Dissolving Sculptra Nodules In Seattle

Small lumps after fillers can be scary, but not every bump is the same. Nodules are firm, often deeper knots of collagen that can develop weeks or months after a biostimulatory filler like Sculptra®; papules sit higher in the skin and feel softer, almost like a pimple.

Because Sculptra triggers your body to build its collagen, it can’t be melted away with an enzyme the way hyaluronic-acid (HA) fillers are—yet the nodules can still be treated safely and predictably at Allure Esthetic with Dr. Javad Sajan and the injectable experts on our team.

Most cases trace back to one of four issues:

• Over-concentration: Reconstituting the powder with too little sterile water can result in thick, clumping pockets.
• Superficial plane: Sculptra belongs deep, if it’s placed too close to the skin surface, it may gather into visible bumps.
• Biofilm: Bacteria introduced during an injection or dental procedure can anchor to the product and trigger chronic swelling.
• Post-influenza-vaccine immune flare: Rarely, an immune surge after a potent vaccine or illness wakes the body’s response and “overbuilds” collagen around the particles.

Below are the three in-office options regularly used at Allure Esthetic. Our providers personalize the plan, but here’s a quick snapshot of each approach:

Precision Injection (Saline + 5-FU)

• How it works: A tiny needle injects diluted fluorouracil into the nodule to break up excess collagen and flush away stubborn particles.
• Session count: 1 – 3 spaced four weeks apart.
• Downtime: Pin-prick redness for a day. Makeup tomorrow.
• Success rate: ~85 % resolution after the second visit.

Plain Saline

• How it works: A small volume of sterile saline is injected directly into the nodule to help flush away smaller lumps and disperse any remaining Sculptra material.
• Session count: 1–3 injections, typically spaced about four weeks apart, depending on the nodule’s size and response.
• Downtime: Mild swelling or redness for a day or two.
• Success rate: ~75–80% improvement after two sessions, with occasional need for additional treatments.

Kenalog + 5-FU Cocktail

• How it works: Adds a trace of corticosteroid (Kenalog) to calm inflammation while 5-FU softens the lump.
• Session count: Usually 2; severe cases may need 4.
• Downtime: Mild puffiness 24 hrs, then normal life.
• Success rate: 90 % when nodules are still small.

Plain Kenalog:

• How it works: A low dose of Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is injected directly into the nodule to reduce inflammation and break down excess collagen.
• Session count: 1–3 injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart, adjusted based on how quickly the nodule responds.
• Downtime: Possible mild tenderness, slight bruising, or transient indentation at the injection site.
• Success rate: ~85–90% improvement, especially if the nodule has a significant inflammatory component.

Subcision With Cannula

• How it works: A blunt cannula slides under the skin to mechanically release tethered collagen cords; the space is then rinsed with Fluorouracil (5-FU).
• Session count: Often one definitive treatment.
• Downtime: Bruising is possible for up to a week.
• Success rate: 95 % in large, mature nodules from Sculptra.

Method	Best for…	# Sessions	Cost	Downtime
Precision Injection	New, pea-sized Sculptra nodule	1 – 3	$350–$600/ session	1 day of redness
Kenalog + 5-FU	Inflamed or tender nodules from Sculptra	2 – 4	$400–$650/ session	24 hr puffiness
Subcision	Firm, tethered lumps > 1 cm	1	$750–$1,200/session	5-7 days of bruising

• If needed, high-resolution ultrasound mapping. We scan the area first, so we can see precisely where each Sculptra nodule begins and ends.
• Topical numbing + chill. Comfort counts—expect a quick numbing cream and some downtime.
• Targeted treatment. Using a micro-needle or cannula (depending on the plan above), we treat each lump while you watch the ultrasound screen if you’d like.
• After-care on autopilot. Our team sends you home with ice packs, written instructions, and a direct text line in case any questions pop up. Follow-ups are scheduled before you leave, so you never guess “When do Sculptra nodules appear again?”—we monitor you until they’re gone.

Ready to feel smooth again? Give us a call at (206) 209-0988, fill out our online contact form, or check our Price Simulator. Virtual consults are available seven days a week. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our AAAHC-accredited on-site operating suite, combined with a 4.9-star RealSelf and Google rating, and extensive experience with more than 1,000 injectable complication cases, ensures you’re in the expert hands of Dr. Javad Sajan from consultation to final check-up.

Will Kenalog thin my skin?

Low-dose Kenalog diluted with 5-FU minimizes that risk. We inject only into the lump, not the surrounding healthy tissue.

Can you replace Sculptra with HA filler later?

Yes. Once the area is smooth, we can layer a reversible HA filler for instant volume. We typically wait six weeks after the final dissolver session.

What do Sculptra nodules look like under the skin?

They feel like firm peas and can cast a subtle shadow; ultrasound shows them as bright, well-defined clusters.

Do Sculptra nodules go away on their own?

Some soften over 12-18 months, but comfort and appearance often improve faster with treatment.

How soon after injections might a lump appear?

When do Sculptra nodules appear? Most show up between four weeks and six months post-treatment when collagen remodeling peaks.

Is dissolving a Sculptra nodule painful?

Most patients rate the discomfort as 2/10 thanks to the topical anesthetic and tiny needles.

Can a biofilm nodule come back after treatment?

Recurrence is infrequent once the bacterial trigger and collagen mass are cleared.

Will insurance cover treatment?

Cosmetic filler corrections are usually elective; however, we provide invoices for submission if a medical necessity is documented.