Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions for Sculptra

Pre-Treatment for Sculptra
Four Weeks Before Treatment
Make sure to avoid the following activities for four weeks before getting Sculptra treatment:
- Any surgeries
- Dental work, including routine dental cleanings
- Getting vaccines
- Internal device placement
- Getting permanent makeup or tattoos
Two Weeks Before Treatment
Avoid getting any other cosmetic facial treatments for two weeks before Sculptra, including:
- Dermal peels
- Facials
- Laser skin treatments
- Microdermabrasion
- Microneedling
- Ultrasound
One Week Before Treatment
You should discontinue any medication or homeopathic remedy that increases bleeding risk for one week before Sculptra. Consult with your primary care provider before you halt the use of medications including:
- Anticoagulants
- Aspirin
- Celery root
- Fish oil
- Garlic
- Gingko bilboa
- Ginseng
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Kava kava
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Platelet inhibitors
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
Three Days Before Treatment
Halt your use of products containing retinols (Retin-A) three days before treatment to avoid increased irritation and redness.
Two Days Before Treatment
Avoid these substances for 48 hours before treatment:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Niacin supplements
These substances may contribute to increased bruising, swelling, and irritation. Limit your caffeine intake as well.
Day of Treatment
Do not wear makeup on your day of treatment.
What If I Get Sick?
If you get a cold, flu, or COVID, or develop a cold sore, rash, or blemish in the treatment area, please wait until your illness resolves, and then reschedule your appointment. If you have a history of cold sores, we recommend pretreatment with valacyclovir before you receive Sculptra.
You Should Not Get Sculptra If…
- You have had Bellafill
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have a history of a neuromuscular or immunosuppressive disorder, please advise your treatment provider in advance. Often it is recommended to bring us a signed doctor’s note authorizing the use of Sculptra.

Post-Treatment for Sculptra
Side effects after Sculptra may include:
- Light Bruising
- Itching at the treatment site
- Lumps
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness or soreness
Feel free to apply cold packs to alleviate these symptoms. Notify us immediately if you experience intense pain or significant bruising.
One Day After Treatment
Do not wear makeup for 24 hours after treatment. Use gentle cleansers and light washing to avoid irritating the skin. Massage the injection sites as recommended by your injector.
Two Days After Treatment
Avoid the following substances and activities for 48 hours after treatment:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Exposure to extreme heat or cold
- Heavy lifting
- Niacin supplements
- Straining
- Sun exposure
- Vigorous exercise
Five Days After Treatment
Massage the treated area using the 5-5-5 rule: five times a day for five minutes each for five days. If your Sculptra injection was in the neck, massage one side of the neck at a time in an upward direction.
Two Weeks After Treatment
We recommend you wait at least two weeks before receiving any other medical aesthetic treatments.
Four Weeks After Treatment
Just as you avoided dental work, surgeries, vaccines, permanent makeup, and tattoos for four weeks before Sculptra, please continue to do so for four weeks after the treatment.
Five Weeks After Treatment
If any small bumps remain in your skin five weeks after Sculptra, schedule a visit to the office and we’ll resolve the issue.

Schedule Your Multiple Sculptra Sessions
Make sure to follow these treatment instructions every time you get a Sculptra injection, especially following the 5-5-5 rule – massage your Sculptra injection sites for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days in a row. We recommend scheduling your next session as soon as you finish each Sculptra appointment to maintain a consistent routine and achieve the best results.
If you have any more questions about Sculptra, contact us at Clinical Aesthetics. By following your pre- and post-treatment instructions diligently, you too will get to enjoy the results: smooth skin and a youthful appearance that’ll boost your confidence, leaving you feeling beautiful!