02 Dec Sculptra Injections: More Lumps If Patients Massage Skin

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Tanveer Janjua MD
Janjua Facial Surgery,
Bedminster, New Jersey

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Janjua: This study was conducted to determine if massage plays an important role in the prevention of lumps and nodules that can occur after injection of PLLA (Poly-L Lactic Acid), i.e., Sculptra. The study revealed a higher incidence of lump formation in patients who massaged. This goes against the commonly held belief that massage is critical in after care of Sculptra injections.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Janjua: The clinicians should continue to address all factors that play a role in lump formation after Sculptra injections, namely the technique and dilution of the product and not just rely on massage to prevent nodule formation.

The patients should understand that risk of nodules is inherent to the injection of Sculptra and massage alone will not prevent lump formation. They need to seek physician injectors with significant experience with Sculptra to minimize their risk.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Janjua: It will be very helpful to have a future prospective study that looks at increased levels of dilution of up to 20ml per injection and compare it with smaller dilution of 8ml. It will also be helpful to look into possibly prolonged pre-hydration at the time of manufacturing the product.

Citation:

Role of Massage in Preventing Formation of Papules and Nodules After Injecting Poly-L-Lactic Acid

Janjua TA. Role of Massage in Preventing Formation of Papules and Nodules After Injecting Poly-L-Lactic Acid. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014;16(6):457. doi:10.1001/jamafacial.2014.1173.

Last Updated on December 2, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD