Our office wants to provide you with the absolute best care. You can help to minimize the risk of complications by carefully reading and following aftercare instructions. Ask us to clarify any item about which you have questions.
It is important to massage the areas where Sculptra was placed: 5 Minutes, 5X per day for 5 Days. A professional skin cream may be recommended to assist and enhance this process. Induration, or a feeling of fullness or thickness, can be felt in the injection area, and is a normal response of the treated tissue to the process of inflammation and neo-collagenisis. Simply massaging the treated areas gently as directed can help minimize induration.
Although rare, after Sculptra injections, there can be some injection-related reactions that may occur such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve spontaneously, usually within 1 to 15 days after injection.
Because Sculptra® therapy injections are administered in a solution containing water, there will be an initial swelling (edema) that will be noticeable for at least several hours and perhaps as long as several days. This effect is temporary and does not affect the long-term tissue response.
Small bumps under the skin, termed micro-nodules, which may be non-visible, may be felt in the areas of treatment. Usually, these bumps may only be felt when pressing on the skin. Micro-nodules may last from 6 to 12 months, and may spontaneously disappear. They usually do not require treatment, and usually do not have any symptoms. Notify your provider, should these occur.
Visible bumps may occur in rare instances, and they may be associated with redness, tenderness, skin discoloration or textural alteration. These bumps, which may be termed granulomas, may or may not require treatment, including, but not limited to, injections, freezing or excision.
Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of ‘unevenness’ in the area treated. This will settle once the swelling and bruising has gone. If there is any ‘unevenness’ present after 14 days contact our office for advice. Very rarely a further ‘correctional’ treatment of temporary dermal filler is required. Additional product and service costs will apply.
Other rarely reported adverse events include: Injection site abscess, allergic reaction, skin hypertrophy and/or atrophy, malaise, fatigue and edema. Allergic reactions are rare. An allergic reaction can manifest itself by prolonged redness, itching, swelling or a hardening of the skin around the injection site. The reactions can last for as long as 3 to 4 months and in rare cases, more than a year. Please make sure you inform us of any reactions of this kind as soon as possible
The use of anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-clotting agents or aspirin might cause bleeding or increased bruising at the injection site. If you’ve previously had facial herpes simplex at the injection site, the injection might provoke an outbreak.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks and spicy food for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.
Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oils, glucosamine and Vitamin B or Vitamin E, which are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising for 24 hours
Avoid excessive exertion, exercise, sun exposure, and sauna use for 24 hours
Cold compresses may be applied to the treated areas as needed for comfort for up to 6 hours after the treatment. This will prevent or help to alleviate any bruising and reduce swelling. Arnica cream and/or tablets may be used to help alleviate any bruising. NOTE: bruising can last 1-14 days or longer. Bruises are TEMPORARY and will completely disappear over time with no effect on your treatment. Once bruising has formed (within the first 48 hours) it is better to apply warmth to the area to encourage the body’s natural re-absorption of the bruise from the skin.
If you have suffered in the past with cold sores on the skin or lips, please advise your cosmetic practitioner prior to treatment, as this viral infection may be re-activated by some injectable treatments. It may be necessary to take a prescribed anti-viral medication.
If you suffer any allergic responses, prolonged generalized symptoms or any lumps/unevenness persists after 5-7 days, please call the office at (859) 266-5843, or 859-266-0117 (after-hours) if you have any questions or concerns. IMPORTANT NOTE: In treatments for wrinkles and deep scar tissue there is a small risk that the dermal filler will press on small blood vessels causing a reduced circulation of blood to the skin. This can lead to tissue damage and possibly scarring. If you experience prolonged pain in the area injected and/or a change in skin color (paleness, white or dusky grey discoloration as opposed to the purplish/red color of a bruise) within 24 hours after your treatment, please contact your cosmetic practitioner immediately for advice at (859) 266-5843, or 859-266-0117 (after-hours) or In case of emergency, contact your MD or call 911 or go to closest Emergency Room
I have read and understand the post-treatment instructions above and acknowledge that my failure to adhere to the instructions provided to me may increase the risks of an adverse reaction.
