Sculptra is a cosmetic injection used to help fill out lost facial fat lost due to an illness such as HIV and AIDS. It is also used, in its brand Sculptra Aesthetic, as an anti-aging injection that helps make your face look younger.
Post-Sculptra Side Effects
While most patients can resume their normal lives immediately after treatment of Sculptra, some side effects can occur. Irritation of the treatment area, such as swelling, redness, bruising and pain can bother you post-Sculptra treatment. In addition, small bumps can build up either outside or underneath the skin. In rare cases, larger lumps can build up on the face. In most cases, these side effects go away within 2 weeks. However, there are some post-Sculptra care and maintenance you can do to make sure that these side effects go away faster or you experience them to a lesser degree.
Ice Pack
By applying an ice pack to the treatment area, you can lessen the symptoms that occur. Wrap the ice pack around a towel or other piece of cloth and never apply it directly to the skin. An ice pack placed over the affected area can ease pain and swelling.
Massage
To help aid in the healing process and prevent some of the more serious side effects, your doctor will recommend to you to apply a massage to the treatment area several times a day. The number of times you should massage the affected area will be specified by your doctor. If you have any questions, make sure to ask your doctor.
Avoid Excessive Sunlight and UV Radiation
For a few days after your Sculptra treatment, it will be important to limit your exposure to sunlight or any other UV radiation, such as sunbathing. Once your initial redness and/or swelling are down, you should be able to return to your previous sunlight exposure before treatment. Your doctor will be able to give you the best indication of how much sunlight you should get and for how long.
Other Post-Sculptra Maintenance
Depending on your personal circumstances, your doctor may recommend additional treatments to achieve the results you need. You may need to schedule a second, third or more treatment down the road or even within the next few weeks. Talk to your doctor ahead of time to get an idea of how many treatments you may need based on others with similar experiences as you.
Some of the side effects listed above may occur long after the initial treatment, so it’s also important to keep an eye out for any unusual lumps or visually unappealing features. If you experience any problems which seem to be excessive or unusual, it is important to tell your doctor about it right away. The sooner these types of problems are discovered, the easier it will be to repair or reverse them.
Keep in mind that the more serious side effects are rare, but can be quite demoralizing if they occur. Always talk to your doctor about any side effects or care you may need to take post-Scultra treatment before beginning on any treatment plan.
