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Restylane

What it is: A dermal filler (cosmetic injection) made of hyaluronic acid and FDA approved for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and lip lines. 

Restylane results last longer in facial areas that experience less motion, but generally, Restylane lasts about six months. Restylane is manufactured by U.S. pharmaceutical company Medicis Aesthetics.

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Question

What caused my allergic reaction to Restylane?

I have (what I consider) deep nasolabial lines. I have tried using Restylane twice (about 9 months apart) to correct them. Each time with a different doctor.
Both times after about 2 -4 weeks on the area right next to my nostrils I developed granulomas. The second time I was injected the granuloma that developed on the right side went up to under my right eye. First the right side of my face was swollen. Then a hard line up to my eye. I was given steroid injections at the injection site and pills to take. It eventually went away.
I was told by the second Dr. that did the injections that what happened to me was so rare she hadn't heard of it or seen it happen before. She was convinced that I am allergic to the protein that binds it.
I have two questions.
1. Has anyone had this happen to them or heard of it happening to someone in the past?
2. I have been looking for another injectable without the protein and from what I have read Radiesse is made of other components. Has anyone heard of similiar allergic reactions to Radiesse?
Please help :-)

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Asked by: J. in Plano, TX

Answers (1)

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1
May 22, 2008

A granuloma is not an allergy

Steven Weiner, MD
Steven Weiner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Granulomas are when the body reacts to a substance and considers it foreign material. The is an intense inflammatory response, but not an allergy. This creates redness and swelling. Steroids are usually given to reduce the swelling. Sometimes, dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase will resolve the problem too.

You can form granulomas with any filler. Also, it doesn't happen every time you get the same filler.

Interesting, I was told that Radiesse forms the least amount of granulomas of the fillers, but I can't substantiate that. Radiesse does form more nodules than other fillers, which is bumps that are not swollen and do not hurt.

I don't have any personal experience with the granulomas, but have been to several meetings where they were discussed.

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