commented about the lump being IN my bone, my doc said, "Yeah, that's where I injected it." ???  Also, will it keep growing? At what point can I do something about it?  What are the best "cures?" And should my doc absorb the cost?  I'd appreciate information from anyone who's had a similar experience.  Thank you.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Your doctor did not inject the Sculptra into the bone! They might have injected it right above the periosteum which is a thin connective tissue layer that is tight and covers the bone. When Sculptra is injected it is not uncommon, despite its dilution, that bumps can form.  Sculptra is a great volumizer but we have learned over the many years since inception, that a larger volume of dilution means less chance, but not zero, of lumps to form. A bump might be improved with the injection of saline or local anesthetic into the lump and then vigorous massage.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Lumps from Sculptra are mainly due to injection technique and depth of injection.  The injections are not into the bone, but right above the bone.  Sculptra is a semi-perminent filler, meaning that it takes a long time to go away.  Other fillers such as Juvederm last around a year but then need more frequent injections.  Sculptra is a great product to replace lost volume in the cheeks, temporal region, nasalabial crease and along the jawline.  Good luck.

William Ting, MD · Answer

Lumps were more common among early days of Sculptra when the dilution was not standardized. After few years of trials and few errors, new dilution protocol has been standardized by advanced physician injectors and Sanofi-Aventis to minimize lumps. Injection of Sculptra with the new diliution can be performed either subcutaneously or along periosteum (just above the bony structure of the face/skull). The rule of the thumb is never inject Sculptra above orbital rim, though it can be injected near orbital rim and be massaged upwards with precision by a qualified and trained board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Lauren Greenberg, MD · Answer

Sculptra is a good filler.  When first on the market years ago, the dilution instructions and injections were done differently.  We now do many techniques which effectively help minimize lumps.
  -dilution
  -mix it in advance
  -massage 
  -spacing 6+ weeks between injections
It is important how it is injected and to what depth.  Sculptra is not injected into the bone, but in some areas it is injected just above the bone.  

Due to its technical nature, the company only sells to dermatology, facial plastics, and plastic surgeons. It is not like other fillers. Make sure your doctor is trained.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

I have never heard of Sculptra being purposefully injected into the bone.  There may be a miscommunication in that Sculptra may have been injected just above the bony ridge near the eye.  Once a bump forms it can take several years to resolve.  Various techniques have been tried to dissolve the bumps but time is the best healer.  Surgical removal is not  the first choice because the problem although frustrating will eventually resolve on its own.

Why Was Sculptra Injected Directly into Bone?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sculptra: Techniques to avoid issues like lumps

Answer: Sculptra: Techniques to avoid issues like lumps

Answer: Sculptra injected into bone?

Answer: Sculptra injected into bone?

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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Why Was Sculptra Injected Directly into Bone?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sculptra: Techniques to avoid issues like lumps

Answer: Sculptra: Techniques to avoid issues like lumps

Answer: Sculptra injected into bone?

Answer: Sculptra injected into bone?

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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.